Wireless Antenna

[AcerHamm]

What can I do if my laptop wireless antenna has stopped working? Was working fine, then suddenly said "unable to connect to a network" the last few times I tried to login.

[Sxooter]

It could be the wireless card, the antenna, or the connector. I'd try opening it up enough to get to the wireless card and removing then re-connecting the wifi antennas first. While you're in there, check for cable damage. You can also try reseating the wireless card but it's not likely the problem since it still shows up.

[AcerHamm]

Scared to open it up. Isn't that dangerous? Not sure what to look for.

It could be the wireless card, the antenna, or the connector. I'd try opening it up enough to get to the wireless card and removing then re-connecting the wifi antennas first. While you're in there, check for cable damage. You can also try reseating the wireless card but it's not likely the problem since it still shows up.

Sorry. New here. Trying to learn to navigate threads. I will try your suggestions and check back to see if you are online. Thanks for your help!

[BruBoo]

unless you have dropped it etc then I would put that screwdriver away for a while

Switch the router off for 5 mins then restart it. Can other devices connect ?
Can your laptop connect if you connect by wire?
Can you see the wireless card in device manager (under computer properties)
Have you got a current antivirus /internet security product and was it recently installed ?

[Sxooter]

NOTE: Make sure you power down, remove the battery and power cord before attempting to open the access panels on your laptop.

Don't take a blow torch to it. But yeah, have you tried other wireless access points (cafes work etc) with it? If it fails at them all, then see if you can get to the wireless card via the access panel on the bottom. If it's right there, it's easy to get to. It's a pretty obvious panel with pretty obvious screws and little pry up points to get it off after you get the screws out. If there's a sticker on it (in some countries there are) then you'd be breaking your warranty. If not you're allowed to open it and add memory, replace the hard drive, or the wireless card without voiding your warranty.

If it's not there then take it to get worked on by a pro.

[wpcoe]

FYI, when my Travelmate TM8172T was brand new, it connected easily with any WiFi access point. Then, after about a week, it stopped connecting. If the signal was really strong, the network would show up, but I still could not connect it.

I opened up the access panel and found that an antenna lead had slipped off. I pushed it back on, and voila, WiFi again accessible.