Laptop wi-fi link problem

[#1]

My son has a laptop (I dont know the details) which developed a problem with a small group of keys that wouldn't work. I took it to my local computer fixer who changed the keyboard (and didn't charge much). We got it back about a month ago. Because it was the laptop my son used for work, in the meantime he had to buy a new laptop, so when the repaired laptop came back he put it to one side for use by my grandsons when they start having lessons at school which involve computers (later this school year).

However, it turns out the repaired laptop no longer connects to the internet. This is the first time since it was repaired that my son has tried using it to the internet, and being a month since it was repaired I am loathe to take it back to the fixer. I assume the problem is not with the other end of the wi-fi link because the new laptop works fine.

Is there some sort of switch in the laptop that can switch on or off the wi-fi link? If so, where would I find it?

Is there a way I can get it to look for any wi-fi systems where I am to check that it can see the outside world even if it cannot actually talk to it?

I dont know what my son has in the way of modems, but could it be that the modem no longer recognises the repaired laptop?

Are there any other things I could look at to try?

Thanks in advance for any help

[#2]

If its a Windows PC, simply type in WIFI in the question box, usually in bottom left of screen; choose appropriate option.

[#3 · Accepted solution]

@penneck if the wifi shows as already On but it can't find any networks, then there's a possibility that when the keyboard was replaced , the wireless aerial lead got detached from the wifi card!.

If you don't want to take it back to the repairer, then (assuming there's a spare usb port?) the simplest answer might be to get a mini usb wifi adapter.

[#4]

I've seen portables with a network / wireless on / off switch.

@penneck could you let us know the make & model ?

[#5]

@penneck 

Have you checked the WiFi login credentials are still in place?

Brian

[#6]

@bmc , @Champnet , @MisterW  & @Gel 

This is a reply to all of you (and thanks for your help).

I haven't access to the laptop in question, and I dont know how long it will take me to get it, so please bear with me (is that the correct spelling of bear in these cirumstances?). I am for the moment, having to deal with my son (who has the laptop) via text messages.

I cannot check the WiFi login, I dont know the make or model, I cannot check for a disconnected antenna, and I've forgotten what the fourth suggestion was so I cannot answer that one.

Anyway thankyou to all of you for your suggestions. I will have to try to get to my son's home and collect it.

Regards to all

[#7]

@penneck Your son could create a forum account and post the required information - if he has a working device.

[#8]

@jab1 , @bmc , @Champnet , @Gel , and particularly to @MisterW because his suggestion was correct (disconnected antenna).

My thanks to all of you for your help. My local fixer took about 3 minutes to open the laptop, spot the antenna wasn't plugged in, fix it, test the reception, and return the laptop to me with no charge

Regards

Graham