# Computer Question: Laptop wireless internet not working
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-question-laptop-wireless-internet-not-working/427077
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [November 19, 2007, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-question-laptop-wireless-internet-not-working/427077 "2007-11-19T20:19:25Z")
**Posts on this page:** 9
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@lightingtool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lightingtool)
#### Post date: [November 19, 2007, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-question-laptop-wireless-internet-not-working/427077/1 "2007-11-19T20:19:25Z")
I have a HP Pavilion Laptop ([this](http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8525866&st=HP&lp=5&type=product&cp=1&id=1186007267699) one) with a built in wireless receiver running XP that is no longer finding or even searching for wireless internet. A couple days ago, I used it in the morning and shut the lid (which I think makes it hibernate). When I came home from work it powered right back up, I logged in, but couldn’t go online.
After putzing around a bit, I went into the Control Panel and clicked on the HP Wireless icon, which usually lists all the networks in range, but nothing happened - no program opened. The wireless card does have a little on/off switch on the front of the computer, and a light that is orange when off and blue when on. It stays orange if I turn the switch on or off. Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
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### Author:  [@Flander](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flander)
#### Post date: [November 19, 2007, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-question-laptop-wireless-internet-not-working/427077/2 "2007-11-19T20:41:45Z")
Shut up and reboot! 😛
Try uninstalling/reinstalling the wireless card via devise manager.
ETA instructions: Right click on My Computer, select Properties. Click the Hardware tab, then click Devise Manager.
You’ll probably find your wireless card under Network adapters. Select it and press Delete (yes you are sure). You computer will automatically scan for new changes in hardware, then probably automatically install the card again. Also, check the manufacturer’s website for updated drivers.
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### Author:  [@lightingtool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lightingtool)
#### Post date: [November 19, 2007, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-question-laptop-wireless-internet-not-working/427077/3 "2007-11-19T20:47:34Z")
Oops. Should have said in my OP that I’ve rebooted a bunch of times - it’s about the only thing I know how to do when the computer starts acting wonky.
Edited to remove my question about finding the device manager…
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### Author:  [@Noone\_Special](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Noone_Special)
#### Post date: [November 19, 2007, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-question-laptop-wireless-internet-not-working/427077/4 "2007-11-19T20:47:42Z")
Many laptops have a “toggle radio” button somewhere on the top panel – I can’t tell if yours does or does not. If so, you may have inadvertently turned it off – and your computer, while completely OK, is simply not broadcasting nor receiving on its wireless connection.
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### Author:  [@Tony\_Montana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tony_Montana)
#### Post date: [November 19, 2007, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-question-laptop-wireless-internet-not-working/427077/5 "2007-11-19T21:27:51Z")
Are you still under warranty? My tech support is pretty good about helping me solve these issues.
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### Author:  [@Flander](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flander)
#### Post date: [November 19, 2007, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-question-laptop-wireless-internet-not-working/427077/6 "2007-11-19T21:46:56Z")
**Noone Special** ’s suggestion is also good. Start flicking switches and make sure you didn’t accidentally unplug your wireless router (which I’ve done).
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### Author:  [@Astroboy14](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Astroboy14)
#### Post date: [November 19, 2007, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-question-laptop-wireless-internet-not-working/427077/7 "2007-11-19T23:08:03Z")
Also, make sure the Windows Wireless Zero utility is not turned off shut off.
-Right click on My Computer
-Select Manage
-On the left side, select Services and Applications
-Expand Services and Applications and select Services
-In the pane on the right, scroll down until you see Wireless Zero Configuration… is it running? Right click on Wireless Zero Config… do you have the option to start it?
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### Author:  [@scotandrsn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scotandrsn)
#### Post date: [November 19, 2007, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-question-laptop-wireless-internet-not-working/427077/8 "2007-11-19T23:28:53Z")
My Toshiba Laptop has an actual physical switch to turn the wireless antenna on and off. Several times I have panicked about network settings or router problems when in fact I just forgot that I had turned it off to save juice when doing non-internet stuff on battery power.
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### Author:  [@lightingtool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lightingtool)
#### Post date: [November 20, 2007, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-question-laptop-wireless-internet-not-working/427077/9 "2007-11-20T00:46:47Z")
Thanks for all the ideas. There is an on/off switch for the wireless. I’ve switched it a bunch, and rebooted with it on and off, and nothing changes. I’ll try your ideas tonight and I’ll let you know what happens.
Thanks again.