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Wireless Switch Problem [Solved/Closed]

Kimberly - Latest answer on Apr 2, 2013 06:29AM

Hello,
I just recently put a new power jack in my laptop.
Everything worked fine except for now my wireless does not work.
I have a Dell Latitude D620 laptop. I keep getting an error that says the radio is disabled.
I try to enable it and it does not save the setting. It reverts back to disabled.
The FN - F2 keys do not turn the wireless on. It does nothing.
The wireless switch on the side seems to be very loose and the LED does not light up.
I've went into the wireless utility to enable it and I still get the error that says it is disabled.
It is recognized in my device manager and it says it is working properly.
I'm game for taking the whole thing apart again....I just don't know what to do from this point.
Any guesses would be great.
I don't have the money to send it back to Dell and, of course, the warranty has expired.
Thanks,
Kimberly

Answer

+160

edjer Dec 27, 2008 08:00PM

I had the same problem with a Sony Vaio. It seems one of the updates put entries in my registry to start a Vaio Lan Manager with Windows.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Check these keys to see if any kind of a 3rd party Lan Manager is running. If so, delete the entries and reboot.

Sorry about the lateness of my answer, but I just had the problem.

Good luck.

Soraya - Feb 9, 2009 04:37PM

Hi there,

I have exactly the same problem with my Sony Vaio and I have no idea to fix it. Sorry but what do you mean by entering the keys HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersionÃ‚Â\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ã‚ÂRun

Can you please, please send me the details on how to do this?

thanks a lot.

Soso

tdesormo - Sep 25, 2009 03:49PM

This worked for me, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

helpplease - Feb 18, 2009 07:32PM

hey i have a sony vaio and just wondering if you were able to fix the problem with the sony vaio wireless lan switch. it works when i turn my laptop on, but doesnot work after i take it out of sleep? can you help

TheManWithThePlan - Aug 7, 2009 11:38AM

Hey! I had the same problem for a while, but then magically i had an epiphany after searching for 40000 hours on how to fix the LAN switch. On the bottom right hand side of the screen there is a green and purple arrow facing opposite directions, double click it. (It's hard to remember everything) I think it will bring up a picture with a bunch of boxes on the left side, click the wireless network one. TA-DAAAAAA!!! If you can figure out how to connect my Vaio (with Windows Vista) to a nonbroadcasting wireless network with WEP security (i have all the codes) I WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER

jman - Oct 22, 2009 06:25AM

Nice one!! as if it was that easy :)

jiminycricket › TheManWithThePlan - Nov 21, 2009 03:00AM

A man with a plan!!

Thank you !! After I search for hours I found your answer! Hey presto it works again!! Thank you - you stopped me from pulling my hair out!!!
:)

Karlaishappy › TheManWithThePlan - Dec 1, 2009 11:54PM

I am seriously so happy I ready your post, my wlan switch was doing the error as well where it was on but it said it was off, my family and I tried everything we could think of but nothing worked, and we where planning to take it back in to be fixed, but not thanks to you we do not!! Thankyou!! Thankyou!!

fleebo › TheManWithThePlan - Dec 7, 2009 04:59PM

Sorry I can't help you with your problem, but THANK YOU VERY MUCH for this post. I am NOT very computer savvy and I was in tears trying to figure out what to do to fix my laptop. Almost ready to take my daughter's laptop.....so from the bottom of my heart and hers, we thank you.

KMC › TheManWithThePlan - Dec 28, 2009 10:18AM

You need to set all of that up in your wireless connection settings with the SSID & WEP key before you try to conenct.

Charley › TheManWithThePlan - Jan 16, 2010 02:45PM

hello "TheManWithThePlan"

I cannot thank you enough. I just love you forever. I had a wireless switch problem (kept turning off wireless) and went to a big name computer store this morning to get help. They said I should pay $99 for checkup/repairs, etc. I refused that. I ended up buying a wireless adapter with extended warranty = $80. I have it right here in the box. I decided to google my problem BEFORE OPENING IT and found your answer. IT WORKED AND I LOVE YOU FOREVER.
THAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANKS A MILLION. I am returning to the store to get my $80 credit.

Charley

Kate › TheManWithThePlan - Jan 20, 2010 06:22PM

Man with a Plan you are my hero!! I could not figure out how to do this and was about to storm down best buy and demand a new computer but now it's working better than ever!

Thanks!

TheUsagi › TheManWithThePlan - Jan 30, 2010 03:26PM

I have been fighting with this thing all day, I'm so relieved the fix was as simple as this! Thanks!

nolestat › TheManWithThePlan - Feb 12, 2010 09:54AM

Damn... Thank you man with a plan! That was exactly the solution for me too!

Happy camper › TheManWithThePlan - Mar 15, 2010 06:33PM

Thanks so much, saved alot of time!

RRRR - Nov 2, 2009 10:59PM

Hey, could you please explain how to check the keys you mentioned. thank you much

denverguy80210 - Jan 6, 2010 11:13PM

You are a genius .. this fixed my problem when I upgraded my Windows Vista 32 bit to Windows 7 64 bit evaluation version. I also installed the Intel proWireless drivers for 64bit Windows 7. I had installed a Wireless Braodband Modem recently - Motorola iDen phone. It appears that caused the problems.
Thank you very much.

mipapas - Feb 6, 2010 04:09PM

Thank-you for having posted this.
You saved me from the hassle of figuring out how
to install xp in my sony vaio vgn-nr385e with vista
home premium (it would not see my usb-floppy so
I could install sata drivers: (). I have the intel
3945abg wireless and sometime ago during an
update, something went wrong. Everytime I logged
into my laptop, I noticed that the wlan led next to
the on/off switch would go off leaving me with no
internet connection. Tried installing latest drivers
but to no avail. To quick fix I had to uninstall the
wireless card from device manager and reboot.
This would rediscover the card at boot, reinstall
drivers and would work again. For as long as the
laptop stayed on, I woul have internet connection,
but the moment it went to skeep, or to reboot to
install updates, the connection would be lost again
(drove me crazy.)
Anyhow, to make short :) I did what you suggested
Noticed that sony had an entry for automatic lan
manager under the first key you mentioned and I
removed. I followed up with a reboot and bingo, my
lan led stayed on and has been on after several
reboots. Thanyou very much for your assistance ;-)

luca - Feb 20, 2010 03:54AM

Great.... thank you, I solved my problem with a Toshiba, the toshiba lan manager software (Configfree) was disabling my wireless card every time I started the laptop. I uninstall it and now it works.
thanks

Sony_is_losing_me - Mar 7, 2010 06:50PM

For those of you looking for the exact registry entry... it was:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\CurrentVersion \Run\switcher.exe

when I fixed mine. I renamed it to "switcher.exe.old and it worked after rebooting. **NOTE: I had previously reset the BIOS settings to factory defaults. Had seen another post online that seemed to work for quite a few ppl. Good luck. (I have a Sony Vaio).

waterboy - Mar 22, 2010 04:30PM

My Vaio showed the wireless light on startup and at the logon screen but as soon as i logged in as a user, the light would go out and it would say the wirless wasnt turned on even though the switch was on and the drivers were saying it was enabled and running.

Googled this up and thank god i found it. Didn't find anything in the first key but did find an entry for each user under the second one for Sony's own network utility. this has always worked before but recently there must have been a microsoft update that is now causing a conflict between Vista's network utility and Sony's.

I removed the key from each user, then managed to find Sony's utility and uninstalled it. I now have my wireless connection back and the other half is pleased she now has her bloody "Facebook" back!!! ;-p

Thanks again edjer, you're a star!!!

Claud - Mar 31, 2010 05:02PM

Can you please walk me thru on how to do this. Please.

Yash - Apr 19, 2010 11:44AM

I had the same problem with my vaio, but system restore has solved it easily..

Good luck

Joshua. - Apr 21, 2010 11:20AM

Hey how do you check for those keys? I'm having the same problem with my Sony Vaio. but even when I turn it it on it does not work. I thought maybe because I dropped it or something but now I don't think it's the case. I think an update screwed everything up! Email me at Jenavarr@gmail.com if you would be so kind to help .

Rasputin - May 10, 2010 03:56AM

Awesom advice fixed in a jiffy.
Thanks a million

bella c - Jun 12, 2010 10:37PM

same here but one day it just didn't want to work (wireless)

Richman - Jun 22, 2010 12:16PM

Hi Guys

Please please help.
I am having similar problem with my WIFI not getting connection on my Viao laptop.

Please email me richmanner@yahoo.com with how to solve the problem
Many thanks
Richard

CXM - Jun 23, 2010 10:30PM

can you explain this in a way i can understand, i dont get what i have to do, can someone explain in steps

Tinyb - Jun 26, 2010 05:03PM

Could someone explain the whole keys thing to me as well please because i don't know how to do all of this. Also i do not have the icon with the two arrows either. I could really do with help please and thank you!

leij - Nov 4, 2012 05:42AM

where can i find the hkey_localmachine???

Linc - Nov 8, 2012 10:39PM

Look for Regedit, run it. Then look through the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder for the other folders and follow it etc.

I wouldn't recommend playing around with your registry if you're not familiar with what you're doing tbh.

Aardvark67 1Posts Tuesday April 2, 2013Registration date April 2, 2013Last seen - Apr 2, 2013 06:29AM

Thank You oh clevva one ... worked like a charm on dell pp39l .. happened after a bunch of win 7 updates

Answer

+129

Hate windows Nov 15, 2009 08:09PM

This is a bug in windows XP, regardless of brand.
My notevook is a toshiba but the same happened in my friend´s sony.
After installing service pack 3 wireless networks are detected but not available ...

Answer

+36

Parkingmachine Mar 31, 2010 09:35AM

For the Sony Vaio problems connecting to the wireless network look for the Sony utility "Vaio Smart Network" If you can get that to run and provide you with a little control panel with three icons for wirless, wired, and phone - you tick the checkbox on the wireless and your little LED for the wireless card will light up and you are back in business.

Mizz - Jun 21, 2010 06:14PM

Thanks dude..

lkk - Oct 30, 2012 09:07PM

This solved it. Thanks

melin - Nov 5, 2012 11:44AM

worked! thanks!

Answer

+35

Frustrated Oct 26, 2009 05:45PM

hey guys...

I have a Vaio FJ58GP, and having the same issues with the wireless! I've been reading everyone's comments but still trying to figure out a solution. any help will be much appreciated.

the issue is my laptop isn't picking up any networks. the h'ware switch in front of the machine is switched on, tried everything from uninstall to reinstall software/drivers, still no go. when I connect my router/modem with an Ethernet cable, I am able to connect to the network.

so the question is, is there anything I can do before buying a new wireless card? I looked in the BIOS but couldn't find any wireless on/off switch, unless I am looking in the wrong place.

Thanks in advance.

damsell in distress - Nov 2, 2009 06:22PM

I have a Dell Latitude Laptop and I have the same problem. I took it to the store where I bought it for a new battery and since then, the wireless networks stopped appearing and so I don't have wireless internet connection. In the Wireless Network connection window there are "no wireless networks in range" and it says "make sure the wireless connection is on" but I don't know where that is....many of the comments that I've read don't help me at all...there is an "i" button in the top center of the laptop...is that it?
HELP!!!

penguinbloke - Apr 26, 2010 04:36AM

try the dell control point manager and check if airplane mode is turned on. took me the best part of a day updating drivers and reinstalling programs to find it.

EM - Jun 29, 2010 05:44AM

Hi I am Noemi. I reformat my toshiba laptop from Japanese to English however the wireless LAN enable diable tool is missing and is looking for 2.0.2.32.2009.0306.01 version. Also, it says that the support device is missing. Please help me about this. Please email me at retrogirl143@gmail.com

Answer

+31

BAnde53507 Jul 21, 2009 03:18PM

I have found that most laptops have both a hardware switch and a software switch for wireless. On a Vaio I was asked to troubleshoot, the software switch was off. The control is usually accessed by keystroke or in my case, an icon in the System Tray on the Taskbar (lower right hand corner of your screen). The control for the Sony is not very noticable. Took a few minutes to uncover. I'm thinking the previous suggestions about deleted registry keys would also work because they delete the Sony software in favor of Windows management software.

Answer

+26

capt_haddock Jul 7, 2009 06:24AM

the above registry fix works . thank you for that found the sony lan manager entry in the local user section of windows removed, rebooted, works fine thank you

Capt_haddock

Dhiraj - May 6, 2010 02:08AM

i have a compaq presario v2000. i m trying to switch on my wireless, but as i push the wireless button, there is no response..........Device manager shows that the network adapters are working properly but it shows no wireless connections.......Please help!

Answer

+24

Fenn Apr 22, 2010 05:32PM

There are many reasons a wireless radio will stop functioning. First and foremost check to ensure your wireless radio switch is turned "on"

If this is the case then ensure you have wireless network drivers installed. (right click my computer, properties, hardware, hardware manager, network adapters)

If it appears to be installed correctly, Try this, Start > Run > type in "services.msc" (without quotes) scroll down the list for "Wireless Zero Configuration" right click, check properties, in the startup ensure it says "automatic" then simply click on "start" Once it's started, right click on your wireless connection icon, select "view available wireless connections" (should still be blank) click on "change advanced settings" then "wireless network" tab and ensure the check box that says "Use windows to configure my wireless settings" is checked...
Apply and OK all and then refresh your wireless network list.

Hope this helps.

Answer

+16

aj Jul 18, 2009 03:02PM

Hey, I had this problem on my acer aspire 3680. I think the radio got disabled when my roommate unplugged my ac adapter and the battery drained while the laptop was still on. The only thing that worked for me was to update/reflash my BIOS. It fixed the problem right away, so it may work for others as well.

-alex

huey - Dec 15, 2009 09:38AM

Hey aj,
I got a acer 3680 also and my wireless switch is not working. Can u help me and tell me step by step on how u got yours to work. Thanks..

Answer

+14

xpcman Oct 8, 2008 07:11PM

looks like you unplugged something or broke something or dropped solder on the motherboard.

Answer

+12

Raaj Apr 1, 2010 09:32AM

The wireless switch problem occurs when i put on the laptop "Sony Vaio" Raaj

Answer

+11

Cory Jun 12, 2009 03:00PM

Hi, I've had the same issue with my Sony Vaio. After windows does an update the wireless is no longer detected, and yes the switch on the front set to on before you ask. The only thing that works for me is to do a system restore. Not sure how this affects the windows updates. Cheers

kay - Aug 22, 2009 01:48PM

Hey,
I have a problem with my wireless switch too. I dont know whats wrong. If i turn it on Physically the light doesnt turn on and it says windows cant detect wireless networks. Could you please help me out. Thanks a lot.
Take care
keith

Answer

+10

ZP Jan 24, 2010 02:48PM

I used FN - F2 to fix my sister's wireless problem.. It does work.. she is using windows 7... Turned out she had a software failure...

Answer

truthcomesfirst Feb 27, 2010 08:05PM

I have a latitude z. The solutioon was -but simple- yet it took a long time to figure out.

There is a small switch that controls the wireless on the left hand side of the computer close to the screen. Battery life is improved if the wireless is turned off, but then the wireless doesn't work. Duh.

Answer

l8nytalumni Jun 8, 2010 10:33AM

if wifi switch is not working, just disable wifi control/wifi switch on bios to turn on always the wifi.

rudy - Mar 7, 2013 09:02AM

thanks, this works.

Answer

DAN Mar 25, 2010 04:31PM

I HAVE A ACER TRAVEL MATE 8100 AND I HAD TO RE INSTALL WINDOWS XP SO I DID BUT NOW MY WIRLESS WILL NOT COME ON AT ALL DOSE ANY ONE NO HOW TO FIX IT

Answer

dog2010 May 20, 2010 08:01PM

I have an HP. click start, then programs, then network and internet.
click hp wireless assistant. click on properties. check box for independent controls for wireless devices and click apply. click turn on. This should turn on your wireless connection.

Answer

alee99 21Posts Sunday November 15, 2009Registration date Nov 16, 2009 04:34PM

you have to see Someone Professional to repair you laptop
please see the link below

http://www.laptop-accessories4u.co.uk/categories/Laptop-Repairs/

Bye !

Ozzy - Nov 29, 2009 05:59PM

OMG after searching for hours I worked out why the HP wireless button was not working anymore. OK there are 3 areas that need turning on or activated for the blue light to go on. 1. Go to Device Manager (You can search for it at the bottom of your Start tab-for newbies) Select network Adapters, make sure your Broadcom and Intel are enabled (Right click, select Properties, select Driver tab and click enable). 2. Go to your HP Wireless Assistant, if you dont have it download it from (http://h20000.www2.hp.com/... Make sure status is on, if off and there is no option to turn on press external wireless button so that wireless assistant pop up says wireless disabled - then go back to original hp wireless assistant screen and enable wireless. 3. Switch on external wireless button again. Hey Presto! Worked for me. Hope this helps. And to think I was told I'd have to get my laptop wiped cleaned by professionals.

krazy fiziks - Dec 7, 2009 09:25PM

try downloading the drivers from Intel website
at least this is what solved the problem here
sony Vaio VGN-FS760/w
Intel PRO / Wireless 2200BG Network Connection
downloaded the driver and utility from www.intel.com

www.irepaircomputer.com

Answer

GG Feb 3, 2010 05:51PM

I had the same problem with my new Sony Vaio - was working online with my laptop in my lap, got up to get a drink, and found myself logged off. Could not find the wireless switch. The trouble shooting guide does NOT tell you where Sony engineers decided to hide your switch. It is located two inches to the left of the audio jack in the front, under the keyboard. It has the word "wireless" next to the indicator light in the front but it doesn't tell you where the switch is located. A simple arrow pointing below would be a brilliant idea that Sony engineers could not produce in their brains. You have to look underneath the laptop, lift it up and then you'll see the switch. When you hold the laptop against your body, it's actually very easy to turn the switch off without knowing what happened and then you scratch your head because you lost the wireless connection. Another sloppy Sony design, that makes the customer feel stupid for not finding the switch.

nicole - Feb 2, 2013 04:37PM

omg u just saved my night. i know NOTHING about computers therefore didnt know what the hell they meant by using the hardware switch. i thought it was something in the computer i had to find. i was ready to pull out my hair not being able to find it in the computer somewhere. thank you thank you thank you!!! xoxoxoxo

Answer

Rimmo121 1Posts Saturday February 6, 2010Registration date Feb 7, 2010 03:09PM

Hey I'm Having This Problem With My Laptop Well The Main computer Has A Wireless Router And There Are £ Laptops Connected Though The Router And My Internet Connection Just Says Unavailable Everytime i turn on the Laptop i have Tried Just About Every Thing Even If I Click '' Search For A Wireless Connection In Range It Does Not Pick Anything up It Says I Need To Connect My Hardware Or Something If Anyone Know's Or Have Had This Problem Or Either Know's The Cure Please Write Back I Dont Know how It Happend But Thanks.

Answer

Julie Mar 22, 2010 08:29AM

I had the same problem with my dell laptop my wireless stopped working try this it worked for me.
No need to send your laptop back to dell company,if you Have a Ebay account copy and paste this link ----> D-Link DWL-G650 108mbps PCMCIA Wireless Network Card.
It's $19.00 brand new on Ebay insert the Dlink card into your dell laptop on the side set it and you will get wireless connection working,that is the only info i can give you good luck julie.

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Wireless Switch Problem [Solved/Closed]

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