My DELL Vostro 1500's wifi adapter stopped working!

Last night when I turned on my computer for normal usage, the wifi lit wouldn't even turn on. Obviously it's not working.

I tried restarting the computer (which will generally solve the problem. Not this time), then I uninstalled the drivers, restarted the computer and reinstalled them again. And nothing seems to work.

I don't know what to do! any suggestions?

ps: I thought I'd add this: the WLAN adapter is seen on the BIOS, and the Device Manager too. I'm using Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit.

 

Is there any software that control the hardware switch for Wi-Fi (assuming Vostro even has one)?
If this software is missing/corrupted/doesn't start with Windows you have no way of switching on the wireless anyway.

Another thing to make sure it's off- install inSSIDer and see if it can detect any networks. If it does the card is on- if it doesn't we're back to square one.

 

Nope. There's no software controlling the wifi. I formatted my computer, and since I bought the laptop I've been using the dafault windows manager for wireless connections. No software involved.

Any other ideas?

 

Check out inSSIDer.

 

So the driver installed and the device lists healthy in device manager...

I would reseat the WLAN adapter card. And confirm the antennae connections are solid.

But if it is installed and enabled and does not see any WLAN SSIDs, then it may be failed... was working, now not working.

GK

 

inSSIDer shows me nothing. I installed it, I put "Start GPS", and I suppose there are some graphs that should come up. I get nothing. Black screen.

 

Does inSSIDer require a working WLAN adapter?

GK

 

How do I reset the card, when I have a laptop? I suppose the WLAN adapter came built-in. Right? I have no PCMCIA card, or USB card. =S

 

Check the manual.

There's also a wireless sniffer board... not sure what that does... finds WiFi I suspect.

Also be sure any WiFi switch on the side is enabled.

GK

 

Yes. That's what I was trying to verify.

You shouldn't use "Start GPS" but it should start automatically or you could use start/stop button to the right of the name of your Wi-Fi card.

Now it would be prudent to check if antennas are connected- they come off sometimes. The card might have died as well- fortunately Wi-Fi cards are not expensive- that's in case you're not covered by warranty anymore.

 

I tried that, and still nothing. The sniffer board, didn't even bother. I will have to buy another one I guess.

Any particular recommendations? $15 is my budget.

Thanks =) (it has to be a wireless G adapter)

 

I would favor the Intel adapters, just because. I'd also make it 802.11n... it will still support g.

GK

 

It's probably not easy to get a good Intel for $15.
Everything older than 5300 wasn't really good (that includes 5100- which is technically not older).

 

The 6200 is $21 and the 6300 is $36 on Newegg.com. Dell approved.

GK

 

Oh- in that case 5300 or 6200 would do fine.
6300 is over the budget and without the third antenna and 450mbs capable router is of no use.

 

I just ordered a cheap $9 N USB adapter on Amazon. The reviews are pretty good, and it has N capability, so what the heck.

Thanks a lot for your support guys!