Windows cannot find any additional networks

Hi,

I just (custom) installed Vista again on my VAIO VGN-FW21E.

I used to be able to connect to my modem wirelessly without any problem.

Now I can only connect to internet using the ethernet cable.
When I try to set up a wifi connection I get the message: "this computer is connected to Network" and "Windows cannot find any additional networks."

The Wireless external button is On.
In the Device Manager/Network adapters, Intel(R) WiFi link 5100 AGN is working properly and the driver is up-to-date.
I disabled/enabled it = no change.
I uninstalled it/reboot/let it reinstall again = nothing.

Please help me figure out how to enjoy beautiful wireless again...

Also when running Windows Network Diagnostics it says:

"the network adapter "Intel...quoted above..." is experiencing driver or hardware related issues" AND "make sure your Protocol Bindings are correct" (I had a look and they are both on the list of configuration settings and ticked)

Thanks

Hi JC75,
We can try two things to check if the issue gets fixed:

1. Download the drivers directly from Intel website, select the Operating System present in the computer and check if it works, please use the link mentioned below to download the drives: http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Sea...roducts&ProdId=3062&LineId=1784&FamilyId=1783
2. Uninstall the wireless drivers from the computer and restart the computer.
3. Install the drivers from the computer and check if it works fine.
4. If issue persists, run the built-in diagnostics provided by the manufacturer on the computer to check if the hardware is working fine.

Please revert back for clarification.

Hi Madhur B,

Thanks for the quick reply.
Tried what you suggested and there's no change.
Where can I find the built-in diagnostics?

I ran Windows Network Diagnostics and it says:
"Windows did not find any problems with your internet connection"

In the Manual Diagnostics Tool I started to run tests and the hardware test FAILED saying: "Driver version 14.3.0.6 does not support IntelPROset/..."

Hi JC75,

Uninstall the driver from the computer and restart the computer.

If the driver’s disc is available that came with the computer. Install the wireless driver from it.

Check if the computer is able to connect to internet wirelessly.

If the computer is in warranty, you can contact the manufacturer so that they can replace the necessary parts on the computer.

Please revert back for clarification.

I just uninstalled Intel(R) WiFi link 5100 AVG by right clicking on it in the Device Manager and ticking "delete the driver software for this device" in the Confirm Device Uninstall box.

I then re-installed it using the link you provided.

Now the Failed message in the Hardware Test (from Manual Diagnostics Tool) is different than before and says: "the wireless adapter is disabled or uninstalled. See Win..."

Sorry to insist but wireless used to work just fine before I installed Vista again. Is there something i can retrieve from windows.old? Could I restore my Vaio to factory settings or something?
I'm so computer illiterate I wish I never installed Vista a second time. I really need my wireless connection back.

PS: I don't have the original driver CD and the computer isn't under warranty anymore.

Hi JC75,

On many Sony models, holding alt + F10 or only F10 at boot will start the factory restore process. Here is the link for steps: View Document

Note: Before you try to do that you need to back-up to avoid any data loss.

Please revert back for clarification.