Laptop antenna stopped working

Hi, does anybody know how to troubleshoot antennas in laptops?? For
some reason my laptop no longer picks up any networks even though I
know they are definately in range.

If fixing the antenna is not possible can anyone recommend any USB
adapters?

Thanks

(E-Mail Removed) wrote:
> Hi, does anybody know how to troubleshoot antennas in laptops?? For
> some reason my laptop no longer picks up any networks even though I
> know they are definately in range.
>
> If fixing the antenna is not possible can anyone recommend any USB
> adapters?

Why do you think it is the antenna and not the wireless network card?

Peter Crosland

On 1 May 2007 08:57:14 -0700, (E-Mail Removed) wrote in
<(E-Mail Removed) .com>:

>Hi, does anybody know how to troubleshoot antennas in laptops?? For
>some reason my laptop no longer picks up any networks even though I
>know they are definately in range.
>
>If fixing the antenna is not possible can anyone recommend any USB
>adapters?

My guess(tm) is that you've accidentally turned off the internal Wi-Fi,
an all-to-common problem, either with a mechanical switch or hotkey
combination. Check your Owners Manual carefully.

--
Best regards, FAQ for Wireless Internet: <http://Wireless.wikia.com>
John Navas FAQ for Wi-Fi: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi>
Wi-Fi How To: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_HowTo>
Fixes to Wi-Fi Problems: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_Fixes>

(E-Mail Removed) hath wroth:

>Hi, does anybody know how to troubleshoot antennas in laptops?? For
>some reason my laptop no longer picks up any networks even though I
>know they are definately in range.

Any particular laptop maker and model number? Any particular
operating system?

Even if the antenna were totally disconnected from your unspecified
model laptop, the internal MiniPCI card would still pickup some signal
at close range. Is that what's happening or is your wireless laptop
totally comatose? If so, it's not the antenna. Look for a wireless
enable/disable setting, button, keyboard combination, or well hidden
switch on the side of the laptop.

>If fixing the antenna is not possible can anyone recommend any USB
>adapters?

Replacement laptop wireless antennas, with the correct connectors and
cable lengths are all over eBay and various manufacturers web piles.
However, you'll need some expertise in repair methods in order to
disassemble the display, hinge area, and laptop base to perform the
replacement. As I mentioned before, I don't think the antenna is the
problem unless you have a weak signal.

If all else fails, you might open your laptop and check if the two
antenna cables are properly plugged into the MiniPCI wireless card.


--
Jeff Liebermann (E-Mail Removed)
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

We can all recommend excellent USB
adapters.. But, if you are using your
built-in ,i.e., Centrino wireless then you
might try it at a Starbucks or McDonalds
before deciding that your antenna is bad.
Next I would uninstall and reinstall the
drivers..I would not guess that the antenna
is the problem. Do you have A/B/G or
B/G? Can you remove the access and see
your MiniPCI card??? Etc...

(E-Mail Removed) wrote:
> Hi, does anybody know how to troubleshoot antennas in laptops?? For
> some reason my laptop no longer picks up any networks even though I
> know they are definately in range.
>
> If fixing the antenna is not possible can anyone recommend any USB
> adapters?
>
> Thanks
>
Hi,
If you can tell antenna is bad, I guess you know how to deal with your
problem, LOL!

Additional:

If XP then go to "connect to," then "show
all connections," then right click Windows,
and ascertain that Windows at right click
shows enabled. Then click "show available
networks." Alternatively go to Control, System, Hardware,
Device Manager, Network adapters and be sure
that there is no yellow mark next to your
wireless adapter.. I suspect that it will be
working..Good luck..