Turned my laptop into a desktop

[jmachin]

About 2 months ago I tried to install ubuntu on a partition of my laptop's HDD and I somehow screwed it up and had to wipe the drive and re-install windows (luckily I backed up beforehand). When I reinstalled windows 7, I installed all the drivers from the "drivers and utilities" disk that came with the laptop, but the network drivers weren't working. I ended up downloading some realtek drivers which allowed me to access the internet with an ethernet cable plugged in. I've tried loads of different drivers for the wifi card but nothing's working.

The laptop is a Dell L702x. I've been on their site and entered my serial number so that they can recommend me drivers to install. I've tried all of them and none work. At the moment under network adapters in device manager I have "Intel(R) WiFi Link 1000 BGN" and "Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller."

Before I had to re-install, when the wifi was working I'd have a wifi (or ethernet cable) icon in the bottom right corner which I could click on to see available networks. Now, when I don't have the ethernet cable plugged in I get a greyed out wireless icon with a red x in corner.

The only suggestion I've seen on google that I haven't tried is re-installing the operating system again and installing the drivers in a certain order, which don't want to do unless I absolutely have to.

Thanks for any help

 

[Gunbuster]

Not sure if that laptop has a physical on/off switch or a Fn + Key combo for wireless but you might want to try that.

 

[Bubbaleone]

Realtek is the ethernet controller and Intel is the wireless controller.

Remove the battery pack then hold down the power button for 30 seconds. Remove the back case cover, disconnect the antenna leads from the wireless card, then remove the wireless card.

Inspect the card contacts and slot for signs of damage and dirt/dust, then reassemble taking care that the card is fully seated and antenna leads secure. Boot to the desktop and open Device Manager.

Locate the Intel wireless controller, right-click it and select Uninstall, then close Device Manager and reboot. When you've booted back to the desktop; reinstall the Intel wireless driver.

 

[Gunbuster]

Press the <Fn><F2> keys on the keyboard.
The current status of the wireless radios appears on the screen.

ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-prod...rt_xps_laptop/xps-l702x_setup guide_en-us.pdf

 

[Matt1970]

I thought you meant your laptop will no longer produce a video on the screen. I have only had 2 of those that I can remember where the external VGA and HDMI still worked. Both of those ended up becoming desktops.

It does sound like your radio is turned off. If your card is defective you can get the WiFi cards on ebay pretty cheap and if all else fails a USB adaptor.

 

[jmachin]

Ok thanks for the reponses. I know about the fn+f2 thing and it says it's turned on, but that doesn't seem to be the problem. I'll try taking the card out and having a look but I don't see why the problem would be physical and just happen to occur at the same time as I reinstalled.

I think I might have to buy a USB one ;(