WiFi does not work

[diyteatime]

Hi!  I have an HP Inspirion n5050 laptop;  OS is MS Windows 7 (64-bit) Home Premium. 

I cannot seem to get WiFi working:  I have

1.  Network adapter: Dell Wireless 1702 802.11b/g/n  

-  I've checked for driver updates; the message comes back that i have latest update installed.

-  right-clicking to get to Properties/Advanced, i noticed there was no 'Network Address' -- i input the g/u/i # from my router (?), and re-booted the laptop: 

-- there is still no option for me to connect to my home wireless network;

-- my laptop still does not recognize/show any other neighboring wireless networks (tho it does show 3 or 4  'static' historic ones i've used, like my parents' in another state)

[ and if it helps, but i'm thinking this is a red herring: 

2.  Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter.  I don't think i even need this; the update is problematic so i didn't accept/install. ]

COMPLICATING things is, i am utilizing an external wireless Logitech keyboard, as the installed keyboard on my laptop doesn't fully function.  I can see the Function/Wireless toggle ? F2 key; but, using either keyboard doesn't seem to make any difference.  If there IS an external toggle/switch (i can't find one...) PLEASE let me know -- I can't recall the exact error message from earlier Troubleshooting runs, but something relating to "turn ON the WiFi function" comes up.  I cannot find a workaround to this F2 wifi toggle, or even determine if it's the problem) 

I'm grateful for anyone extending bandwidth. . . thanks! 

Any thoughts on what may be going wrong, or what i can check?  

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

I suggest you post your question on the Dell Inspiron notebook support forum, since your notebook is manufactured by Dell, not HP.

https://www.dell.com/community/Inspiron/bd-p/Inspiron

When I come across issues like yours, I back up my files and do a factory reset of the PC.

If that doesn't resolve the problem the next thing to consider is replacing the wifi adapter.

[diyteatime]

1.  re:  posting do Dell - you know, i appreciate that, as honestly.... i wasn't thinking of that.  

2.  re:  factory reset.  Given your expertise, I appreciate your sharing, that's what you would do.  Between xmas readying, i'll be backing up files, readying for a big startover, as i'm not feeling very hopeful re: #1 -- 

I'll post to Dell now - if this infernal external wifi switch DOES exist on my n5050, they should know....

Thanks so much for your quick response, re-directing me.  Happy Holidays to you and yours!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

According to the quick start guide, the F2 key is the only switch/button that turns the wifi on or off.

https://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_laptop/esuprt_inspiron_laptop/inspiron-15-int...

Happy Holidays to you and yours as well!