How can I tell if my wireless card is bad?

I have a Gateway DX4870-UB21P desktop running Windows 7. It was working fine earlier today, but while I was coming dinner it disconnected from my wireless network. All other devices on the network still connect without a problem. In the network and sharing center, it status there are no networks available, but my tablet can find at least 6 at any given . When I check network adapters in device manager, only Intel (r) 82579V is shown. I'm pretty sure it is, but is there a way to be sure the card is bad before buying and installing a new one?

 

I'd check Device manager for an entry with a ! or ? on it.

 

No ! or ? that I can see.

 

Is it integrated? Maybe try reseating it if it isn't. Don't forget the most basic step: Reboot.

 

If you try to reinstall the driver software/package and it sees the device and goes through, it is still there and working. If it doesn't see it or says something like no compatible device found, it's toast!

But as Adrynalyne said, Reboot first... it does wonders.

 

Rebooting was the first thing I tried. How would I reinstall it? I think it's integrated, but I'm not sure. Haven't actually opened the machine yet.

 

Is there a chance this was a USB Wireless stick that's fallen off? Or is there an antenna that's cabled into the back of the computer?

Generally speaking...

If the cable is attached to the "I/O block" on the back of the computer (the silvery 'shield' where Mouse & Keyboard ports, USB ports, audio-ports, etc), then you've got an integrated Wireless Device.

If the antenna is cabled into one of the 'slots' (toward the bottom on a tower-style case), then the Wireless 'card' is probably a separate card that might be unplugged, and replugged in. (This is the "re-seating" idea offered above.)

If it's a built-in device, then it's disappearance from the Device Manager's listing probably means "dead forever and ever".

But I was wondering if this was a USB stick that has been knocked off, fallen out or ?? That would explain why no device is listed in the Device Manager - because no device IS indeed plugged in.

 

No, it was built in to the computer. Must have died, which is weird since it's only about 16 months old. I've got a USB network adapter now, so I'll just install that and carry on. Thanks for the advice!

 

Wait, I misread your post. I do have an antenna, I'll take the tower cover off and check.

 

No luck reseating the card, so I'm making do with the USB adapter for now. Thanks again!