Hi there

Not sure exactly what has happened but my laptop (inspiron 6400) used to have wireless connectivity but now appears to have disappeared.
If i look under show all connections the wireless icon isnt there. In control panel if i click on wireless configuration utility nothing happens.

I can see under device manager that i have 2 network adapters if that means anything to you
1. 1394 net adapter
2. Braodcom 440x 10/100 integrated controler


In add remove programs i can see a dell wireless Wlan card...not sure of what else you need but any advice would be welcome....i have searched other forums and see advice on re installing drivers.....?

Hi fabcards Welcome to D-A-L

If you right click on My Computer and select Properties
Now select the Hardware Tab
Then select Device Manager
Now click on the plus beside Network adapters
Are the any Yellow Exclamation marks beside the adapters there?

Jim

no just the two mentioned above

Originally Posted by fabcards

no just the two mentioned above

Can you Check the side of the notebook for a sliding switch.
Wireless Switch in the On Position?

Jim

hi Jim

I cant see any sliding switch on the sides...there is soemthing on the base alright but not sure what its for....it just seems to spring back when i slide it across

Originally Posted by fabcards

hi Jim

I cant see any sliding switch on the sides...there is soemthing on the base alright but not sure what its for....it just seems to spring back when i slide it across

Sorry about that some laptops do have that switch and I thought it
might be a simple solution
Your Braodcom 440x 10/100 integrated controller is your Ethernet controller
I don't see the wireless controller.
If it wireless card is not seated properly it will not show up in Device Manager.

If you feel confident about this you could unseat and reseat your Wireless Mini Card.
Instruction from Dell on how to do this can be found here
Documentation

Follow the instructions carefully and especially the one's
In section 1 Before you Begin
Remove the card as instructed
Then reinstall as per the No 5 Install the replacement card.
Then restart your PC and see if you can now see it in device manager.

Jim

so im basically taking it our and just putting it back in again?.


now i wish i did have that simple switch on the side!

Originally Posted by fabcards

so im basically taking it our and just putting it back in again?.


now i wish i did have that simple switch on the side!

Yes just to make sure its seated properly
Hopefully then it will show up in taskmanager

Oh for simple solutions

Jim

Thanks for you help....now off to look for screwdriver!

Good luck let me know how you go on

Jim