[jonalynmalat]

hi there! new here in this forum... i need some help... i have a laptop that is WIFI ready... when i bought it it came with a windows xp starter edition. i can see my wireless network icon in my network connections. didnt have the chance to use wifi because i changed my operating system to windows xp professional. after formating and changing my OS, the icon was gone and my laptop cannot detect wireless network... my university was a hotspot but then it doesnt work... can samebody help me? thanks!

[Jonathon28]

Sounds like the driver isn't installed for the wireless device.

Follow these steps:

1. Click on Start.
2. Right Click on My Computer.
3. Select Properties.
4. Click on the Hardware Tab.
5. Click on Device Manager.

Now, see whether there's any Question Marks (?) or Exclamation Marks (!) next to any devices.

Get back to me with a list of devices as described above.

Also, is the copy of Windows XP Professional genuine? This will determine your next steps on how to install your drivers for the devices.

[jonalynmalat]

hi there! thank you for helping. my XP is genuine. i followed the things that you told me and i saw a question mark (?) beside OTHER DEVICES. under it, i saw a question mark (?) together with an exclamation point (!) beside NETWORK CONTROLLER. what am supposed to do next? thanks!

[Jonathon28]

Run Windows Update, when it says 'Express' or 'Custom' choose 'Custom'. (you may have to install other updates first)

This will identify missing drivers and automatically find the correct driver for that device.

Occaisionally, Windows Update doesn't find drivers for certain makes/models. If this is the case, you will have to go to your laptop manufacturer's website and download the relevant driver for your make/model of laptop.

Hope this helps!

Jon

[jonalynmalat]

thanks alot!