My wireless card won't work?

Question

I have an Atheros wireless card and a regular ethernet card. I have some programs that search for wireless networks, and in their set up I'm supposed to choose my wireless hardware, but instead it tries to use my ethernet as opposed to my wireless card, and it won't let me change to my wireless. When I look at the computer profile the wireless card is listed as functional, so the computer knows it's there it just won't use it. I'm wondering if maybe the card is to old for the software or if it doesn't support my brand of card or something. I have no idea what to do, so any suggestions would help

Answer 1

If your computer is having trouble choosing which one to use, disable the wired connection and then only the wireless one will be available.  It's easy to do (and to un-do).  

Go to your Control Panel and open the Network Connections icon.  You will see both (and maybe other) connections.  Select the wired one (probably says LAN), right click it and click disable.  It may give you a warning, but click OK.  Now only the wireless one is working.  while you're here, you can check the status of the wireless connection (right click and hit status).  This will tell you how long you've been connected and if it's OK.

There's a great program you can download (free) called NetStumbler.  It is to analyze wireless signals as to channel, strength, location, encryption, etc.  If you need help figuring out what's going on, use this program.

Answer 2

My answer probably isn't the best answer for this question, but this is a solution.  Go with powerline as your last resort.  Check out this video: http://www.cnet.com/4520-7390_1-6274537-...