Wireless Networking

Wireless networking issues happen with laptops and desktops. For computer repair, many times customers can’t connect to the internet using their wireless card. Sometimes the wireless card has failed, and needs replacement. Other times, the wireless card drivers are not installed. Issues also arise with the antennae; desktops with wireless cards have antennae protruding from the case, where laptops have antennae which run from the motherboard up into the laptop screen. Regardless of what you computer have, the problem is the same, you can’t connect, and it can be frustrating. Our expert technicians are skilled in repairing wireless networking issues and deal with them on a daily basis.

Laptop Wireless Not Working

That’s what we hear all the time, and basically what we write down on our work order: “Wireless not working.” It’s all we need to hear to start testing hardware and making sure all the software is installed correctly for your wireless card to work. Besides the card, we also check the antennae, any wireless switch on laptops, and make sure there are no bad components on the laptop motherboard or desktop wireless card. We have seen some cases where the wireless switch was broken off, and it had to be soldered back on to fix the problem. Issues can also arise from the BIOS, and different settings can sometimes disable your wireless from there. We check everything so the problem gets fixed, not patched over.

Wireless Not Working Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows 8, Windows 10 or Mac

Windows networking is usually straightforward but there are some things to consider when troubleshooting wireless issues on Windows 7 or Windows XP. The main problem is usually network settings which most users don’t usually see or pay attention to. Here are some tips to troubleshoot some common issues, such as not being able to see your printer on the network:

Wireless Networking Tips

• Make sure your firewall software is not treating new networks as unsecure networks
• Check your laptop for a wireless switch along the edge and turn it on
• Look for the blue Fn key + F-key combination on laptops which turns wireless on and off
• Uninstall any third party wireless utilities – the default Windows utility works best
• Make sure any wireless card drivers are installed and kept up to date

Range is Important

In our computer repair shop here in Tacoma, we have a lot of space which is wide open. Our wireless router is actually in the back of the office, yet we get wireless signal all the way up front to our check-in computer. This is because all that is between the router and the computer is air and a thin wall. With home wireless networks, the issue becomes more complicated as different walls, metal ducts and pipes all degrade the signal from a wireless router. We have resolved problems where the wireless signal wouldn’t make it a room away just because of the house design. A good understanding of wireless technology is key to building good coverage. But, if you’re having problems and your wireless isn’t working, just remember range is important and get closer to the router. At least then you will eliminate the possibility of a bad signal causing the problem, and will have a good start to troubleshooting the problem!

If you have any questions about wireless networking, or computer repair in general, please give us a call and speak with one of our friendly technicians!