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Question

My desktop won't even find my WiFi network.

Jan 5, 2015 2:22AM PST

Howdy.

I have a desktop pc (Gateway) that I've always had plugged into my router (just because it was convenient). Now I have to move it to a different room and can't use a hard wire. But there is an "802.11n Wireless LAN Card" in it, that, according to itself "is running properly."

But it will not find my wireless network. My network works fine with 3 iPhones, an iPad, and 2 laptops. My desktop does (sometimes) find one of my neighbors' WiFi networks, but not mine.

I followed the troubleshooting wizard thingees that are offered, but nothing seems to work. I have searched about 20-30 forums for answers, but I have yet to find anyone who reports a similar problem.

Do I need to open up the computer, throw away the wireless card inside of it, then buy and install a new one?

Any other suggestions that do not involve reprogramming the entire operating system? (No, I am a computer user, not a computer programmer.)

Thank you in advance - I really appreciate any help!

Marty

Discussion is locked

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Answer
The thing is
Jan 5, 2015 2:59AM PST

That it could be still "wired" that is, if someone entered in the IP numbers to the Ethernet card or we didn't reboot after unplugging, we'd have to work that issue.

Also there are reasons for our own network to not show such as hidden SSIDs and channels. What WiFi channel is the router on?
Bob

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A few answers
Jan 5, 2015 3:08AM PST

Hi Bob - thank you for your follow-up questions!

I did actually unplug the ethernet cable, so the computer was not wired when I tried to get it to find the network. (I also tried to get it to work after plugging the cable back in.) I have not entered any IP numbers anywhere.

I did reboot after unplugging. In fact, I guessed that rebooting after changing something might work, so have done that about 6 or 8 times this morning when trying different things.

How do I answer your question about the WiFi channel?

Thank you again for offering to help.....

Marty

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The channel is in the WiFi router management screens.
Jan 5, 2015 11:24AM PST

Again, if someone hid the SSID or manually entered IP addresses for the Ethernet card, well, we have to undo all that.

Let's cover off a basic thing. Is the antenna installed on this wifi card?

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Thanks again for your help...
Jan 6, 2015 1:16AM PST

...but I'm giving up. This shouldn't be this complicated. I'm going to just drill a bunch of holes in my house and run a cable.....

Thanks again,

Marty