New tower can't connect to wifi home network

foggy4ever

foggy4ever

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Hi peeps, just had a new Lenovo H500s tower delivered. Simple set up but I can't connect to my home wi-fi network. When I try to connect I get a message saying no networks found(it doesn't see any networks at all, mine or neighbours) and when I try trouble shooting I get a message saying problem with wireless adapter or access point not fixed. Home network is running fine as my old laptop is on it now.

I'm guessing it's a case of returning it as it should work straight out of the box.

Please note all answers should be dumbed down alot as for me technology is plug and play and problem solving turns me grey.

Cheers
 
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This model from Black Friday. Wi Fi properties state 1x1 11b/g/n Wirless LAN PCI Express Half Mini Card Ad

It also has the Wi Fi antenna on the rear.
 
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Although it is supposed to have a Wireless card there is a chance one has not been fitted, especially as another configuration says no wifi.

Its a long time since I have put a wireless card in a desktop but if I remember correctly all the ones I looked at had a small aerial which stuck out the back of the PC. Is there something similar on you machine? Alternatively the Device Manager should list a wireless card if the PC has one.

Dave
 
Thanks Andrew, I'll just hit the return button. Click and collect means I can just print off a returns label and drop it off at my local Spar. This was my second attempt at an upgrade, tried an Acer Laptop on sale and when I turned it on I was met with a message saying device not bootable so that was returned.
 
Tringa said:
Although it is supposed to have a Wireless card there is a chance one has not been fitted, especially as another configuration says no wifi.

Its a long time since I have put a wireless card in a desktop but if I remember correctly all the ones I looked at had a small aerial which stuck out the back of the PC. Is there something similar on you machine? Alternatively the Device Manager should list a wireless card if the PC has one.

Dave
Click to expand...


Under Device manager it lists

1x1 11b/g/n Wirless LAN PCI Express Half Mini Card Adapter

It has a small box on the rear at the top which in the manual states as the Wi Fi antenna
 
Check the wireless channel, certain channels are unavailable in certain countries, so you could be using a channel that the lenovo believes is not allowed, this usually applies only to 12, 13 and 14.

Its unlikely that this is the problem, but its certainly something to check, clarification of the allowed channels are below and a simple smartphone or tablet app will be able to confirm the channel such as WiFi Analyzer

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_WLAN_channels
 
Wi fi analyzer states ch 11.

been at this since 7pm so thats enough time wasted as its friday so its going back.


cheers all
 
Have you tried setting up hardwired first then once you're online,try setting up your wi-fi :)
 
simonblue said:
Have you tried setting up hardwired first then once you're online,try setting up your wi-fi :)
Click to expand...
Didn't have a cable long enough from where it was set up. All packed up now and will be off my hands in about 10 min.
 
Have you checked in the network settings to see if the WiFi adaptor is enabled? Is there a button on the keyboard to toggle the WiFi on/off like on some laptops?
 
Bristolian said:
Have you checked in the network settings to see if the WiFi adaptor is enabled? Is there a button on the keyboard to toggle the WiFi on/off like on some laptops?
Click to expand...
Yes. Checked it was enabled, no buttons on the keyboard even if their help part suggested fn + f5 which did didley squat. Troubless shooting found a problem that couldn't be resolved so it was sent back at 9am this morning.

Never had an issue with home wifi with numerous laptops, tablets phones etc.

Cheers
 
To be honest I've never found a desktop wireless card that works well. The antennas are always in completely the wrong place for any reliable signal.

Get it cabled, a 5-10m cat5 will only be a few quid.
 
neil_g said:
To be honest I've never found a desktop wireless card that works well. The antennas are always in completely the wrong place for any reliable signal.

Get it cabled, a 5-10m cat5 will only be a few quid.
Click to expand...
We are having an extension on the rear of the house next year so will wait till then and run a cable under the floor.
 
Another option is PowerLine Networking. It's just a set of two plugs with ethernet cables. One gets plugged into a socket near your router, the other into a socket near your PC. Works really well.

This ones not bad for the price if interested (I use this model):
TP-Link PA411KIT AV500

Edit - beaten to it by Neil :)
 
Home plugs never get the speed advertised - I have some here and the max actual throughput I can get on 500Mbps plugs is 70Mbps.

Wireless can work well if you have a good wireless router (that can do multiple channels at once and decent antennas) and a decent wireless card and you are prepared to buy decent antennnas and place them (USB wifi is good for this as your antennas are at the end of the USB cable).

All my stuff (apart from laptops) is wired or homeplugged (streaming to the bedrooms).
 
Cheers guys, extention should start around easter time so plenty of time to think/plan.
 
Try Devolo 500 range for good quality power line adapters - I can get 440Mbps on the same ringmain from router to smart TV - and my wife is happy no cables trailing over the floorboards. BTW think they do 600Mbps version now.
 
Another vote for cable rather than wifi. Usually about 10x faster.
 
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