Medion Laptop / MiniPCI Wireless Adapter can't see any networks

[gavm99]

Hi all,

I have a problem with a Medion MD96400 laptop and the on board wireless adapter.

Basically it can’t see any wireless networks.

I know there are 3 within range as one of them is right next to me and works fine!

Any ideas why I can’t see any wireless networks?

My adapter is listed as a 802.11g MiniPCI Wireless Adapter and does appear to be installed correctly as the driver reports it as working.

I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling the adapter and also tried turning the Windows firewall off but still no change.

Ideas please!!!

Thanks in advance.

Gavin.

 

[tazuk]

Just a thought, but have you tried running Netstumbler? If the adapter is working correctly it should pick up one or more of the networks.

HTH

TazUk

Blue-screening PCs since 1998

 

[gavm99]

Hi,

I tried Netstumbler but that did not pick any up either.

Do you think the card inside the laptop could be faulty?

Seems strange to me that it shows ok as a device in Hardware and does attempt to look for networks.

Any other suggestions please?

Thanks.

Gavin.

 

[tazuk]

If Netstumbler doesn't detect any networks I'd be inclined to suspect the card and / or drivers. That said, are you able to set up a wireless access point without any security (the default state for most home networking kit) for further testing?

TazUk

Blue-screening PCs since 1998

 

[gavm99]

Hello again,

I have to agree and suspect the card itself is faulty as I don't think it is a driver related issue.

I am able to test without security as I can access the point with my wired connection, this made no difference though.

My next idea is to do a fresh install; do you think there might be anything else I could try?

Thanks.

Gavin.

 

[tazuk]

A couple of things that may be worth trying before a fresh install (you may have tried these already):
1. Assuming that the card supports use of Windows XP Wireless Configuration, check that the Wireless Zero Configuration service is running.
2. Try uninstalling and reinstalling the card, this time using the manufacturer-supplied configuration utility to configure and control the card.
3. Try the card in another laptop (if possible).

HTH

TazUk

Blue-screening PCs since 1998

 

[gavm99]

Hi again all,

This is very embarrassing to admit but I think other people could have this issue so here goes:

On the side of the laptop I have just discovered a switch which turns the wireless connections on/off!

I switched it to on and everything is fine!

DOH!!!

Yes I am very red.

 

[tazuk]

Oops lol I should have thought of that too

Happens to us all

TazUk

Blue-screening PCs since 1998