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    for all vostro users, pls check if your wi-fi catcher works when power off

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by vostro1400user, Sep 3, 2007.

  1. vostro1400user

    vostro1400user Notebook Deity

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    mine 1400 simply doesn't work if computer is turned off.
     
    vostro1400user, Sep 3, 2007
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  2. Waveblade

    Waveblade Notebook Deity

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    Is it enabled. It probably isn't.
     
    Waveblade, Sep 3, 2007
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  3. vostro1400user

    vostro1400user Notebook Deity

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    enabled, dell 1390 card, no working in power off.
     
    vostro1400user, Sep 3, 2007
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  4. vostro1400user

    vostro1400user Notebook Deity

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    with no driver (either windows driver or linux driver) loaded in power off, i can't imagine how it could work.
     
    vostro1400user, Sep 3, 2007
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  5. tomcatTX

    tomcatTX Notebook Guru

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    There is no driver required for it to function. It simply looks for (and measures the strength of) a wi-fi signal in your vicinity. And if one is present, the LED next to the switch lights solid for a few seconds...
     
    tomcatTX, Sep 3, 2007
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  6. vostro1400user

    vostro1400user Notebook Deity

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    if i push the button to search a wi-fi signal in power off status, the green light will blink once for at most half second no matter there is a signal or not, in the same time, the fan runs very loudly for a second as well, strange enough. maybe it's a hardware defect.
     
    vostro1400user, Sep 3, 2007
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  7. tomcatTX

    tomcatTX Notebook Guru

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    The "catcher" functions the same as the little hand held units you can buy to search for a wi-fi hotspot. Should be no reason for the fan to activate. Sounds as if there is a hardware problem with yours...
     
    tomcatTX, Sep 3, 2007
    #7
  8. vostro1400user

    vostro1400user Notebook Deity

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    if i push the button in sleep status, the fun won't run, but if in power off, the fun will run.
     
    vostro1400user, Sep 3, 2007
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  9. vostro1400user

    vostro1400user Notebook Deity

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    i'm not sure if this problem is caused by BIOS bug or something else, as wireless card works well in vista.
     
    vostro1400user, Sep 3, 2007
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  10. SteveJonesy

    SteveJonesy Notebook Evangelist

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    It's nothing to do with the wireless card and is a completely seperate piece of electronics to the laptop - it's not connected in anyway as far as I'm aware (apart from presumably being powered). It's just a small device that checks the airways for WiFi and tells you whether it's secured or unsecured. Mine works fine when my Vostro's off - thats what its for after all. Are you sure you are holding it long enough?
     
    SteveJonesy, Sep 3, 2007
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  11. Jeff Leites

    Jeff Leites Notebook Guru

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    When I slide and hold the wireless switch to the locator position, after about 2-3 seconds, it flashes green, then comes on steady green. I do hear a slight mechanical sound for a second.
     
    Jeff Leites, Sep 3, 2007
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  12. Significa

    Significa Notebook Consultant

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    Mines works, but it turns my USB fan on for a split second also.
     
    Significa, Sep 3, 2007
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  13. ChanchoWancho

    ChanchoWancho Notebook Consultant

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    Yeah mine too. (works + fan)
     
    ChanchoWancho, Sep 3, 2007
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  14. vostro1400user

    vostro1400user Notebook Deity

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    even when i hold it long enough (more than 10 sec), the light still only flash once with not more than half second regardless wi-fi signal exists or not. so far i haven't seen any vostro 1400 user respond to this issue. i'm not sure whether it's a 1400 issue or only a defective hardware in my computer.
     
    vostro1400user, Sep 3, 2007
    #14
  15. Jabberwhacky

    Jabberwhacky Notebook Guru

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    My 1400 should be here Wednesday, I can check it for you then and let you know if I have the same thing.
     
    Jabberwhacky, Sep 3, 2007
    #15