Model number of what, exactly? This is the computer I have: Dell Inspiron 15R N5110.
I am not aware of any wireless hardware switch on my laptop. But, if it was switched off, would it still be detecting nearby wifi networks, and “successfully” connecting to them?
You can “see” the networks?
Based on that information let’s assume you have a working wireless adapter with correct drivers.
My first guess would be you have somehow set a static IP-address. (click on the connectivity symbol and select “open Network and sharing centre”; click “change adapter settings” right-click your wireless adapter and select “properties” select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” click on “properties” check "obtain an IP-address automatically " and “Obtain DNS-Server automatically” click “OK”
For me to make a second guess I’d have to be at your computer.
It’s a Function Key. Hold down the key in the lower left labeled function at the same time as you press F2. That will disable your wifi. Do it again to re-enable it. Sometimes the wifi card gets confused and thinks it’s connected when it’s not and a quick off/on will make it work again.
You are correct, if your wifi was turned of you wouldn’t “see” any networks.
What exactly DOES display when you open up a browser page? You still have internet explorer (I should hope - is it even possible to uninstall that?), so use that. I also recommend the google ping mentioned upthread as that works without any browser.
When you open the Network and Sharing Center, is it showing an active link between you, the network, and the internet, or are there any little warning signs?
If you do not have a physical button or function key to turn your wireless off and on to reset it, try doing it through the Network and Sharing Center. Go to Change Adapter Settings (left side), right click on your connection, and click “Disable”. Give it at least a few seconds to shut off entirely and then right click, “Enable”.
I assume you’ve done a good old standard windows restart as well.
Whenever I’ve had an IP address conflict, my computer told me. So if it’s not telling you that, then that may not be a problem. At least, it’s low on the list.
What list are you referring to?
Can you think of anything else that causes the exact symptoms the OP describes?
Have you even tried setting a static IP outside the routers subnet?
What did your computer “tell” you? (hint: it keeps stumm) don"t just believe me: It is a 1 minute experiment the viewers at home can try for them selves.
Even better: checking this doesn’t involve downloading huge packs of drivers or having to know what exact kit the OP is using. As troubleshooting internet connectivity goes it’s number 2 on MY list (did I mention it causes the exact problems the OP is describing?)
It depends, in the world of many tablets and wifi phones, the wireless networks are remembered. That you can not use them when the wifi is off is another history.
As the OP mentions that he is not aware of wireless switch, I have to ask if he as noticed the wireless key in the F2 function key, it is available by pressing the FN key on the lower left.
A light on the side should show if the wireless is on.
Once we verify that then I would recommend to run the “setup a new connection or network” wizard on the network and sharing center and select the “connect to the internet” option, and report what you see, if it reports that you are connected you should remove the connection that has the problem and make a new one.
This answer was for someone troubleshooting a DELL running Win7-64bit. If you are having trouble with your iPad please start a new thread.
The list is my potential list of causes?
When I had an IP address conflict, my computer was booted from the network and it literally popped up in the tray, straight from windows, with “There is an IP address conflict with another system on the network.”
If you configure windows to a static IP that is in conflict, it will tell you “The static IP address that was just configured is already in use on the network. Please reconfigure a different IP address.”
I mean, there is absolutely no harm in looking, but it’s pretty unlikely when Windows 7 will tell you immediately if your IP address is the problem.
Unless he turned off any and all tray messages. I wouldn’t know. That’s why I’m asking him questions - it’s easy to leave things out that may help solve the issue.
The Librarian’s name reminded me. My library happens to have ethernet jacks as well as wireless. If your library does as well, take your home ethernet cord with you when you next go to the library and see if you can get a hard line to work. That would tell us whether it’s isolated to just the wireless or the whole card.
Your worst case scenario (and it’s really not that bad if you’ve planned ahead with an external backup already) is simply reinstalling windows from scratch. I take it your machine is not brand new from the model number, so it may be at that point in its life where a windows reinstall may be the best option all around. If the problem persists after an OS reinstall, it’s a hardware issue.
But this ignores the possibility of 3rd party managers that take control of the wifi connections. The point I did not make clear was that there are other reasons why a wireless list of previous connections would show, just a flashback to customers that did not report what was really going on in the computer, and that software and features used in other devices can be incorporated in new computers that one is not aware of, one very hard lesson me and other blokes in tech support had to learn when doing the tech support on the phone.
It isn’t a history list I’m looking at, but wifi networks detectable at the moment. The list will change from minute to minute as some marginal signals get weaker or stronger.
Don’t have it eith me today so I cant try any of these new ideas.