How to "connect" Wireless Adaptor

[fsinclaire]

I have a factory-refurbished, new-to-me Dell Latitude E6410 with Windows 7 Professional. I can't figure out how to connect to a WiFi signal. At Control Panel>>Device Manager>>Network Adaptor is "Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 AGN"; at Properties is "This device is working properly"; at Advanced tab, Property is "802.11n Channel 22" is selected, at Value is "20 Mhz only". At Network Connections, the WiFi signal seems to be displayed as strong, but there is a red X and "Not Connected" (see attached graphic). When I right click it, "disable" shows, suggesting it is "enabled", but just in case, I did disable it, then re-enabled, but the "not connected" and red X still display. I will appreciate any help! Thank you. Francis

 

[chev65]

Strange problem though I've seen this before, first make sure that the Network Location Awareness Service is started and set to automatic.

To do this go Start -> Run, Type services.msc and click Ok. Scroll down to Network Location Awareness, right click, Properties, change Startup Type to Automatic, click Start and click Ok to close the Properties windows.

To resolve this issue (assumes you are using Windows to manage your wireless
connections:

1. Right click the windows wireless network in the system tray, click "View
Available Wireless Networks" and then click "Change Advanced Settings"
(bottom right corner of the Window).

2. Click the "Wireless Networks" tab and remove the wireless network from
the Preferred networks list and reboot the machine.

3. Re-connect to the wireless network.

If these efforts fail go to Device Manger and uninstall the driver then reboot and allow Windows to reinstall.

 

[fsinclaire]

Thank you for your reply.

"To do this go Start -> Run, Type services.msc and click Ok. Scroll down to Network Location Awareness, right click, Properties, change Startup Type to Automatic, click Start and click Ok to close the Properties windows."

It was already set at Automatic.


"Right click the windows wireless network in the system tray"

The wireless network icon isn't in the System Tray. At Network Connections, I right-clicked on it, chose Properties, but there was no General tab, and nowhere could I find an option to place an icon in the System Tray. There is an icon for the wired connection I am using now. The wireless signal is from a Linksys router which I know is working because I can use the Wi-Fi signal on another laptop. And, this laptop seems to show its signal as being strong.

The smaller graphic below is what appears when I click on the wired network icon in the System Tray. The other is the Manage Wireless Networks window.

 

[fsinclaire]

Here is an image of Properties when I right click the Wi-Fi icon at Manage Wireless Networks:

 

[fsinclaire]

I need to apologize to this Forum. I went into the Bios and there, under "Wireless", saw a reference to a "wireless switch"! I loaded the OS, and then searched the laptop back and forth, and found a tiny, little switch next to the DVD drawer. That did it. So, I have wasted your time, for I do apologize. Thank you for your attention and help. Francis

 

[chev65]

I need to apologize to this Forum. I went into the Bios and there, under "Wireless", saw a reference to a "wireless switch"! I loaded the OS, and then searched the laptop back and forth, and found a tiny, little switch next to the DVD drawer. That did it. So, I have wasted your time, for I do apologize. Thank you for your attention and help. Francis

Those hidden switches throw everyone off so no big deal.

Usually when the switch is the problem there isn't any bars showing and it can't see other networks but in your case the switch seems to be acting different and showing as connected when it really isn't. :sarc: