Enable wireless capabilities

[dwighthomer47]

A few hours ago I returned to my Dell laptop #1 to find that it had no wireless connectivity. It had wireless connectivity a couple hours earlier, as I was using it .
there is nothing wrong with my modem /router, as I am sending this on Dell #2 which is connected wirelessly.
I have had a new Windows 7 o/s installed in the past ten days or so.
Does anyone have any idea how to 'eable my wireless system'???

 

[reborn7778]

ok you can click wireless, on left mouse, and "troubleshoot problem"

 

[DeanP]

ok you can click wireless, on left mouse, and "troubleshoot problem"

It's right click the internet icon and click Troubleshoot Problem.

 

[dwighthomer47]

Done that already numerous times. It tells me that the wireless is NOT enabled. Dell does not have a switch or key to push to turn wireless on or off....now what??
Thanks

 

[alphanumeric]

What does the Networking and Sharing center show? Also look in device manager for any items with problems.

 

[dwighthomer47]

Network/sharing...only shows that 'no connection available'
Do not recognize any 'device ' issues

 

[alphanumeric]

1. Go to Start / Control Panel / Network and Internet
2. Click on Network and Sharing Center
3. On the left side of window, click on Change adapter settings
4. Right click on your Wireless Network Connection (or similar named device)
5. Select Properties
6. Now click Configure button just under the wireless device name
7. Go to the Power Management Tab
8. De-select the “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” option
9. Click OK

 

[dwighthomer47]

1. De-select the “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” option

This was done before but tonight I went into the control panel to verify that it was still 'de-selected"

So far nothing has worked thus far. What also is a mystery is how it happened in the first place? The computer worked fine. Two hours later, without being turned off or restarted, the wireless was not able to be connected.

 

[sreedhav]

1. De-select the “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” option

This was done before but tonight I went into the control panel to verify that it was still 'de-selected"

So far nothing has worked thus far. What also is a mystery is how it happened in the first place? The computer worked fine. Two hours later, without being turned off or restarted, the wireless was not able to be connected.

Dear dwighthomer 47,
alphanumeric has covered all bases except one! You have two Dell laptops,,right! Compare the device managers in both and look to see whether a "wireless adapter" is missing in the faulty one!

I did a bit of searching for you. kindly visit the below Dell site and download the "wireless driver" and everything should be fine! The mobo of the dell will be very important, in case you fail! Link : http://http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/win7_support/win7_portal

Regards,
Sreedhav

 

[Cornhuskers]

As simple as it sounds, have you turned on the switch that is on the front of the laptop? it looks like the open/close metal switch, but it's actually the on/off switch for wireless. I just had the same problem and this was the solution.