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General discussion

My computer can not locate any wireless networks

May 31, 2012 4:09AM PDT

I bought a used Gateway computer which is running a newly installed version of the home edition. When I got it home I attempted to go online but It will not locate any wireless networks. When I click the network connection icon it shows 3 networks, two of which are disabled and one which says connected but nothing is connected. I cant get it to "look" for available networks. Any help is much appreciated.

Discussion is locked

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Re: used computer
May 31, 2012 4:46AM PDT

"the home edition" of what OS?

I'd go back to the seller and ask him to show (how) it works. If he can't ask for a refund.
If everything else is fine, and you can use it with a wired connection (Ethernet cable), you could consider to keep it.

By the way, are you sure it has a legitimate OS? A good test: try to install Microsoft Security Essentials (free download). If it fails because it says the OS isn't legal, return it also. You can keep MSE installed if it doesn't have an antivirus now. If it has, and you want to keep that, just uninstall MSE again.


Kees

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It is Windows XP home edition
May 31, 2012 5:08AM PDT

I will try to use a wired connection to download MSE.. I have never seen a computer that does not search for wireless networks.

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Re: wireless
May 31, 2012 5:15AM PDT

It could very well be they forgot to install some Gateway-specific software that's needed for the wireless to full work. But of course, you can try to redo the install from the original Gateway recovery disks that came with the PC (or laptop?).

Kees

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I plugged it into the hard wire
May 31, 2012 6:23AM PDT

I plugged it into the hard wire and it still would not work. I was sure that would allow me to get online.

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Re: no Internet
May 31, 2012 6:30AM PDT

Let me repeat the advice I started with:
"I'd go back to the seller and ask him to show (how) it works. If he can't, ask for a refund."

That "it" now is both wireless and wired access to Internet. And maybe more. Did you try (if present):
- USB ports for a thumb drive
- card reader
- install and use a printer
- Bluetooth
- sound
- microphone

All can fail with a new OS without drivers.

Kees

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I can get it to see the network and it has good strength
May 31, 2012 6:52AM PDT

Kees,
He is over an hour away one way. Now it says I have an invalid IP address. I do not know how to install drivers without internet access.
The laptop now sees the network and it has good strength. I will try to troubleshoot for a while and if not I will make the drive back. He did tell me that when he installed the new Windows XP home that he used his wireless network and surfed the net.