Why won't my Dell Latitude connect to Wireless Networks???

I have a Dell Latitude E6400 with an Intel 5100AGN wireless card. About one year ago, my little bros wireless router fried and I gave him mine to use b/c he couldn't afford a new one. I decided not replace it right away because lack of the wireless signal forced me to use my laptop ONLY in my home office...NOT all over the house, on the porch or out on the deck. It's actually nice to not have my laptop sitting next to me or in front of me every waking hour!!!

Anyway, I realized back in January that my WiFi wasn't working properly. When I visited my grandmother for a few days before Christmas, I couldn't connect to the wireless network my sister had installed in the house. The only MAJOR change I made between the last time I know it worked and discovering it not working six months ago was an upgrade from Windows Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Home Premium.

I'm leaving later this week on an 11-day trip to visit my cousin. So I'd like to get the WiFi working so I can use it on the plane, in the airport and, most of all, at her house during my stay!

I went by my parents' house last night to try yet again to get it working...but no luck!

The wireless adapater is shown to be working properly when I click on it. When I click to Connect to Wireless Networks, it shows my dad's router as the only option and it shows a full strength signal (5-bars). When I click to connect, it asks for the Security Key, I entered the CORRECT CODE, and click Continue; then it 'thinks' for a few minutes before notifying me that "Connection was Unsuccessful" to his network??? I verified the Security Key to make sure it wasn't the issue- But I entered it correctly...

So...if my wireless card can 'see' the network I want to connect with, request a Security Key to complete the connection; then fails and tells me it was unsuccessful...what could possibly be the issue??? One other note- I have also updated the adapter to the newest Intel drivers from Dell, just in case that was the problem....

Networking is my weakest area of tech knowledge, I'll admit it! So any input or troubleshooting suggestions you guys might have will be greatly appreciated!!!

 

Can you test if it would connect to an unsecured network?
It's possible that some other security measure has been implemented where you tested it- i.e. MAC filtering had been enabled and your MAC address wasn't on the list.
If you can connect to a unsecured network that rules out Windows/driver issues. If you can't - that rules out security issues.

 

IF Download's expert advice indicates a windows issue you may want to go to "Manage wireless networks" in win 7, delete the existing network & set it up again.
The Cable Guy: Connecting to Wireless Networks with Windows 7

 

Are you experiencing this with any wireless network you try to access? Either secure or not? If that is the case, I would say, try removing the wifi hardware and letting it re-install it under device manager (scan for changes). Maybe its fixed to a set wireless speed, or channel, or band-width. In any even, removing it and reinstalling it may resolve as that usually clears all setting out. But you will have to reconnect for the first time to each of your wifi areas you use. Download and save the drivers for your exact model wifi from dell (use the service tag to locate it) just in case windows fails to re-install it. Hope this helps...