Windows XP on Dell D420 Wireless Showing No Wireless Networks In Range

Recently I removed the Intel Pro Wireless Manager from my Dell D420 laptop. When it was removed I had the Radio set to off because I was plugged into my LAN via Ethernet. Once it was removed and I rebooted I was unable to see any wireless networks in the Wireless Network Connection configuration window. In the Wireless Network Connections Window you will see the below message.

There are two different things that could be the issue if you run into this problem. Each of these problems is listed below along with resolutions to each one.

1. Wireless Network Switch: The first issue that it could be is the wireless on/off switch on the side of your laptop is set to off. The switch, which is described in detail here, should be pushed towards the screen which is the on position. After the switch is in the on position refresh the wireless network list and you should start seeing your wireless network almost immediately.
2. Turn Intel Pro Wireless On: The second item which ended up being my issue was the fact that the wireless was turned off in the configuration for the Intel Pro wireless card’s configuration. To turn on the wireless back to “on” open “Network Connections” ( click start >> right click Network Places >> choose Properties from the drop down). Right click on the “Wireless Network Connection” and choose Properties from the drop down. The Wireless Network Connection Properties window, shown below, will pop open.
   

   Click the Configure button next to the wireless card, in this case the “Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Net”, to open the wireless card configuration utility. When this opens, it will look like the below, you will see a drop down in the upper right corner that allows you to choose either “Turn Wireless On” or “Turn Wireless Off”.

   

   Set the drop down to “Turn Wireless On” and then click OK at the bottom of the window to save the new setting. Once saved click on “View Wireless Networks” to verify you now see wireless networks appearing. The Wireless Network Connection window should now look like the below.

   

You should now be able to connect to your wireless network without issue. You also may want to leave wireless off from time to time if you are plugged directly into your network using the LAN port on the laptop so you can save more of your laptop battery.