Laptops and wireless networks

[32.5i]

Computer : Dell Inspiron 6000 w/ 1394 Net Adapter (?)

Question : I cannot bring up/find the dialog box that shows the different wireless networks that are available in my area. Usually theres a thing you double click on in the right hand side of the taskbar right?

Do I have to activate the card or something? Drivers are all current.

[kronus]

Go into Control Panel, network connections, and see if the wireless interface is activated.

[32.5i]

i dont see where to check if its activated.. where do i do that?

[kronus]

Right click, it should bring up an option to disable if it's enabled. If not, there should be an option to enable.

[32.5i]

1394 Connection
Connected, Firewalled
1394 Net Adapter

still no internet access?

[kronus]

1394 is the designation for firewire network adapters. Is your wireless card built in or insertable?

There SHOULD just be a "wireless adapter" thing in the Network Connections menu.

[32.5i]

built in.. no idea which one it is

[kronus]

well, the 1394 one is not the one you should be messing with. I'm assuming you're using an updated XP install.

You have an Intel 2200 b/g internal wireless card. Go to the classic view of the folder...

Also, go to the System icon in the Control Panel and go Hardware -> Device Manager. See if an Intel adapter is listed in there.

[scabzzzz]

Chances are either your wireless is turned off via the Switch (if the laptop has one) or the Radio has been disabled.

Also, Dell's come with software that controls the wireless. You should see something like a waveband meter in the system tray or some shit if its enabled and windows isnt controlling wireless any longer.

Do this:

Right click on My Computer>Manage. Click Device manager on the left. Expand Network. Tell us what you have in there and whether or not it has red x's on it.

Report back.

[32.5i]

hmm.. dont see Intel on anything under network adapters..

this mean its not wireless capable?

[32.5i]

Do this:

Right click on My Computer>Manage. Click Device manager on the left. Expand Network. Tell us what you have in there and whether or not it has red x's on it.

Report back.

-1394 Net Adapter
-Bluetooth Device (P.A.N.)
-Bluetooth Device (RFCOMM Protocol TDI)
-Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller

[scabzzzz]

Theres a possibility that it doesnt have wireless.
Can you confirm you've used wireless before?

What is the service tag on that machine? (Look underneath)

[32.5i]

I just got it from a friend.. dont know if its ever been wireless..

service tag is : DL1KY61

[scabzzzz]

Hmm if its Bluetooth capable im gonna bet it has built in wireless card.

I think its Fn + F2 on a Dell to enable or disable wireless. Look for a switch on the side of the laptop for wireless on and off.

[kronus]

It's wireless capable, has a built in Intel 2200 adapter.