This is not a fix. Just a discussion.
1. "Manage Wireless Networks" has a memory of what you used to connect to so it will show there even if you are no where near that hot spot.
2. Flush the DNS is not good advice on this.
3. In my opinion there is some sort of WiFi failure either hardware or software. Given the cost of repair today I'd consider some new WiFi USB dongle or something like a Netgear WNCE2001.
Bob
My building recently got Wi-Fi, and whereas before I could find my neighbor's Wi-Fi on my list, now for some reason, I can't pick up the Wi-Fi in the building. When I go to "Connect to a Network ", the house Wi-Fi network does not come up. However, I do see it in "Manage Wireless Networks", but I can't connect to it there. It should be said that I have cable internet access, but even so, when I would look to connect a network before, I had no trouble getting a list (the neighbor, the carwash next door, partyguy50 or some other such thing).
I asked for advice on another forum and it was suggested that I needed to flush the DNS, and I did what I was instructed. A little box flashed onto the screen and was instantly gone, but this did absolutely nothing, at least nothing to solve my problem.
Why can I see the network in "Manage Wireless Networks", but not where it should be in "Connect to a Network"? And more importantly, what should I do?!
~Stymied At Dns.
HP Pavillion Slimline s7712n PC
operating Windows Vista Ultimate

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