Can't find a wireless network

[PHorwood]

My laptop has stopped finding my wireless network and any other networks. There are normally about 5 networks that I can see as well as my own, but now nothing.
I would be grateful if anyone can give me an idea before I start getting hold of foreign call centres. My laptop is a Dell Inspiron 1520.
Many thanks

[ACtheTROLL]

have you rebooted

is the network adapter switched on?
(either switch somewhere on the side ... or a fn+fsomething)

have you got the wireless adapter showing as ok in device manager?

in the adapter's properties have you ticked the show icon when connected

does it work with a cable directly to the router

have you dropped or bumped the lappy - it could be the coax disconnected from the aerial

[PHorwood]

Thanks ACtheTROLL, just got back after a couple of days. I haven't had time to check everything you said yet. I will as soon as I can. Thanks again

[PHorwood]

ACtheTROLL

I have rebooted many times
The network adaptor is switched on
I'm afraid I have no idea how to check the wireless adapter showing as ok in device manager?
I also don't know how to tick the show icon in the adapter's properties either
It works with a cable directly to the router which is what I am using now. This is normally plugged into the desktop.
I have not dropped or bumped the laptop, and the only aerial I know about is inside my router

It seems strange really, it worked OK for 17 months and then stopped. I have not changed any settings.
Thanks in anticipation.

[Broadie451]

can you log on to the wireless router via the cable, if you open a dos prompt (start button select run then type in cmd this will bring up a dos prompt in a small window) type in ipconfig this will give you the network address of you machine it will be something like 192.168.2.25 usually you router will be 192.168.2.1 type that address into you web browser window this will take you to the router management screen have a look down the options to ensure your wireless network is enabled. Sometimes if you have SSID checked you will not be able to log onto the router so you may have to uncheck this box log onto the router then recheck the box again after you have logged onto the router.

IF that doesn't work you may have to switch it back on in the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) when the laptop is booting up press the delete key this will take you into a dos type window you will have to go through the varoius screens and somewhere in there the will be an option to turn the wireless on or off.

Hope this helps

[PHorwood]

Many thanks Broadie451. I will give it a go with some trepidation!!!

[PHorwood]

Thanks both. it is up and running.