Not picking up network at all

mike6623 · 05 Jun 2013

Hello, I am sure this is an easy fix, but here it goes

My mother got a used laptop (from family) and didn;'t have internet at the house, when I hooked it up I noticed that the laptop was not seeing any networks and wasn't connected while hardwired. Turns out it was the cable, but the no network is still an issue. I am sure it is most likely a setting, but thought i'd ask before she pays.

I did notice, however, when I was there and did ipconfig, nothing came up. Like I said, she never had internet before, but it seems like there is something that is not allowing it to connect to this new network. It is a dell laptop 32 bit Vista. I can do a clean install but if there aree any suggestions as to why the computer wold act as if it cannot find the internet that's be great. Also, while trying to connect via hotspot, it woulsnt show up either. It said no connections available. Said the same when hard wired.

Saurabh A · 06 Jun 2013

Hi mike6623,

Please share details of the exact system model in use. Also capture following details and share the findings:

- Check the status of Wireless and Ethernet devices in 'Device Manager': Click Open Device Manager and find steps to access 'Device Manager'. Locate and expand the category 'Network Adapters'. Capture status of all devices listed underneath this section. Also check if any device is listed with an exclamation/question mark besides it. Would request you to capture a screenshot of this portion and share it with us.

- Also browse through the complete list of all devices listed on this page to see the ones that have a mark besides them. Look for a category called 'Other Devices'. If seen, expand it and capture details of all devices listed underneath. Also capture and share a screenshot of this portion.

- Click 'Start icon' and type 'ncpa.cpl' (without quotations) in the 'Search box'; tap 'Enter' to access the 'Network connections'. Capture and share details of all connections listed on this page.

This information is likely to give some conclusive information about the current status of network cards installed on the unit. Do reply with these findings. I will take it forward from there.