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Tips to fix Windows 8 Wi-Fi problems

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Some of the most frustrating issues experienced in Windows 8 relate to problems with WiFi, some of the issues are set out below:

Limited connectivity message

If you are getting a limited connectivity message in the task bar, there can be several causes. Some reasons are a bad network cable, a problem with the router or network adapter.  We have outlined some possible solutions below which may help you resolve these issues.

Solution 1 – using troubleshooter

Windows 8 comes with a built-in Troubleshooter that can help resolve the WiFi issue you are experiencing.  Below are the steps to use the Troubleshooter in Windows 8

  1. Press Windows + C keys on the keyboard simultaneously to open Search Charm
  2. Type Troubleshooting
  3. Select Troubleshooting that appears first in the list
  4. Click Network and Internet
  5. You will see different types of fixes available under the Troubleshoot problems – Network and Internet, click Internet connections
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to resolve the limited connectivity issue

If the above solution does not work, try the troubleshooting steps given in Solution 2

Solution 2 – Reset TCP/IP

Some users might also get an additional error message which says “WiFi does not have a valid IP configuration.”  You can try resetting TCP/IP and Winsock to resolve the issue. Follow the troubleshooting steps given below to reset TCP/IP and Winsock.

  1. Press Windows + C keys on the keyboard simultaneously to open Search Charm
  2. Type Command prompt
  3. Right click on the first listing and select “Run as Administrator”
  4. At the command prompt, type the following commands one at a time

netsh winsock reset catalog

netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt

The above troubleshooting method will only work when the WiFi is working. If the WiFi icon is greyed out or disabled, try  Solution 3 given below

Solution 3- Enabling WiFi connection

In some cases, you will notice that you cannot enable the WiFi connection and the WiFi toggle button in Windows 8 is greyed out. Here are the troubleshooting steps you need to follow

  1. Go to Desktop
  2. Right-click the Network icon in the taskbar
  3. Click Open Network and Sharing Center
  4. Look for Wireless connection at the top. Click on the blue link
  5. A new dialog box pops ups, click on the Diagnose button
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to resolve the issue.

You can also try disabling and enabling the Wireless adapter by following the steps given below

  1. Go to Network and Sharing Center
  2. Click Change Adapter Settings
  3. Right-click on Wireless Network connection
  4. Click Disable
  5. Right-click on Wireless Network connection and click Enable

Common Windows 10 install issues

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Common Windows 10 install issues

Microsoft is offering a free Windows 10 upgrade, but the upgrade process might not run smoothly for everyone. Below are the 3 most common Windows 10 installation issues and how to fix them.

You are prompted for Product key

If you are upgrading from a genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 installation, then you have nothing to worry about. You can click on the option Skip and go ahead with installation. You don’t need to try to find your Windows 10 key among the pile of documentation and discs you are likely to have amassed over the years! Chances are Windows will recognize this error on its own and will not bother you with this prompt again.

The Installer sticks or continuously reboots

If you are experiencing the problem of the installer freezing at a certain point, or constantly rebooting, then you will need to remove all non-essential hardware from your PC. Disconnect any external hard drives connected to your PC.  Also unplug extra monitors, card readers, printers and other peripherals connected to the device. Also try using a LAN cable for the Internet connection instead of WiFi. This can help ensure a stronger and more consistent internet connection.

Secondly you need to ensure you are upgrading to the correct version of Windows 10.  For example, 32-bit Windows 7/8/8.1 users need to upgrade to 32-bit Windows 10 version. If you have Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Windows 8.1 Home or Standard, the correct upgrade version is Windows 10 Home. If you are using Windows 7 Pro, Ultimate or Windows 8.1 Pro, the correct upgrade version is Windows 10 Pro.  If you discover you have been upgrading to the incorrect version, then you will need to start the upgrade process again by selecting the correct Windows 10 version.

If you are not making any mistake with the upgrade version and are still facing problems with your Windows 10 installation, try downloading the Windows 10 media creation tool. You can create a USB installation media or installation DVD using the tool provided by Microsoft. Use the installation media to install Windows 10 on your computer.

Error: “Something Happened 0x80070005-0x90002”

If you are seeing an error similar to this, it simply means that the installer is not able to continue further as it is not able to find a file that it needs.  Though there is no specific mention of the file that is causing the error, one general solution for this error is:

  1. Disable all firewalls and antivirus
  2. Reset windows update components by going to the KB 971058
  3. Click Run now and follow the on-screen instructions
  4. Run the Windows 10 installer again
  5. If that doesn’t solve the issue, turn on the antivirus and firewall and follow the instructions given at  KB 947821
  6. You will be required to use the DISM tool, to resolve the Windows update issue
  7. Follow the instructions on the page to resolve the issue
  8. Ensure your antivirus and firewall are enabled
  9. Start the Windows 10 installation again

This list of Windows 10 installation issues is by no means exhaustive but it covers the main problems our users have encountered when installing Windows 10. If you are experiencing an issue that is not covered here, please feel free to post details about your problems below and see if our community of experts can help you!

How to reset or restore Windows 10 on your Dell laptop?

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After installing an update or the latest device drivers you might find that your Dell laptop is not working as well as before. In these type of circumstances, it can often be best to simply reset your Dell laptop.

How to reset Windows 10 on your Dell Laptop

Before proceeding to reset your Dell laptop, ensure you first take a backup of all files. Remember the reset that is discussed here is not a Dell factory image reset. This reset procedure will install a basic version of Windows 10 on your Dell laptop. It will not have any Dell factory installed apps.

  1. Go to desktop, type “reset” in the Search web and windows search box
  2. Select “Reset this PC” option
  3. Under Reset this PC, select “Get Started“
  4. Select “Remove Everything” option
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process
  6. Be patient as the process might take time and your laptop will restart automatically

If you have purchased a new Dell laptop with Windows 10 pre-installed, you can use the Windows Recovery environment to restore your computer to the Dell Factory image state.  The result is similar to reinstalling Windows 10 on your Dell laptop. Below are the steps you need to follow to restore to Dell factory image.

Restore Dell factory image by using Windows Recovery environment

Before starting the restore process, back up all important files as all data is wiped out in this method.

  1. Go to desktop and type “reset” in the Search web and windows search box
  2. Select “Reset this PC” option
  3. Under Advanced startup, select Restart now
  4. Select Troubleshoot at the Choose options screen
  5. Select “Factory image restore“
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process

If your Dell laptop does not have a recovery partition, you can still restore the Dell laptop to Factory image provided you create recovery media.