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So, using WinXP on a Gateway laptop with wireless card inside. For the past year, I can see my wireless network and connect, no fuss, no muss.
Now suddenly I can't see any network in range, including when I refresh the list of available wireless networks in range. Nothing. Nada. But my MacBook can see it of course, and auto-connects every time I open the lid...
So my first thought was a bad wireless card in the Gateway laptop, but a check of the hardware device says the wireless card is functioning fine. So my question for y'all is can it be erroneously reporting functioning status when in fact the wireless card has gone on the fritz...or is there some way to reset this hardware item?
Are you using the Windows software or the software meant for your wireless card?
Do you happen to have a button on the laptop somewhere that looks like a cellphone tower? That is the antenna button and sometimes people will bump it and turn the antenna off even though the wireless card in XP looks like it is functioning fine.
It is a pretty easy thing to hit and overlook. Most of them now have a blue LED associated with the antenna I believe.
Are you using the Windows software or the software meant for your wireless card?
Do you happen to have a button on the laptop somewhere that looks like a cellphone tower? That is the antenna button and sometimes people will bump it and turn the antenna off even though the wireless card in XP looks like it is functioning fine.
It is a pretty easy thing to hit and overlook. Most of them now have a blue LED associated with the antenna I believe.
This would be my first guess as well, as thats what I normally do on my laptop accidentally.
I have a Verizon air card (VZ Access manager) which normally can also see my wireless network. When it's enabled, the WinXP network "manager" isn't functioning. But even the VZ Manager can't see my network. It's a Gateway 7330GZ. I'm looking here: Gateway Support - 4997*Gateway 7330GZ Notebook
Am I blind...I'm not seeing an antenna switch...
Yes, I do all the regular updates...I will try switching the firewall and seeing if that helps.
I have a Verizon air card (VZ Access manager) which normally can also see my wireless network. When it's enabled, the WinXP network "manager" isn't functioning. But even the VZ Manager can't see my network. It's a Gateway 7330GZ. I'm looking here: Gateway Support - 4997*Gateway 7330GZ Notebook
Am I blind...I'm not seeing an antenna switch...
Yes, I do all the regular updates...I will try switching the firewall and seeing if that helps.
Oh if you are using a card you probably don't have an antenna button. Have you tried putting the card in the other slot? If you go to Network Connections and go to the properties of the connection/card somewhere there is an option that will disable your card to conserve battery power...maybe your laptop is doing this?
I have a Verizon air card (VZ Access manager) which normally can also see my wireless network. When it's enabled, the WinXP network "manager" isn't functioning. But even the VZ Manager can't see my network.
In VZ Acess does it have a enable/disable radio? Some software lets you disable the radio to save battery power.
I checked the power issue. I have it set with power saver disabled, and I have it set so the computer CANNOT power off the network adapter. It's a Broadcom 802.11 Adapter, sorry, not a card (like I alluded to). I don't use Zonealarm, no. There is a place I can turn off the radio. But it's on.
On my place (we have 10 acres) the only way to access my network is to physically be ON my place, so I don't have an WEP password or any security on my wireless network. Do you think it's possible that any corruption on my NetGear wireless router control software could make it so the MacBook can see it but a WinXP machine can't see it?
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