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Acer aspire laptop WiFi

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I tried all sort of things to get my WiFi wireless working. Here what I do, on the front of my computer, there a switch that turns my wireless on. When I turn it on, it shows on my computer screen that it on. NOW it doesn’t so I must still be missing something yet to install. I updated my Atheros network adaptor and still nothing. I lost here without this. Any help will be greatly welcomed. DAVID

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Clarifications

In reply to Acer aspire laptop WiFi

Clarifications

WiFi Signal

In reply to Acer aspire laptop WiFi

Are you sure that there is an active WiFi signal being transmitted within range of your laptop? And, is the WiFi transmitter using one of the supported modes? (B or G I think.)

Even when enabled, the Atheros adapter can not connect to a signal that is not strong enough for it to receive.

If your Aspire is similar to mine, there is a light next to the switch that flashes when a wireless signal is present. If the light is not flashing when the Atheros is enabled, then there is no wireless signal to connect to.

Another thing, if the signal from the router is encrypted, you need to have the encryption key in order to access the network.

Also, if you are trying to connect to a wireless broadband network, that is a different type of signal and requires it’s own adapter.

Finally, as with any RF device, it is possible for a lightning storm to damage the receiver without damaging the logic side of the Atheros adapter. Even if Windows reports that the adapter is working, it may be damaged to the point where it cannot receive a signal. If so, you will need to have the adapter replaced or get a plug-in adapter.

Chas

Have you tried the Windows Wi-Fi driver?

In reply to Acer aspire laptop WiFi

If you open the wireless adapter monitor, you may find an option to use a ‘default’ Windows driver.

Open Device Manager > Network Adapters and look for a trouble code. For an explanation of a trouble code, see:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310123

Also consider reinstalling the OEM Wi-Fi driver from the installation CD.

Finally, consider a relatively inexpensive workaround – disable the internal Wi-Fi adapter, and obain a Linksys USB Wi-Fi adapter with ‘Speedbooster’. I predict that you’ll find the Linksys performance far superior to the native Wi-Fi functionality.

Hope this helps.

Rick/Portland, OR

Silly Question No 1 …

In reply to Acer aspire laptop WiFi

Have you actually enabled the ‘wireless network connection’ within the Network Connections screen.

The chassis switch will show ‘Wireless Enabled’ in BIG LETTERS on screen, but doesn’t mean the computer is aware of the connection.

Also, ensure that the regular LAN network is disabled, otherwise the wireless will not work.

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