[pos51]

Hi all, I received a laptop today to look at. The problem is that it doesn't detect wirless networks using the intel pro 2200bg card installed. The light at the side of the switch is always on, There is an exclamation mark against the device in device manager. New drivers have been installed and also system restores have been performed but no answer has come from these. The user said that it worked one minute but not the next. I think its an hardware fault. but need confirmation. As this is an un-upgraded notebook is the wireless adapter removable and replacable on a compaq Presario F500

[jasaiyajin]

The exclamation point means there's a problem with the device. Try installing different drivers from the official website and proper model of your laptop if it's built-in to the laptop. A removable wireless card will be obvious and may protrude out a little or be easily accessible around the laptop interfaces. Yours may be a mini-PCI and swappable with another card, but if it's recognized in the device manager - it's most likely still good, but it needs the correct drivers. Try http://support.intel.com/support/wir...lan/pro2200bg/

Contact compaq as well or visit their website to try out different drivers - it should fix your issues when that exclamation point disappears.

[TerryNet]

Rather than trying different drivers, just get the latest one from the PC manufacturer's web site.

Does the wireless LED go off and on when you toggle the wireless switch?

[pos51]

I've already tried latest driver and no the light does not turn of when the switch is toggled.

[TerryNet]

Sounds to me like a hardware problem--loose connection, faulty switch, or failed wireless adapter.

[pos51]

Is it worth having case open or easier just to buy a new usb/pci adapter?

[jasaiyajin]

Open it without any power, remove the mini-pci card, clean connectors and re-seat it. While you have the card in hand, write down the model information and list it here for clarification. Also, list the driver information you're using with this card.

[TerryNet]

I think Intel Pro 2200bg (initial post) uniquely identifies the adapter. Just to be clear "without any power" means to unplug the AC, remove the battery, and then press the power button for a few seconds to dissipate any residual current.

If you buy, and it is the adapter itself at fault, you can replace it exactly. Else get a Notebook (PCMCIA) card.

[Courtneyc]

Without any power means unplug the laptop from AC and remove the battery. You don't have to press the power button. On the bottom of your laptop there should be a slot called m-PCI. This contains the mini-PCI wireless network card (and is replaceable). Follow jasaiyajin's advice. If the card still does not install, you can either replace it, or use a PCMCIA (or ExpressCard) for wireless connectivity.

Courtney

[DoubleHelix]

This particular laptop appears to have an ExpressCard slot which is not the same as a PCMCIA slot.

[TerryNet]

Thanks, DoubleHelix. Even though I have a laptop with an ExpressCard slot I keep forgetting that they are becoming the new standard.

[pos51]

thanks for that little smidging bit of info. i'm taking the case to bits tonight or tomorrow (when I find time) so i'll keep you posted.

[pos51]

Update on this problem, Wlan card has been removed and laptop restarted. The light on the switch still does not switch off and is permanently on. I have not fitted a new card yet as i'm a little concerned that this problem may be deeper than it actually seems. I mean is it possible that the fault lies with the main board due to the fact that the switch is always lit and that when a card is placed in there it is not even slightly recognized, not even an error shows up in device manager.
Also is there any way to test the switch or confirm that the switch is operating in a way that it should. Very strange as i'm told it worked one minute but not the next.