1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

Laptop cannot detect wireless card

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by PipSqueek, 2010/08/08.

  1. 2010/08/08
    PipSqueek

    PipSqueek Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/07/06
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0
    I had my computer fixed a couple weeks ago, got home and it wasn't detecting the wireless card. There is one in there but cannot seem to detect it.

    Any suggestions are appreciated :)

    Thank you!
     
    PipSqueek,
    #1
  2. 2010/08/08
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    My first reaction would be - take it back and get your repairer to fix it.

    Any idea what was done during the fix? What were the symptoms which prompted you to have it fixed?

    Your System details do not show your OS.

    Is the wireless card shown in Device Manager? If so is it flagged as in error?
     
    PeteC,
    #2


  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2010/08/08
    PipSqueek

    PipSqueek Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/07/06
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0
    It's a long story but I cannot take it back to whoever fixed it. I gave it to a friends husband to see if he could figure out why my monitor wasn't working and just tell me, but instead he gave my computer to some guy he knew and he fixed it and was going to charge me $200. I never authorized him to do that and it got ugly, I eventually got it back, now the wireless won't work.

    It's not listed in Device Manager but the card is in the computer, I took the back off. I see "WLAN DW1390" , looked it up and that seems to be the wireless card, right?

    It's a Dell 1725 Windows Vista
     
    PipSqueek,
    #3
  5. 2010/08/08
    PipSqueek

    PipSqueek Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/07/06
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0
    Oh and I can't find the email on what they did but I believe it was the power supply and motherboard.
     
    PipSqueek,
    #4
  6. 2010/08/08
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    Yes, that's the wireless card, but it is not beeing seen by the computer - hence the lack of an entry in Device Manager.

    I am unable to find a repair manual on the net, but as you have located the wireless card can you see if it is plugged into a socket or cable or soldered to the board?

    It is possible that the card was dislodged when the repairs were made.
     
    PeteC,
    #5
  7. 2010/08/08
    PipSqueek

    PipSqueek Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/07/06
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0
    yes there are two wires connected to it, black & white, and the wires go into the computer and I can't seem to get the entire back off to see if they can disconnected on the other end or not. Can't get the dang thing to open.

    I have also taken the card out, made sure the cables were on tight and plugged it back in.
     
    PipSqueek,
    #6
  8. 2010/08/08
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

    Joined:
    2006/09/10
    Messages:
    7,919
    Likes Received:
    511
    Hi Pipsqueek. On some labtops there is an option in the computers BIOS to enable or disable the wireless card. Try going into the labtops BIOS and checking to see if there is an option to enable the wireless card.
     
    Evan Omo,
    #7
  9. 2010/08/08
    PipSqueek

    PipSqueek Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/07/06
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0
    How do I get there?
     
    PipSqueek,
    #8
  10. 2010/08/08
    PipSqueek

    PipSqueek Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/07/06
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0
    Can someone please tell me how to find this switch? Thanks in advance :)
     
    PipSqueek,
    #9
  11. 2010/08/08
    PipSqueek

    PipSqueek Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/07/06
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0
    OK found the right card, didn't go down far enough.

    Dell Wireless 1390 WLAN Mini-Card
    Installed-YES
    Last Reset: 8/8/2010 11:56 am
    Index 8

    And "Not Available" on everything else...
     
    Last edited: 2010/08/08
    PipSqueek,
    #10
  12. 2010/08/08
    PipSqueek

    PipSqueek Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/07/06
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0
    Anyone? :)
     
    PipSqueek,
    #11
  13. 2010/08/08
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

    Joined:
    2006/09/10
    Messages:
    7,919
    Likes Received:
    511
    Were you able to get into the BIOS? If not then when you first boot up the computer there should be a message on the screen telling you to press f1, f2, or delete to enter setup. Whatever button it says to enter setup press that button. Once you enter the computers BIOS look for an option to enable the wireless card.
     
    Evan Omo,
    #12
  14. 2010/08/09
    rsinfo

    rsinfo SuperGeek Alumni

    Joined:
    2005/12/25
    Messages:
    4,076
    Likes Received:
    178
    It would be cheaper & faster to buy a USB wireless than to troubleshoot a piece of hardware that's not working/detected by the computer.

    My thoughts...
     
    rsinfo,
    #13
  15. 2010/08/09
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    Let's backstep a moment ....
    Did you look under Network Adaptors - expand the entry by clicking on the + sign.
    Is this from the BIOS? - I am not familiar will Dell's at all

    Basic question - is the wireless switched on from the keyboard?
     
    PeteC,
    #14

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...