I have a very old Sony VGNFW139E laptop that my wife used connected directly to my wired network. I recently installed Windows 10 x64 as an upgrade and now need to relocate the laptop and use it with a wireless connection. Currently in the Control Panel I can see that the WiFi is turned off. If I attempt to turn it on the switch will immediately go to off. It does work on a wired network. I now need to use it with the wireless connection to monitor my Solar array and connect to my wireless network.
Can I install a Netgear wireless USB adapter and get it to work? If yes which Netgear adapter should I get? The laptop will be in my basement almost directly under a Netgear access point I have in my family room. I estimate that the distance will be about 15 feet between the laptop and access point.
Some of the older Sony laptops have a physical switch to disable Wi-Fi. I couldn't find much on your model but if it has a switch, make sure it's switched on. There may also be a key combination to toggle Wi-Fi. One website suggested that it could be Fn+F12.
Otherwise, you can install a wireless USB adapter. Go to Negear's page of Wi-Fi adapters. Get one with Windows 10 support. You can tell by clicking on a model and Get Support. You will then see if Windows 10 drivers are available. Pick a model suitable for your needs. If you have an older Wi-Fi router or your Internet speed is not that fast, then you may not need the fastest model. While 15 feet is not a large distance, the material and thickness of the flooring may affect Wi-Fi performance. If it's wood, you'll be fine. Concrete, on the other hand, will impact the signal significantly.
I'm going to install a wireless adapter, this just seems to be the easiest and quickest way out.
Between the PC and the access point is just wood and sheetrock thus I don't expect any issues.
Tomorrow before I order the WiFi wireless adapter I'll see if I can get a signal from the Solar transmitter in my home office. If I can then I can just use the wired network. I should have done this test during the daylight hours earlier today but did not think of it.
