SpencerKarnovski
asked on
"Windows cannot find any available networks". Vista, Lap Sat Pro.
Hello.
I have just done a fresh reinstall of Windows Vista on a clients laptop. This laptop has officially got a ghost/gremlin in it.
I reinstalled the OS because the previous wireless network (on the previous OS installation) was getting seriously slow speeds; 0.6mbps on a 20mbps connection. Other laptops on the same connection where getting speeds of 8mbps.
On the previous OS installation I got the same error as above "Windows cannot find any available networks" - , but then entered netsh winsock reset /reboot command, and was able to see a list of wireless networks.
Now I have exactly the same issue, on a fresh reinstall - with all drivers correctly installed using Driver Professional.
This "must" be a hardware issue, but I don't know why. I installed another Wireless NIC, which I know was working fine.
How can I get a corrupt WinSock catalog on a new installed Vista OS?
Any ideas?
Thanks.
PS: Should I download WinSock 2 for Vista - see if that fixes this issue. The Vista Home Pre cd I'm using might have corrupt WinSock files. This is the only thing I can think of as to why both OS installs have this issue. Vista - ugh.
I have just done a fresh reinstall of Windows Vista on a clients laptop. This laptop has officially got a ghost/gremlin in it.
I reinstalled the OS because the previous wireless network (on the previous OS installation) was getting seriously slow speeds; 0.6mbps on a 20mbps connection. Other laptops on the same connection where getting speeds of 8mbps.
On the previous OS installation I got the same error as above "Windows cannot find any available networks" - , but then entered netsh winsock reset /reboot command, and was able to see a list of wireless networks.
Now I have exactly the same issue, on a fresh reinstall - with all drivers correctly installed using Driver Professional.
This "must" be a hardware issue, but I don't know why. I installed another Wireless NIC, which I know was working fine.
How can I get a corrupt WinSock catalog on a new installed Vista OS?
Any ideas?
Thanks.
PS: Should I download WinSock 2 for Vista - see if that fixes this issue. The Vista Home Pre cd I'm using might have corrupt WinSock files. This is the only thing I can think of as to why both OS installs have this issue. Vista - ugh.
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>>> If the WinSock files are corrupt, then installing another working wireless device would still product the same error, would it not?
Yes, it could produce the same error, except that it would work like a wired adapter, not wireless and might change things.
Have you tried a wired adapter? And does that work?
With respect to wireless cards, it is possible that the mini PCI socket and associated hardware has a fault (causing the same error as before). Again, Wired or USB might produce different results.
.... Thinkpads_User
Yes, it could produce the same error, except that it would work like a wired adapter, not wireless and might change things.
Have you tried a wired adapter? And does that work?
With respect to wireless cards, it is possible that the mini PCI socket and associated hardware has a fault (causing the same error as before). Again, Wired or USB might produce different results.
.... Thinkpads_User
>>>> Vista Home Pre cd I'm using might have corrupt WinSock files <--- That srikes me as unlikely. At least, that has not happened to me. There is always a first time, of course.
.... Thinkpads_User
.... Thinkpads_User
ASKER
Yes, wired adapter works as intended. The only issue resides in 1) Have to reset winsock to see available wireless networks, and 2) After connected to a wireless speeds are a 10th of what they should be. There are no other indications of any hardware/software related issues.
Speeds on the wired connection are fine.
Speeds on the wired connection are fine.
ASKER
>>>> Vista Home Pre cd I'm using might have corrupt WinSock files <--- That srikes me as unlikely. At least, that has not happened to me. There is always a first time, of course.
Yep, haha - clutching at straws here. Never had so many issues with a laptop as this one!
Yep, haha - clutching at straws here. Never had so many issues with a laptop as this one!
A wireless mini PCI card plugs into a socket and has two wireless antenna cards attached (normally).
If the socket is defective in some way, or the circuitry defective, then you could get this error.
If wired is working well and normally then Winsock is probably fine.
I would lean towards a hardware error, but now the machine needs service (because you have replaced the card already).
Is it time to consider replacing this machine (Vista is pretty much dead anyway) with a Windows 7 computer. ... Thinkpads_User
If the socket is defective in some way, or the circuitry defective, then you could get this error.
If wired is working well and normally then Winsock is probably fine.
I would lean towards a hardware error, but now the machine needs service (because you have replaced the card already).
Is it time to consider replacing this machine (Vista is pretty much dead anyway) with a Windows 7 computer. ... Thinkpads_User
ASKER
Ok, well - I can see wireless networks now. I have connected, but the speeds are still terrible. But that must be for another questions.
Thanks and points awarded!
Thanks and points awarded!
Thank you. I was pleased to work with you on this and good luck going forward. ... Thinkpads_User
ASKER
(a) Find the hardware diagnostics for that maker's machine and run a full suite.
This is an option, but everything on the system is fine and a new Wireless NIC has been installed.
(b) It is possible (not necessarily likely) that the virus was a rootkit type virus that survived a quick format. You can try a low level format, install the OS again and then see if the network problem persists.
As you expressed, unlikely this is the case - scanned with Malewarebytes as normal - all clear.
(c) Obtain an inexpensive USB network card and see if the issue is present in a new card as well.
If the WinSock files are corrupt, then installing another working wireless device would still product the same error, would it not?
Thanks.