Laptop not recognize my wireless network

[AZ-Tax]

Have D-Link wireless router and my kids (win7) and my spouses (vista) laptops have NO problem accesing our wireless network. The router is on my desk so I connected an Ethernet wire from router to my pc and I get internet service with no problem but when I open "Manage wireless networks that use (wireless Network Connection), nothing is there until I entered my my network with code etc. but still laptop will not recognize. Any help would be appreciative. Have Toshiba A505 Win7

[Gary2]

Some questions:

1. What wireless protocols are recognized by the router and laptop? Wireless protocols are generally specified as 802.11 with a letter, e.g. 802.11b (old), 802.11g (obsolescent, still in use), and 802.11n (latest technology). Sometimes it's just the letter, e.g. Wireless N.

Note that even if the router and laptop have a common protocol, it's possible that the router is configured not to use it. Some routers that supports 802.11n can go faster if they turn off support for 802.11g.

2. What security protocol is set on the router? Common options are WEP (old and not really secure), WPA, and WPA2 (latest). Make sure the laptop uses the same.

3. Is the router really set to hide the network name (technically called the SSID)? The default is usually to broadcast the network name, but some (not all) specialists hiding it. If it's really hidden, then it's normal that you'll have to type it in, and be sure that it's spelled correctly. If it's not hidden, but still doesn't show up in your list of available wireless networks, then that's an indication that the protocols don't match (question 1 above).

4. Can your laptop see or connect to other networks? It's pretty safe to go to some public wifi place and see if the public wifi appears in the list of available networks, without actually connecting to it.

If all the laptops are running Windows 7, you should be able to go, side by side, through the Windows 7 Network and Sharing Center, to the Manage Wireless Networks page, and compare the network names and security settings.

[jimmcg]

Here's a long shot. Try rebooting the router with the laptop on. When the router runs it's initial set up software again it may recognize the laptop. Definitely a long shot but will only take a few minites.

[rjholmes]

I know this is a long shot but

has the wireless button on the laptop been turned off?

[AZ-Tax]

Fixed - never guess the problem

Took it to data doctors and my Toshiba A505 has a switch on the exterior of the my laptop in front underneath. The switch was off which needs to be switched on. Thanks for everyone's help.

[Dusty2004]

rjholmes

has the wireless button on the laptop been turned off?

Sounds like you hit the nail on the head. The switch was turned off! Excellent advice.

Dusty