who's REALLY good with comps/wireless?

[1Kris06]

so about 2 weeks ago the wireless adaptor on my laptop decided to turn itself off permanently. it was only a minor annoyance since i could still use ethernet to acces the interent. then about 5 days ago my laptop crashed and now i can't put it into 'sleep' or 'hibernate' and programs randomly stopped working. then over the weekend i wiped my comp and reinstalled windows xp, the install worked somewhat. the operating system is back on my comp, but it didn't cure the wireless adaptor problem. i've tried everything i can think of to turn it back on or reinstall the adaptor. i also can't even use ethernet for internet right now. i'm super pissed and just want to throw it out the window.

anyone have any ideas?

 

[Shnifty]

I'd say find the model number of your computer and look it up on the manufacturers website. Or try to at least fine the model of the network adapter. Download the newest drivers.

I've found that a fresh install of xp often doesn't have the drivers needed for lots of hardware.

Also, if your laptop has a manual switch for your wireless, make sure that the switch isn't off or broken. The one on my laptop sometimes gets bumped to off. How good are you with computers? I don't want to get too complicated or ask you stupid questions...

-Shnif

 

[1Kris06]

no wireless switch on the side, just 'fn'+f2 for on/off.
if i could get etherent interent on my laptop it would make it a lot easier than running to the library to check stuff out/download components for my comp.
i'd say i'm about average, maybe a little higher.
i just had someone tell me on 'another' forum that my wifi card might be fried, shouldn't have happened in less than 3 years. so i'll have to look into that.

but i'm hungry and need to aim my HID's....so i might take my comp back to my schools 'computer help desk' and see what they can do tomorrow.

 

[Picklz]

Shnifty was right, go to the website of the manufacturer of your laptop. You should be able to find a support/drivers/download section and search by the model number of your laptop. Download the drivers (at minimum for Ethernet, but you may want to grab them all, can check and see if they have a wireless adapter driver/tool also.). Toss them on a USB key or burn them to a CD then load them onto the laptop.

If the manufacturer doesn't have XP drivers then it might be a bit more complicated.

 

[Stealthgator]

My wife also had the wifi problem with her compaq and we had to send it back in. I don't remember what the exact problem was but it came back working properly.

 

[dmention7]

As a temporary measure, you should be able to get a USB wireless adapter for pretty cheap. They make them as small as a little USB drive--just plug it in, install the drivers and you're good to go.

 

[Ocoro]

What type or brand of computer do you have? I know HP's and Compaqs have issues with their less than average quality wireless cards.