Wireless switch: Fn+F2 does nothing.

Question

I'm using an Inspiron 6000. My wireless was working just fine until, due to other problems, I had to remove one of my RAM sticks. Now my wireless is not working. It says that no networks are being picked up, even though I know for a fact that there are wireless networks available. And I know that I have all the proper drivers.

The device is enabled, but the system tray icon has the little red X. If I right-click on it to disable, and then reenable, it still picks up nothing.

If I go into IntelProSet/Wireless, it says at the top, "Wireless is turned off. Press Fn+F2 to enable wireless networking." Nothing happens when I do Fn+F2. I am unable to find within this window where I may enable the wireless radio through the hardware switch. At the bottom of the window, there is a little pull-down menu where "Enable Radio" is an option, and it is the currently selected option. Next to the pull-down menu, it says "Hardware radio switch: Off." If I go into the pull-down menu and select "Enable Radio" again, it says, "The Intel(R) PRO/Wireless Network Connection is still disabled. Press Fn+F2 to enable it." Pressing Fn+F2 still does nothing.

Someone please help. I desperately need to get it working again.

nxnw98 · Answer

By the way, the system does recognize that there is a wireless adapter. If I go into the Device Manager, it says everything is working properly. Please help. Thanks.

volcano11 · Answer

Is the Dell Quickset utility loaded and running on your computer.  I believe that Quickset is necessary in order for the Fn F2 key combination to work. Steve

nxnw98 · Answer

Yes, the utility is installed and running okay.  Other function keys appear to work properly.  Any other suggestions?  Thanks.

volcano11 · Answer

See if the wireless network card (MiniPCI slot) is disabled in your BIOS. Steve

shreya kutty · Answer

when u go to the intel card utility screnn if it is an updated driver , u would have an option there right at the top that says'enable radio'.. check that box..u need to go the bios screen..that is the system set up screen and enable the fn+f2 application...

u could reply back if u need help how to enable the fn+f2 inthe bios

shreya

nxnw98 · Answer

(The person having this problem is not able to acess the internet, so on his behalf ...) Yes, pls provide instruction how to enable fn+f2 in the bios.  Much thanks.

shreya kutty · Answer

great.... good to know..i was just in the process of sending you the process of getting to the bios screen.. great you did it by yourself.. have a great day..   shreya

nxnw98 · Answer

I've been able to get to the bios to enable the fn+f2 and the problem is fixed. Thanks so much for all the help. You, guys, rock.

gbobby · Answer

hey...thanks shreya.. the Bios thing helped me and solved my problem.

Piu · Answer

I know it's six years on, but I hope some of these posters are still around. I'm having this problem with my Inspiron 640m and Fn with F2 isn't working. The router appears to be working. I can't speak to anyone at Dell Support until Monday. I am running WIndows XP. I've been to Control Panel, and I can't find any sign of how to get into the Intel ProSet Wireless and I'm completely out of my depth when BIOS joined the list of suggestions. I'd appreciate any advice anyone can give me that will help me to try out some of the suggestions in this thread.

Thank you!

PudgyOne · Answer

Piu,

Places to look to see if the Connection is enabled

Try reading...

How can I disable wireless configuration services and enable the Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration services

What virus program and firewall are you using?

If this doesn't work, then run the Finding System Information Tool and post the information back here.

Rick

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Wireless switch: Fn+F2 does nothing.

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