Network wireless laptop?

Laptop won't connect to wireless network, but will in safe mode? Help!?

• I have an inspiron 1525 laptop with a "Dell Wireless 1395 WLAN Mini-Card". I recently went over to my dad's house and he had just set up a new wireless network. My laptop has a switch on the side that tells me what networks there are, but doesn't let me connect without pressing "connect" or something like that. The network shows when I move the switch, but when clicking to help set up a connection, the whole program freezes and won't open. So I tried redownloading the "Dell Wireless WLAN Card" program, but that just erased the other network from my mom's house, so when I'm back here that network doesn't work either. I went into safe mode with networking and went to my network places. Than right clicked to get properties, which brought up "network connections". Than right clicked the wiresless network connection and hit properties again and than the wireless networks tab. This is what lets me connect to the internet in safe mode. So I thought I had fixed it, but back in regular mode, THE TAB ISN'T THERE! So I have no clue why the tab I need seems only to exist in safe mode. Is there another way I can get my connection working again? My dad did a restore and still didn't help. I know it isn't the wireless doing this or an unconnected cable because it is happening on two networks. And the networks connect fine to my sister's laptop. If you can help I will be so thankful! I'm dieing here!

• Answer:

  It is likely that you have another program managing your wireless connections while you are not in safe mode. Look thoroughly through your list of Program Files for such a program - then try to look for the networks. You say that your dad did a restore. From when? A recent restore may not have been old enough. Understand? If it was broke when the backup was made, then the restore won't help. You can also try going to your Device Manager and deleting or uninstalling the WLAN card. Then click find new hardware and the WLAN will redetect and reinstall. Make sure you load the latest driver by using your Service Tag number on the bottom of the dell at dell.com. Worst case you could try fresh operating system load. If your laptop is under warranty, then I highly recommend calling Dell. A real American will walk you through easy steps to figure out what the problem is. :) Good Luck.