Solved Can see networks but not wifi adapter

[bluejudy]

Hi,

I can see a few networks as possible connections but cannot connect to them with passwords. I cannot see any adapter in my device manager list (checked hidden). If my wifi card is gone, should I still be able to see available connections?

Thank you.

 

[wither 2]

hi bluejudy-

Are you saying that when you open Network Adapters in Device Manager, your wi-fi adapter card isn't shown?

 

[samuria]

So you can view wireless networks ok? But you can't connect what happens any errors?

 

[bluejudy]

Wither, yes. When I try to install the Atheros driver, I cannot. Samurai, yes, I can see four wireless networks, one of which is my work network and for which I have the password. When I click on that, the login box appears, but when I put in the pw (and I know it well), I just get a msg saying I cannot connect.

Thank you for your help

 

[samuria]

It can be if you have an old adapter that it can't handle modern encryption see if you can connect to an open one ok

 

[bluejudy]

Thank you. However, it was working fine and then on a reboot I lost my network adapter in the list. When I tried to reinstall it I got an error msg saying device needs to be reinserted. I am a techno Luddite so am not sure what is going on.

 

[bluejudy]

Thank you for your comments. I have it figured out. My network card is dead. I cannot get to it thanks to a stubborn stripped screw. I have tried and tried to get it out without success.

This is a really great forum. Am so glad I stumbled upon it last spring.

 

[wither 2]

If you can get something thin under the head that you can pry up on while you're trying to remove the screw, that may help.

How do you know your card is dead?

 

[bluejudy]

That screw is recessed. I tried the elastic bit to no avail. My reasoning with the network card is: My computer sees networks but cannot connect. When I tried to install a driver, I got a msg saying that the device was not present.

 

[wither 2]

You might be able to use something like Liquid Nails or a glue to temporarily connect the screw driver to the screw. Just have to be careful not to glue the screw to the surrounding material. Sometimes, just using a piece of very sticky tape on the end of the screwdriver might be enough.

 

[bluejudy]

Thanks for the tips. I asked a man who has a room full of tools and he found a screwdriver and removed it for me.

 

[wither 2]

And what were you using to try to remove it before?

Now that you have the cover off, are you going to replace the card?

 

[bluejudy]

LOL. I just did not have the screwdriver required. He used a big Robinson (?) for that wee screw and it came out like a charm. Then he tossed the screw.

Yes, I have ordered a new card. I shall post my results with that when I replace it. Fingers crossed.

 

[Paul Black]

Hi bluejudy,

Yes, I have ordered a new card. I shall post my results with that when I replace it. Fingers crossed.

Make sure that you download the driver for it, just in case Windows doesn't recognise it!

 

[wither 2]

Just a little trivia-

The screwdriver is a Robertson. Robertson (a Canadian) designed screws with a square indentation in the head and the corresponding screwdrivers.