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Network icon show red "X" even though wireless adapter is connected and working...

Anonymous
2010-02-01T15:49:01+00:00

Running Windows 7 Ultimate and I recently tried installing the new softwarer/driver for the Netgear WPN111 wireless adapter. Before the install everything worked normally with the older version 2.1, but after installing version 3.0 it does not.

When the network icon in systray comes up you get the disconnected icon with the circle while it searches. Once it finishes it goes back to the disconnected icon, even though it is now connected to my wireless.

Here are somethings I've tried:

  • clearing all network locations
  • clearing tray notification cache using CCleaner
  • uninstalling the adapter itself from device manager including checking delete driver
  • removing the wireless network and adding it back manually
  • hiding and unhiding the network icon in the tray
  • uninstalling version 3.0 and reinstalling version 2.1
  • uninstalling version 3.0 and reinstalling version 3.0
  • restarting the Network Location Awareness service
  • disabling and renabling the Network Location Awareness service after a reboot

Here are some things I've noticed:

  • the network icon used to change to the wireless icon during connecting and once connected, now it always shows the wired network icon
  • tried connecting to a wired connect and the same thing happens, it goes back to displaying the icon with the red "X" even though it is connected
  • booted into safe mode with networking and the icon works normally in safe mode

Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated. It's one of those things that doesn't really affect the functionality of Windows, but it's annoying as all.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Internet and connectivity

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-02-12T18:43:16+00:00

    Hmm... a complete reinstall seems a bit premature at this point. Why not first try the following:

    1. Clear all preferred wireless networks from your network configuration. Right click to manage, click wireless on the left, delete everything.
    2. Ensure the network manager service is running.

    A reboot may be required, but it was not in my case.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-05-22T14:30:37+00:00

    I had the same issue and this is how i solved it

    services.msc set "WWAN AutoConfig" to automatic, and start the service.

    in device manager uninstall ALL network adapters. Then right click and select "Scan Hardware For Changes" allow windows 7 to install the adapters. (No need to select remove driver)

    This solved the problem for me.

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-09-24T17:25:20+00:00

    hi mine is doing the same,

     and guess what microsoft say   " it is by design" this is what "cody" says !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Hereme,

    What you're describing is by design. If you would like to see this feature change in future versions of Windows, you can leave your feedback here:

    Windows 7 Feedback

    Thanks for using Microsoft Answers!

    Cody C

    Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

    Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

    and what i say

    what a load of cobblars "it is by design to show the wrong status of a connection" what bad bad reply and i have to send feedback in to ask to get the "by design corrected-"- come on microsoft pull your finger out , you have our money but do not design stuff that works.

    hereme was here.

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-07-25T09:04:46+00:00

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2011-03-24T20:03:04+00:00

    Fixed mine by deleteing Incoming Connections in Network and Sharing Centre > Change Adapter Settings.

    Windows Vista to Windows 7 Upgrade.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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