topic Re: Problems with wireless adapter in PCs & Accessories

Problems with wireless adapter

gyron1 — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:05:01 GMT

Hello,

hope someone can help me with this one please because its causing me problems!.

Up to now, I have always used my laptop to connect to the internet etc via the ethernet cable. However, I now need to use my laptop away from the modem and therefore need to connect via the wireless facility I have via my BT 2091 wireless modem which works fine on my wife's laptop,(wirelessly).

I contacted BT and after much fiddling, they advised that I did not have a wireless adapter installed, and politely advised me go away and install. I went to my product recovery CD-ROM, provided with the laptop, and the found the wireless driver but it would not install, coming up with the error message 'Error installing and/or uninstalling the drivers for the PRO/Wireless adapters' then a long list of error addresses.

I then went to the 'Device Manager'> Network adapters and then 'Network Controller' which shows a yellow exclamation over the Network Controller. I opened up the Network Controller Properties box and clicked 'Reinstall Driver'. Put relevant Sony disc in as prompted and the message then comes up;
'Cannot install this hardware > Network controller > an error occurred during installation of the jardware > Access is denied'

Where do I go from here to sort out this problem please??

Any help gratefully received.

Gyron

Re: Problems with wireless adapter

rich912 — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:53:47 GMT

Hi gyron

I’m really not sure what the problem is but there are a couple of things that you could try.

1 Uninstall the device by right clicking the device in Device Manager and select Uninstall. Then reboot and reinstall drivers.

2 Check whether there are any updated wireless drivers for your model on the Vaio Link site.

Incidentally can you tell us what is reported under Device Status on the General tab of Properties.

Re: Problems with wireless adapter

gyron1 — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 19:46:22 GMT

Hello Rich912,

Thank you for your reply.

Tried your idea to uninstall Network Controller (the one with the yellow exclamation mark over it)and it failed to or would not let me uninstall!!

Regarding the information in Device Status box;

Network Controller > Properties > General, info provided;

Network controller
Device Type - Network Adapter
Manufacturer - unknown
Location - PCI Slot3 (PCI Bus 2, device 11, function o)
Device Status - The drivers for this device are not installed (code 28).
To reinstall the drivers for this device, click Reinstall Driver (button is below this)
(Tried doing this - see previous/original posting)

hope this helps - a bit!!

Thanks again,

Gyron

Re: Problems with wireless adapter

rich912 — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 08:56:07 GMT

Hi gyron

Very strange! Are you logged in as an administrator?

Make sure that the wireless switch is off and then disable the device (if option is available) before uninstalling.

If that fails then try the same procedure in safe mode.

If that doesn’t solve the problem can you go to Device Manager > View and check ‘Show hidden devices’. Please post a screenshot of what is shown under Network Adaptors.

Also can you let us know which Vaio model you have?

I have never encountered this problem and am hoping that someone that has may possibly be able to contribute...

Re: Problems with wireless adapter

gyron1 — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 11:28:05 GMT

Hello Rich912,

OK, will have a go at doing all of what you say and post.

Just a (silly?) thought, would it be possible to copy the Network Adapter App from my wife's computer and copy into mine? Maybe apps are protected so you cannot do this, not sure.

Thanks for continued help,

Gyron

Re: Problems with wireless adapter

gyron1 — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 12:20:29 GMT

Hi Rich912 (again),

OK, just managed to uninstall the Network Driver (Adapter), but still cannot reinstall adapter from original Sony CD's supplied with laptop!

Just had another thought, since I did not install the original Apps/Drivers (they all came with laptop preinstalled), maybe I am not the original Admisistrator? Maybe Sony is the 'Administrator'
- daft thought?.

Regards,

Gyron

Re: Problems with wireless adapter

Blencogo — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:46:41 GMT

Hi Gyron,

Can we have some more information?

1. Your Vaio Model
2. Vista or XP
3. You mention discs supplied by Sony - this is not usual - what does it say on the discs? They could be an XP Downgrade and the drivers will not work with Vista.
4. The make of your wireless card - is it Intel PRO Wireless?
5. Are you using the original Sony Operating System?

We just need to make sure you are installing the correct driver.

Re: Problems with wireless adapter

rich912 — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 18:00:08 GMT

Hi gyron,

OK, just managed to uninstall the Network Driver (Adapter)

Well that’s a start – what happened when you rebooted after removing the device, did you receive a message that Drivers needed to be installed...? Is the adaptor recognized in Device Manager and are you still getting the same error message?

No, Sony will not be the Administrator. Have a look in Control Panel > User Accounts – Does your account say ‘Administrator’?

I suggest that you click Support at the top of this page and select Drivers and Updates. Download the original wireless driver that was shipped with your model and try that (depending on which model you have this may be an individual driver or part of the full driver package). Also have a look at updated drives and, if available download that also, but try the original driver first.

Just a (silly?) thought, would it be possible to copy the Network Adapter App from my wife's computer and copy into mine? Maybe apps are protected so you cannot do this, not sure.

Not unless this is an identical Vaio model.

Re: Problems with wireless adapter

gyron1 — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:51:37 GMT

Hello Rich912,

Sincere apologies for silence over last couple of days, but have been 'pulled' away from my work and problem/thread being discussed for Grandparent duties. Also, I did respond to your request for further information with a long post on Sunday 23rd but my posting did not appear on this thread for some reason. However, I will pick up pieces and try again.

Firstly, I am the Administrator but this is not the 'given name' of computer under the Computer Description. As far as I know I always login as the Administrator but maybe there is a special way to do this.

The Vaio Model is as as bottom of my posting ie;
Vaio PCG-Z1SP
Intel (R) Pentium (R) M
Processor 1500 MHz
595 MHz, 1.00GB RAM (additional 500MB RAM added by myself)
MS Windows XP Professional Version 2002, Service Pack 2

You asked for a 'screen shot' of what is shown under Network Adaptors - I have not provided screen shot but under System Properties > Hardware > Device Manager > Network adaptors, the following 3 items are listed;
1394 Net Adaptor
Intel(R)/100 VE Network Connection
Intel(R) Pro/WirelessLan 2100 3B Mini PCI Adaptor # No 3 (this is the one with the yellow exclamation mark over it)

As I explained in my earlier posting, I have now managed to 'uninstall' the last of these items (the WirelessLan) but each time I reboot from begining it seems to re-install itself but again having the the yellow exclamation mark over it!

You suggested downloading the Drivers from the top of this page for my particular laptop - this I have done (they are exactly the same as those on my Sony CD's - Apps & Drivers disc) but again would not install, giving the same error messages.

Finally, you asked for more information on the discs supplied with the laptop, this is as follows;
There are a pack of 5 discs called Recovery CDs, they all have the same written on them, ie;
SONY
Product Recovery CD-ROM (vol. whatever ie 1-5)
for SONY PCG-Z1SP
Support for these products is provided via VAIO-Link

and at bottom of disc;
(for distribution only with a new PC)
then Vaio trademarks etc

The computer (laptop) was bought as new as a present from John Lewis with all software, Application & Drivers pre-installed.

The Drivers are found on disc 5.

I think that is enough for this mailing, I hope I have answered all your questions and once again apologise for delay in responding back

Kind regards,

Gyron

Re: Problems with wireless adapter

Blencogo — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:21:51 GMT

Rich may have some other ideas but it may be worth installing the latest Intel ProWireless 2100 driver.

The 'latest' is 26 Oct 2006 but it may be worth a try.

Intel® PRO/Wireless 2100 Drivers

If that doesn't work we will need the Error Code shown by Device Manager if you double-click on the ProWireless Adapter. This will tell us why the driver will not load.

Re: Problems with wireless adapter

gyron1 — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:30:00 GMT

Hello, Blencogo,

Hmm, another of my posts that went astray! Anyway it was only a short one.

Thank you for your reply, might wait to see whether Rich has any comments. However, would you suggest I try and uninstall current 'bad' version or simply 'over install' the Intel ProWireless 2100 Driver?

Thanks again,

Gyron

Re: Problems with wireless adapter

gyron1 — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:41:32 GMT

Hi Blencogo,

ps. the error code showing now and before is No 28 (have not tried the Driver you suggested yet)

Regards,

Gyron

Re: Problems with wireless adapter

Blencogo — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:18:22 GMT

Error Code 28 just means that the driver is not installed. This is good news as a hardware fault is less likely.

Wait for Rich's comments before installing the driver. The download (No3) is a .ZIP file and will need to be extracted after download. Download it to somewhere you can find it and right-click on it and choose 'Extract All'. In the extracted files you will find a SetupWLD.EXE file - just run this. No point in uninstalling the present version because it is not actually installed. If it fails to install it is worth trying to install it from Device Manager, choosing 'Have Disc' and browsing to the installer information file (w70n501.inf) in the extracted folder.

Good Luck

Re: Problems with wireless adapter

rich912 — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:47:32 GMT

Hi Gyron

I agree with Blencogo that the latest Intel ProWireless 2100 driver is certainly worth a try and will not make matters worse.

However before doing that can we just check out one thing...

Intel(R) Pro/WirelessLan 2100 3B Mini PCI Adaptor # No 3 (this is the one with the yellow exclamation mark over it)

The’ # No 3’ may indicate that you have more than one instance of this device present (although hidden). As previously suggested go to Device Manager > View and check ‘Show hidden devices’. If there are then identical devices listed delete the greyed out ones and try installing the original drivers once more.

A reboot may be necessary before reinstalling the drivers

Re: Problems with wireless adapter

gyron1 — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:00:57 GMT

Hello Rich912,

Yes you are correct, you did ask for the hidden items before and I neglected to advise. (Also couldn't find it, sorry). There are some extra hidden items, the list is now;

Network Adapters;
1394 Net Adapter
BT Voyager USB Remote NDIS Device - Packet Scheduler Miniport
BT Voyager USB Remote NDIS Device - Symantec Network Security Miniport
Direct Parallel
Intel(R) Pro/100 VE Network Connection
Intel(R) Pro/100 VE Network Connection - Packet Scheduler Miniport
Intel(R) Pro/100 VE Network Connection - Symantec Network Security Miniport
Intel(R) Pro/Wirless LAN 2100 £B Mini PCI Adapter #3 (the one with the yellow exclamation mark)
WAN Miniport (IP)
WAN Miniport (IP) - Packet Scheduler Miniport
WAN Miniport (IP) - Symantec Network Security Miniport
WAN Miniport (L2TP)
WAN Miniport (PPPOE)
WAN Miniport (PPTP)

Which, if any, should I try and uninstall?

Thanks for continuing help from yourself and Blencogo,

Regards,

Gyron

Re: Problems with wireless adapter

rich912 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 07:49:48 GMT

Hi Gyron,

Thanks for the details. Unfortunately there are no duplicate devices, but I am puzzled by...

BT Voyager USB Remote NDIS Device - Packet Scheduler Miniport 
BT Voyager USB Remote NDIS Device - Symantec Network Security Miniport

This may have no bearing on the problem but do you have, or have you ever had, a USB network adaptor (wireless or Ethernet) plugged in to the notebook? Also are these two items greyed out or in standard font? If you could right click each of these devices and let us know details under properties it may help to throw some light on the problem.

In order to narrow down the problem, which does seem to be driver conflict rather than hardware related, I suggest that you have a look at the Intel PROSet/Wireless Software and run the diagnostics. You should find this in Control Panel or ‘Start All Programs’.

It may also be worth running Intel’s Driver update Utility .

Re: Problems with wireless adapter

gyron1 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:01:30 GMT

Hello Rich912,

Thanks for reply.

Dealing with first paragraph of your reply first;
BT Voyager USB Remote NDIS Device - Packet Scheduler Miniport
BT Voyager USB Remote NDIS Device - Symantec Network Security Miniport
neither of these items are greyed out and they are in normal text/font size.

Re using a USB connection to my (BT Voyager 2091) modem, yes there was a time when I connected to this device via one of my USB port. I am now using the ethernet port but wish to etc etc.

Not sure how much detail you want but here goes;

Re:'BT Voyager USB Remote NDIS Device - Packet Scheduler Miniport'
under Properties;

General Tab;
Device Type: Network adapters
Manufacturer: Microsoft
Location: Unknown
Device Status:
This device is working properly. If you are having problems with this device click troubleshoot to start troubleshooter.
Device usage:
enable device
disable device

Driver Tab:
Driver Provider: Microsoft
Driver Date: 01/07/2001
Digital Signer: Microsoft Windows Pulisher
Driver File Details: C:\WINDOWS\System32\DRIVERS\pshed.sys
Update Driver:
Roll Back Driver:No Backup for this driver
Uninstall To uninstall the Driver (Advanced)

Details Tab:
ROOT\MS_PSHEDMP\0003

Is this the data you need for 'BT Voyager USB Remote NDIS Device - Symantec Network Security Miniport' also?

Kind regards,

Gyron

Re: Problems with wireless adapter

rich912 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:30:57 GMT

Hi Gyron,

Re using a USB connection to my (BT Voyager 2091) modem, yes there was a time when I connected to this device via one of my USB port. I am now using the ethernet port but wish to etc etc.

As these are not longer in use I suggest that you remove them from the system (just on the off chance that they are causing a conflict with the PROWireless device) and then reboot and try to install the original wireless drives once more.

If that action makes no difference then I suggest that you try Blencogo’s suggestion of trying to install the latest Intel ProWireless 2100 driver.

Re: Problems with wireless adapter

gyron1 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:41:25 GMT

Hi Rich912,

OK, just to check, do you mean 'remove' or 'delete' both items.

Re your request to find 'Intel PROSet/Wireless Software and run the diagnostics' - I could not find it antwhere on the laptop. I did search and also came up with nothing.

Re 'It may also be worth running Intel’s Driver update Utility' - I tried to track this down but had no joy I am afraid. It wasn't at all easy to find the Driver Update Facility'.

Kind regards,

Gyron

Re: Problems with wireless adapter

rich912 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:02:37 GMT

Hi Gyron,

OK, just to check, do you mean 'remove' or 'delete' both items.

Yes I meant to say delete both items.

Forget the diagnostic software for the moment. If you click on the yellow text in my last post 'Driver Update Utility' that will open up the web page. the actual address is:

http://www.intel.com/support/wireless/detect.htm

I have looked for manual downloads but as Blencogo pointed out the latest 2100 Driver is version 1.2.5.37 dated 10/26/2006 [INTEL(R)PROWIRELESS 21_125836.ZIP]. Still worth a try if all else fails.