Reformatted XP Laptop cannot "View Available Wireless Networks"

[BigRedMachine]

Ok, so I had the XP Security Center virus and, perhaps foolishly, reformatted - or more formally, "system reformat" for "returning the computer to factory conditions", as my friend who helped me with this process called it - my computer and reinstalled the operating system.

But when I turned it on for the first time, there was, naturally, no internet connection. However, while I would normally proceed to set one up, there was, for some reason, no "View Available Wireless Networks" option when I right click on the little connection icon at the bottom right hand corner of the screen.

Now, I've never reformatted before, so I'm not positive this is an error and not just standard-issue. In either case, I could really use - and would really appreciate - some help.

My computer is a Gateway running Windows XP, and the wireless router that I would normally hook it up to is a Netgear. I'm sorry if I didn't provide enough information - I'm not really too good with all of this and I'm not sure exactly what information would be needed to solve the problem. If I did leave something out, though, please tell me and I'll be glad to provide it.

Any help at all would be appreciated!

-Ken

 

[johnebadbak]

go to the gateway manufacturer site down load all the latest drivers available. note the pc's make and model so you get the correct drivers.

 

[BigRedMachine]

Unfortunately, I'm having trouble finding the drivers for the laptop...I've already searched the internet, Gateway's website, and all over the laptop itself for the serial number, but no luck. Could someone give me a hand with this? The model nuimber seems to be MA6.

 

[johnebadbak]

http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Q106/MystiqueC/1008637nv.shtml

this should be your model according to my search

 

[vicks]

Someplace to get the information of what is on your computer is www.belarc.com. This is free and when you run it it gives you model numbers of all hardware and license/key numbers for all installed software. I keep a printed copy of this for each of our computers, it has come in handy more than once.
If you are unable to get results from the link Johnebadbak gave you in post #4 you may be able to get the drivers for each piece of hardware from it's manufacturer or get it from www.driverguide.com. Again free but you must register to use it.
To set up the network, go to control panel and open the network set up wizard, it should be able to assist you.
let us know how it goes.
Vicks