Lost wireless connection

[RWillis]

I have a HP Pavilion dv8 using Windows 7 Premium Home 64-bit. I also use Norton 360 Antivirus.

A couple of days ago my wireless connection started going in and out. Then, it just quit working. I thought it was the modem at first, but another computer and a Kindle still connect fine.

I checked the settings and they are all compatible with the modem. I can connect through an ethernet connection, but I still can't after I unplug.

I have run the diagnostics and nothing changes that I can tell from the settings. My modem is recognized in the list of available connections, but it will not connect. I tried to connect without the security on the modem, but I couldn't connect that way either. I also power cycled the modem numerous times.

I have since performed a complete system recovery, but the same problem exists.

I also went to a Starbucks with WiFi, but I could not connect. I get the same error messages. "Problem with wireless adapter or access point."

Additional info: My internal adapters are Intel WiFi Link 5100 AGN, Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter and my modem is a Netgear WNR 2000v2.

Is there a new conflict? Any ideas, suggestions? Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[seavixen32]

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

Don't shout at me, but have you checked the wireless switch at the front of your laptop is switched on?

 

[RWillis]

Yes, the wireless switch is on and the blue light indicates it's on. lol.

 

[ski]

Open Control Panel/Device Manager, double click on each WiFi network adapter, and make sure it says "This device is working properly" under Device Status.
If they're ok in Dev. Mgr., then turn off the computer, and reseat the wireless network card.
If that doesn't work, then the card may be bad.

 

[RWillis]

I checked in device manager and both adapters say 'this device is working properly'

I'm not sure how to reseat the wireless network card. It's internal. Do I need to open the computer to do that? (Sorry for my ignorance).

 

[ski]

You're correct. The computer has to be opened to reseat the card.

 

[RWillis]

Thanks. Is there a way to check to see if it is working properly without opening the computer?

If no, where do I find it? Any precautions I should take? I've never opened a laptop before. I'm assuming unplug it and remove the battery. Anything else?

 

[ski]

Not really. Suggest having it done by a computer repair shop, because it can get involved. Plus, you have no way to test the card, unless you swap it out with another one(which a repair shop normally can do).

But before proceeding, did you also power cycle the router?

 

[seavixen32]

How to open your laptop: How to Open a Laptop Computer Case | eHow.com

 

[RWillis]

I did power cycle the router. no change.

I went to a local shop with free WiFi and tried to log on, but got the same error messages as I get at home. That led me to believe it is computer/software related and not modem/router/access point related.

And thanks for the link, seavixen. I was looking at a similar 'how to guide'. It is not as daunting as I thought, but I'm still a bit wary.

 

[RWillis]

Well, that was a fun 2.5 hours. I took the laptop apart and had a look around inside. The fan was not clean. And I unplugged the wireless card and reseated it. Not too difficult, but I was a bit nervous. The computer is up and running again, but still no wireless connection.

I'm trying to find the most economical way to correct this (I'm amongst the multitudes of the unemployed). HP says they will help me with the problem for $99 + the cost of any repairs. (My warranty expired 3 months ago).

Would a USB wireless adapter work? Or would that conflict with existing hardware/software? I've seen them advertised for less than $40.

 

[seavixen32]

Well, that was a fun 2.5 hours. I took the laptop apart and had a look around inside. The fan was not clean. And I unplugged the wireless card and reseated it. Not too difficult, but I was a bit nervous. The computer is up and running again, but still no wireless connection.

I'm trying to find the most economical way to correct this (I'm amongst the multitudes of the unemployed). HP says they will help me with the problem for $99 + the cost of any repairs. (My warranty expired 3 months ago).

Would a USB wireless adapter work? Or would that conflict with existing hardware/software? I've seen them advertised for less than $40.

Just remove the faulty wireless adapter and plug in the USB one. I don't see any reason why it could cause any conflicts.

Amazon have a reasonable selection of wireless USB adapters.

Google

 

[RWillis]

Thanks for your help. I'll get a USB adapter and report back when I plug it in. Cheers.

 

[seavixen32]

You're very welcome.

Let us know how things go.