Internet Software (??)

[thelux008]

A friend of mine had her Windows 7 reinstalled by some person I don't know. She says that when she launches the Windows, it all works fine, but she cannot connect to WiFi. I'm sort of confused because, a) doesn't software for that sort of thing install automatically and b) don't all laptops have WiFi hardware in them?
I'm not too tech savvy, but I'd like to help her out. Any advice?
I think I have to download some file to a USB and install it on her laptop, but I don't wanna do anything on my own.

P.S. connecting with a cable works.

 

[zer0c007]

You need to manually install the drivers for her wifi adapter on laptop, go the manufacturer's website and note the correct model number of the laptop and download the latest drivers.

Check device manager and see how many yellow exclamation mars or any yellow like symbol in device indicating no drivers installed for certain detected hardware.

To get to device manager:

Press start >>>>right click on "computer" tab>>>>>>select "manage">>>>>>on left window select device manager.

 

[mips42]

Well, no. Not all laptops have WiFi. MOST do, especially if it's less than 10yrs old. And No, the needed drivers to make the WiFi work (if it has it) likely will not install from just win 7. Best bet is to check the Manufacturers website from the laptop (Using a wired connection) and get the needed drivers.

 

[SoggyTissue]

laptops generally come with a driver disk if custom build. to save money store bought slabs have a 'recovery' installation that just drive images the factory default installation (which has the drivers installed already)

so basically, if windows cannot find the driver for your wifi/network adapter in itself, it remains 'off' until you install it (because it cannot connect to the net to find the driver - catch 22).

google the make and model of laptop. find the make and model of the network adapter it has, put driver onto your usb, fix your friends laptop issue.

 

[Pimpom]

It will help others help you if you give the exact model number of the laptop. Note that manufacturers often make several variants of a basic model. For example, my wife's laptop is an HP G6-2309TU which is just one of several versions of their G6 range.

Most, if not all, laptops these days do have WiFi but they need to have the proper drivers installed. You can check this from Windows' Device Manager.

 

[thelux008]

http://www.driverscape.com/manufacturers/acer/laptops-desktops/aspire-e1-522/37113

It's an Acer Aspire E1-522, so these would be the drivers, right? I just put them on a USB and install them on her laptop?

 

[Pimpom]

That should do it. You need to install the driver for "Qualcomm Atheros AR956x Wireless Network Adapter" under "Network & Wireless Drivers" in that link. You have to unzip the file first though.

 

[thelux008]

Thanks mate! ^-^