Can only connect to home WIFI, possibly due to no system icon access?

holandrand · 28 Dec 2011

Hi,
About 3 weeks ago, I was using a public WIFI connection. *something* went wrong, my computer froze up, and ever since, my system icons have been disabled and I can only connect to my home WIFI connection - by going to the control panel and manually connecting. Since I no longer have my connectivity icon, I can not view the available networks, and therefore cannot select one to connect to. Only my home WIFI connection works.
This is bad, since I will be moving soon and leaving my home network. I have tried every tutorial I have found.....my last resort would be reinstalling the OS...but I'm not even sure that would work. I am running Windows 7 Home Premium. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Hollie

DustSailor · 28 Dec 2011

holandrand,

Do you have more information on this *something* that went wrong? Could it have been a virus? What antivirus do you have? Is it, and windows update ... all up to date?

Have you tried going into network and sharing center and using it to find another network (should be something there that says connect to a network). You might try first downloading the wireless adapter driver from its correct website and saving it to your computer, removing your current one, and then installing the newer one you just downloaded. You will have to reenter the network password (if you have one, and you should) for your home network, but hopefully this will solve the problem.

Let me know what wireless adapter you have and I can look for the correct download for you

holandrand · 28 Dec 2011

Well, I'm actually not sure what went wrong. I was staying at a hotel and using their WIFI. While I was uploading and editing photos I noticed my program was running really slow, and finally seized altogether. I do suspect a virus; I had Avira at the time and also a Norton Power Eraser (for emergencies) and neither of them found anything. I didn't see any telltale virus signs, like the weird windows or messages popping up, but a virus is about the only explainable cause.
Windows 7 is all up to date; I've also run several system restores to back before this all happened.
I updated my wireless driver (didn't download one, I just clicked the "update driver" button, and it told me it found and updated to a new one), and I have checked the networks in my control panel. It has a listing of all the one I've used previously, but when I try to reconnect to them, nothing happens.
I have a Dell Wireless 1397 WLAN Mini-Card.
Thanks!
Hollie
Oh and one other thing, not sure if this is related: after the big mess, when I was first trying to do system restores, I kept receiving notices that the restores were not completed becuase of my anti-virus program. So I uninstalled it, tried the resotore again, and it went through just fine. (Just didn't fix my problems.)

AddRAM · 28 Dec 2011

You can only connect to a wireless network if you are in range of it and if it has no security. Windows may build a list of used networks but it doesn`t mean you can connect to them.

DustSailor · 28 Dec 2011

What program were you using that froze up?

Yes, as addram said, do you have a wireless network at home to connect to (or wherever you are)? Be careful that you do not use a stranger's wireless connection unless it is a business, because sometimes (though not often), they can give you a virus. Just like you don't take candy from a stranger (and in this case, taking anothers wireless connection is technically stealing, even if they don't have a password).

Don't remove antivirus software without downloading and using its uninstall tool (Will have to look online for it through the company), as they can leave files behind if you uninstall it the normal way, and that isn't good especially with an antivirus.

I recommend removing both of those antivirus programs and using microsoft security essentials, because it is far better and cleaner.

In order to test if the adapter software is the problem, you will need to remove it completely. First, download the right wireless adapter software from its manufacturer's website under drivers (don't install it yet). I think this is the one, or you can type your computer type in and find it if you don't think it is: http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/...iverId=R206848 Then, uninstall your current one using revo uninstaller free: Download Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Free and Full Download - Uninstall software, remove programs, solve uninstall problems (recommended)

If you refuse to use Revo, then use the standard control panel, but this will not remove everything (left-over files) and it may not fix the problem.

Next, install what you've downloaded and let me know if it works

holandrand · 29 Dec 2011

@ AddRam - I may be asking questions....but I'm not completely stupid. Sorry, couldn't resist. Thanks for your input. I went back to the hotel where the problem started, and after seeing their network listed on my past connection list, tried to connect, but to no avail.
@ DustSailor - I was using Picasa 3 from Google. I was using a network specifically for the BnB I was at, but it wasn't protected. And you are right; Avira did leave behind lots of extra files. I need to take care of that. Got a confession though...I'm taking it to a shop tomorrow to have them look at it. I'm in a rural area with no computer help for miles around, and this is one of my few chances to get help. I called and explained the problem....they said they're thinking virus too. So HOPEFULLY they'll get it fixed. If not, I'll be right back here downloading your driver. Thanks so much for your help! I would've loved to have fixed this myself....but it's late and I'm tired.

DustSailor · 29 Dec 2011

Hope it turns out okay. Shouldn't have been too hard to install MSE (never have 2 or more AVs running at the same time, however), and have it search for viruses, as it catches most of them. Hopefully the computer store returns your money if they cannot fix it. But I suppose I should hope they fix it. But where is the fun in that?

holandrand · 29 Dec 2011

Well I got up early and I'm trying what you said!! I'll let you know if it works. I've already run the Microsoft Security Essentials...and it found nothing. So we'll see what happens.

holandrand · 29 Dec 2011

So....I tried downloading the driver, uninstalling my old one (Revo couldn't find my old driver; I could only find programs to uninstall) and installing/running the new one. When it was all over, I couldn't connect at all. I'm sure I did something incorrectly, but since I am not a guru, I don't know what it was. So I ran a system restore and put it all back to "normal". So I've still got to take it to the shop. Thanks for your help!

DustSailor · 29 Dec 2011

hmm. glad you had that restore. at least you don't have any viruses on it. lets wait and see what the repair shop says. Perhaps I am not fully understanding all of the problem.

If you still have time left, post a picture if you can.