Laptop cannot reach my local wireless network

[W. eWatson]

I cannot reach the outside world of the internet through my wireless
connection. I took it to the library and had the same problem. No icon
shows up for either location. I see on one dialog that the radio is not
enabled. I tried that and got nowhere. Some other try mentioned
examining the radio hardware. I have no idea what that means.

Comments?

XP and a Gateway laptop bought in Oct. 2007.

 

[Tim Slattery]

I cannot reach the outside world of the internet through my wireless
connection. I took it to the library and had the same problem. No icon
shows up for either location. I see on one dialog that the radio is not
enabled. I tried that and got nowhere. Some other try mentioned
examining the radio hardware. I have no idea what that means.

You don't say just what "enabling the radio" consisted of. There
should be a switch somewhere on the laptop (the two I have access to
both have slide switches, but in different places) that turns the
wireless ability off and on.

 

[Don Phillipson]

I cannot reach the outside world of the internet through my wireless
connection. I took it to the library and had the same problem. No icon
shows up for either location. I see on one dialog that the radio is not
enabled. I tried that and got nowhere. Some other try mentioned examining
the radio hardware. I have no idea what that means.
. . .
XP and a Gateway laptop bought in Oct. 2007.

Gateway brand laptops are presumably documented.

The OP does not say whether or when laptop wi-fi ever connected OK
or what software connects (Microsoftoft or proprietary to wireless card.)

 

[W. eWatson]

You don't say just what "enabling the radio" consisted of. There
should be a switch somewhere on the laptop (the two I have access to
both have slide switches, but in different places) that turns the
wireless ability off and on.

I have no idea, but your comment may be the solution--switch. Ah, F2 is
one possibility. Very sneaky. Yep, it worked. Thanks. I have no idea
how that combo did it. FN+F2 for on/off.