installed wireless card in desktop and wifi networks have no strength

[maximus12]

I recently installed a Dell wireless PCI 1520 card into a Dell XPS. I can see my home network but it shows no signal strength. I can connect to my wifi network with my smart phone and my wife's laptop can connect without a problem. The desktop will connect when hardwired. I've done the usual rebooting of the router modem and computer but still the same problem.

 

[Boozad]

Did you have an antenna supplied with the card?

 

[chev65]

I recently installed a Dell wireless PCI 1520 card into a Dell XPS. I can see my home network but it shows no signal strength. I can connect to my wifi network with my smart phone and my wife's laptop can connect without a problem. The desktop will connect when hardwired. I've done the usual rebooting of the router modem and computer but still the same problem.

The suggestions on the following page may be helpful in fixing this problem.

It sounds like Windows isn't picking up the card, it may help to shut down the PC, unplug power and push power button to bleed power, remove the Dell PCI NIC, reinstall the PCI NIC, then power back up and see if Windows can find it now.

Try the Dell site for the correct drivers.

Problem trying to install 1520 wireless card in XPS 8300. Can anyone help? - Networking, Internet, Wireless Forum - Networking, Internet, Wireless - Dell Community

 

[maximus12]

there was no antenna with the card. there are some stickers on both sides of the card. i was reluctant to remove them when installing. Is it possible that its causing problems. ive checked all the drivers and they are up to date. Gonna try removing the card and the stickers and reinstalling.

 

[xunile]

Is this a laptop you are talking about?

 

[maximus12]

A Dell XPS desktop. The wifi card is internal

 

[xunile]

Can you post a picture of the card? Is this a full size pci-e card or does it look like this:

 

[maximus12]

thats the one. do i peel off those stickers?

 

[chev65]

thats the one. do i peel off those stickers?

Peeling off the stickers won't help as the contacts for the PCI slot are already exposed.

It may take a couple of tries before the card is picked up by the machine or Windows. Shut down and bleed power before reinstalling the card.

Keep checking in Device Manager until the card shows up.

 

[xunile]

the reason you cant connect is that card needs an antenna connected. the two contact points for the antenna are at the top of the card in the picture,there is a 1 and a 2 right below the two points. you need to see if your pc came with the antenna or you'll have to buy one. these kind of wifi adapters are usually used in laptops with the antenna built into the laptop

 

[maximus12]

absolutely right! Eureka! always wondered what those two lil wires taped to the inside wall of the computer were. connected to wireless card and its all systems go. Thank you all for your assistance.

 

[xunile]

It's no problem, you're welcome.