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1. Jiggers
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   My Netbooks wireless feature has broken. No more warranty for it. I can hook it up to regular cable ethernet no problem, but most places have only wireless. Any ideas?

   Posted 11 months ago #         

2. chrisma
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   Can you describe "broken" in a little more detail, Jiggers? Assuming you Netbook is running Windows, is there still a system tray icon for a wireless connection (usually in the lower right of the task bar, near the clock)?

   You can email me through my username and I could talk you through a couple of things by phone, if you want.

   Posted 11 months ago #         

3. Jiggers
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   I don't have a system tray icon or whatever it is.

   Posted 11 months ago #         

4. clark5080
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   I have a USB antenna that should ad wifi back to your computer it is yours free if you want it.
   Jim

   Posted 11 months ago #         

5. clark5080
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   Like this
   

   Posted 11 months ago #         

6. chrisma
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   Could be hardware, could be software. Have you tried re-installing the driver for it?

   How old is the netbook? Has it been dropped or otherwise received any sharp blows that might have knocked something loose inside.

   Clark's offer will get you back on wi-fi, but it would mean carrying around a dongle with the computer.

   If the wi-fi card is bad, you might be able to find a replacement on eBay or elsewhere on the tubes but it would mean opening up the case. There's no warranty to worry about anymore. I've taken apart my share of laptops and could help you if you want to go that route.

   Posted 11 months ago #         

7. clark5080
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   On a Netbook my bet it is built into the Motherboard

   Posted 11 months ago #         

8. Jiggers
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   My Netbook is almost three years old. Its actually my secondary computer. It most likely will have to be opened and worked on. The right switch goes to orange when I'm off of wireless. It doesn't anymore and I already checked my connection thru my network selections. Its not there which means its kaput. But it works fine hooked up to cable at least.

   Posted 11 months ago #         

9. chrisma
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   Clark's USB device is probably your best bet then. If the wi-fi is integrated on the motherboard, it's not likely worth the fix.

   Posted 11 months ago #         

10. Ken
    Member Profile

    

    If you post which netbook, I can tell you if I have a replacement wireless card for ya.
    Every computer I have worked on has a mini-pci slot with a tiny card in it and two cables going to the antenna.There are however at least 6 different types of mini pci and mini-pciE cards and slots in various brands and ages of laptop. I have enough dead laptops that I probably have one of each.

    It is indeed possible for the slot on the mainboard or system logic board to fail rendering any mini-pci inop in the slot, but it is rare. There is one WSB poster who has one and the external usb with antenna works fine. I have usb wireless cards with either external or internal antennas.
    I keep these on hand for testing and old computers. There are more expensive usb wireless adapters available but these are cheap and powerful.
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VX0GJY

    Posted 11 months ago #         

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