Well, I have an Dell Inspirion 2200, with Wireless inbuilt. I've had it about 2 years, never been wiped (yet). But about 6-8 months ago, i've noticed I can't connect or find my router (linksys).
I got my uncle round to see what he could do to fix this problem, he set up the router again, and when he went on my laptop he noticed an "Internet Connection" in the "Network Connections" He said that he's never seen that before, and that it shouldn't be running through a gateway.
He doesn't know how to fix it, or what would happen if he unistalled it or something.
sounds like you need to move your router or your laptop to a different area (much like an aerial) in order to pick up a better signal.
If you plug in a wired connection it will ignore the wireless connection. So if you are searching for your wireless connection dont have the wired plugged in to your laptop.
What series router do you own, (ie B, G or N) a better router makes the world of difference.
If you can connect then there is no problem, if your problem is establishing a good link to the router via wireless connection, then you just need to move your router and/or laptop to a less problematic area. away from the wall is better.
I'm not certain what you're saying - having gone 6 or more months without internet and just noteced??
anyhow - each adapter is nameable .... so "Internet Connection" isn't particularly odd it could just as easily be called anything - but if you think about it it's pretty accurate!
the gateway is the router ..... (ip address 192.168.0.1 - or similar?)
so again ... no problem
it's not likely to be anything with the router .... more like the wireless adapter - d/l drivers from the dell site (I know .... no internet!!!!!)
We had this problem recently,turned out it was affected by a gizmo we`ve got to send the sky upstairs to the bedroom telly.The router will only work if the sender is turned off.
ACtheTROLL, I had internet on my laptop my pluggin in the internet cable, but i got a pc at christmas, but it's the parents who want the laptop to use wireless, but i'll give moving the router and DLing the drivers