click start control panel administration tools computer management device manager scroll through all of your devices
if you see a yellow question or exclamation mark ? ! or a red X you will need to update the drivers for this device right click select update driver/reinstall driver
if you can see your usb device but its not working scroll to Ports(Com&Ltd) right click to update driver
if you computer came with a motherboard disk the drivers could be on it
or you might have to download them
rather doing a driver hunt which can take hours
http://download.cnet.com/slimdrivers-free/3000-18513_4-75279940.html
it might take some time being a freeware driver solution
note: it will find all of your outdated drivers
this is a free driver solutions this will automatically search for and find the correct driver you will have to update every driver individually once you update you might be asked whether you want to restart or make a system restore point click no to both of these then continue updating each driver free then restart once all of the drivers have been updated also at cnet http://download.cnet.com/2000-20_4.html on the home page you should see a search tab just type in what you are looking for IE: motherboard name sound drivers you might have to try a few times to get it right
http://download.cnet.com/drivermax/3000-18513_4-10572602.html
Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/8 free driver program
http://download.cnet.com/drivers-for-free/3000-18512_4-75548155.html
Windows XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/7/8 free drivers
http://www.downloadcollection.com/device_doctor.htm
Device Doctor is a freeware Windows application that scans your computer hardware and checks to see if there are new driver updates available for your devices. It also locates drivers for Unidentified Devices in the Windows Device Manager. This tool was designed to be very simple and easy to use
http://www.innovative-sol.com/drivermax/ free program, paid update available
hope this helps
If your computer has a wireless network adapter, Windows will automatically detect wireless networks in range of your computer. You can see a list of wireless networks that Windows has detected in Connect to a Network.
Open Connect to a Network by clicking the network icon ( or ) in the notification area.
If Windows doesn't detect a network that you think is in range of your computer, it could be because of one of the following reasons:
The wireless switch on your computer is turned off.
Many laptops have a wireless switch on the front or side of the computer. If your computer has a switch, make sure it's turned on. Some computers also use a function key combination to turn the switch on or off. Check the information that came with your computer for details on locating the wireless switch.
Your computer is too far from the wireless router or access point.
Move your computer closer to the router or access point. If the computer is portable, try moving it around to determine the range of the wireless signal and the best place to use the computer.
If you can't get closer to the router or access point, consider buying and installing an external antenna for your wireless network adapter. Many wireless network adapters are set up so that you can attach an external antenna to them, which provides better reception than a built-in antenna. Check the information that came with your wireless network adapter to see if you can install an additional antenna.
The wireless router or access point is turned off or isn't working properly.
There are two things to try:
Make sure the router or access point is turned on and that the wireless signal light is illuminated.
Reset the router or access point by unplugging it, waiting at least 10 seconds, and then plugging it back in.
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