Usb Wifi Adapter not Working

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bestoftheworst

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Nov 1, 2013
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A couple days ago both of my usb wifi adapters stopped working on my Windows 7 desktop. I have two adapters, A Belkin n150, and a Ralink RT5370. All the other devices in the house work and i'm getting my wireless connection from my upstairs neighbors (they let me use it). Both of the adapters don't detect any wifi signals when plugged in, any help?
 
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markwp
It's not weird - it's windows! Oh, wait - same difference LOL

Sometimes if you uninstall the drivers, shut down, restart and just plug in these type of devices, windows will do exactly what you describe.

You might want to look into downloading CCleaner (HERE) and running it both in the disc cleanup mode and in the registry cleanup mode. Note: on the registry mode, it will ask if you want to backup the registry - I would suggest doing this, then move the file to a thumb drive just in case you need it. Once you have the backup, permit the app to "clean the registry" and then reboot. It's amazing how much crap can build up in the registry and the broken links therein can really hose your system.

Mark
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markwp

markwp

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Jan 22, 2013
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Have you tried them in different usb ports? Try them on the port used by your mouse or keyboard and switch the mouse or keyboard to the port you would normally use for the wifi.

Also, try your adapters on one of your other devices (laptop?).

Just as a guess, it sounds like the usb port you are using on your desktop has taken a dump. Try to eliminate possible issues by moving your hardware around to different ports as well as trying the hardware on different equipment.

Mark
 
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bestoftheworst

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I switched all the hardware around and still it doesn't work, the usb ports seem to be fine

 
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markwp

markwp

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Jan 22, 2013
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So other usb devices work in the ports that would normally be the wifi, correct? Also, the wifi sticks do NOT work in any of your ports on any device?

If the above is correct, make sure your drivers are current. If you still get no joy, see if you can try the wifi dongles on a friends computer. The whole purpose of this exercise is to eliminate all possible problems before having to buy a new dongle.

You might also want to check with your neighbor whose wifi you use to see if they have installed new equipment or perhaps gone to a password protected system.
 
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bestoftheworst

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Nov 1, 2013
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Yeah, the wifi dongle doesn't work in any of my ports, I went to see if there was any new drivers, there isn't for both of them. My neighbor's wifi is already password protected, she gave me her password, i'm sure it didn't change because all the other devices in my house still work.
So they only thing to test is if the dongles work on other computers.
 
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markwp

markwp

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Jan 22, 2013
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At least you have it narrowed down now.

If neither dongle works in a new environment on different machines, then it would appear that both dongles bit the [strike]bullet[/strike] dust.

However, if either or both do function, then your problem will be m/b related which does NOT seem likely since other usb devices continue to work on your rig.

Good luck!

Mark
 
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bestoftheworst

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Alright i'll update as soon as I can to see if they work on other computers.
 
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bestoftheworst

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Nov 1, 2013
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Well I just tried to install my Belikin N150 adapter, and it works? Thats weird. The ralink one is still not working but i'm happy the Belkin one works. All I did was plug in the Belkin adapter and windows installed the drivers.
 
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markwp

markwp

Dignified
Jan 22, 2013
3,183
0
14,960
It's not weird - it's windows! Oh, wait - same difference LOL

Sometimes if you uninstall the drivers, shut down, restart and just plug in these type of devices, windows will do exactly what you describe.

You might want to look into downloading CCleaner (HERE) and running it both in the disc cleanup mode and in the registry cleanup mode. Note: on the registry mode, it will ask if you want to backup the registry - I would suggest doing this, then move the file to a thumb drive just in case you need it. Once you have the backup, permit the app to "clean the registry" and then reboot. It's amazing how much crap can build up in the registry and the broken links therein can really hose your system.

Mark
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
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