Latop's built in wi-fi not working
 

I've got a Gateway 4520 GZ and between installing XP Professional and then 6 months later erasing the hard drive and reinstalling the whole thing due to some outta control adware/spyware, my antenna no longer picks up or transmits wi-fi.

I might be moving back to Palo Alto and the libraries down there have free, fast wi-fi.

I've tried everything I can think of. :confused:

I love computers . . . NOT! Have you tried reinstalling the driver for the wireless interface? Microsoft Defender is a great free spyware stopper and Symantec is a very good firewall. There is also CCleaner to keep all the junk out of your hard drive. Does your laptop see the interface in it's hardware? Maybe it does not know it is there.

I live across the street from the library and I just installed a wireless interface in my PC so now I have WIFI high speed internet for FREE!!!! My taxes pay for the library so it is not really free, but there is no more $50 monthly fee to the cable company. That can really add up over the span of a few years. I love getting deals.

Would that driver be included in one of the CDs that come with the system? I mean, it wouldn't have it's own seperate disc, would it?

I signed up for Spysweeper. Seems to work pretty well.

Do you know how to determine whether or not it sees the interface? It worked once or twice when I first got it, I didn't use it often so I'm not sure how trouble free it was at first but it seemed difficult even then, IIRC.

If you reformatted your harddrive and reloaded XP you did wipe out the drivers for your WIFI. The drivers should be on the disks that came with the computer. To tell if it sees the interface, go to "my computer", "control panel", find an icon that says "system", click on it. Open the "hardware" tab then "device manager" and look for it. If it is active, it will be in the list somewhere. They are usually identified by "network adapters". If it is there, then you will most likely need to reload the drivers. Right click on it, then go to "properties" and see what it says. Usually, this device is working properly or this device is not working properly.

If it is not there, then still in your control panel click on "add new hardware" and let it search for it. You will get a list of what is on your computer that is not "loaded". Tell it to install the device and follow the instructions. You will need the disks.

Hope this helps.

Toshiba
 

I bought a Toshiba laptop about a year and a half ago. Never intended to use it on the Internet because I keep a lot of sensitive business data on it, and didn't want to take the risk. Then, I discovered I would have to down-load software updates and patches via the internet. So, after the warrranty was expired I discovered the built-in wi-fi didn't work. I ended up having to go out and spend $60.00 more for a Linksys card.

One more reason I've just had it with Windows machines in general. My impression of Apple products is that they are not only easier to use, but they are better built products.

I'm sorry. I know this has no bearing on you problem, CMAC. Thanks for letting me vent.

CMAC

Alternately you can arrive at the same location by right clicking "My Computer" and goto "Properties"
In the menu click on "Device Manager" and see if the card is listed in the "Network Adapters"

See what's there and post what you find. If the card is not installed you're never going to get he WiFi connection.

If you don't have the driver for the interface, you can get the make and model number and download it from the manufacturer's website.

There may be a little switch somewhere along the edge of the laptop that turns it on and off.
You may have hit it accidentally.

Danny

Gentlemen (I think you're all men :confused: ) excellent advice. I clicked on properties for nerwork adapters and it took me to a folder that said General (the tab heading) Network adapters with an icon and that's it. Couldn't click on it.

I went to add hardware -- I need the disc first. I went to add/remove, it listed Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless. I clicked on it and clicked on support info, the clicked on repair. Still doesn't work. We have a wireless modem in our house, when I click on the icon for wireless down at the bottom (forget what that's called), I get a line for View Available Wireless Nerworks, and then it tells me it can't find one in range. Oh well -- my discs are down at my warehouse, 40 miles from here -- I'll try to reinstall this weekend.

Somewhere in all of that it said to see if my wireless switch was on, but I can't find one nor does my "help" tell me about it. :rolleyes:

I just love that stuff.

If I can be of any help in one of my er, uh, specialties, check my thread, soon to be posted, about double action toilets, ultra low flow.

Have a look at the owners manual and see what toggles the wireless feature on/off. For example, on mine (different brand) you hold the function key down and hit the F1 key to toggle wireless on or off, and there is an LED to tell you when it's on.

Edit: How the heck are we supposed to make Berkeley jokes if you move out of town??

If no network devices are listed under "network adapters" then the computer isn't seeing the hardware. Is that correct?

It may be listed under unknown in the device manager which would be a yellow question mark category which would expand and probably say "network adapter" or something along those lines.

It is possible there is some sort of overlaying Gateway software that toggles the WiFi on and off through the software. The other area may be in the BIOS which can toggle the WiFi on and off.

This may require more digging on the Gateway site. :)

Some of us like challenges. And it helps keep us in demand for repairs. ;) I just wish I could charge as much as Dell does!

Seems like I ran across the instructions on the toggle action somewhere. Maybe I can find it online.

On moving, I thought about that. I'd sure hate to leave you guys in a lurch. Maybe I could just leave Berkeley on my heading there. :silly:

Speaking of repairs, I heard on NPR about guys making good livings repairing Ipods. Seems Apple doesn't have a good setup on that. I oughta look into that.... :cool: