Back to Contents

# Manual Diagnostics Tool

The Manual Diagnostics Tool lets you run a set of diagnostics tests that verify the functionality of your WiFi adapter. There are two levels of diagnostics details represented in this tool: user level and technical support level. At the user level, the tool only shows a short description of the different diagnostics steps that are being taken and only shows a pass or fail indication for each step.

The technical support level includes the creation of a log file which contains detailed information on all the executed tests. This log file can be saved to a text file and emailed to a technical support department to troubleshoot connection problems.

## Using the Manual Diagnostics Tool

To open the Manual Diagnostics tool:

- For computers running Windows XP*, first open the Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility. Then under the Tools menu, click Manual Diagnostics tool.
- For computers running Windows Vista*, click Start > All Programs > Intel PROSet Wireless > WiFi Manual Diagnostics.

To set the log file location:

1. Inside the Manual Diagnostics tool, click File.
2. Click Settings. The log file named WirelessDiagLog.csv contains the results of the tests. It is saved as a text file and can be used to troubleshoot network connectivity issues.
3. Click Browse to specify where you want the log file to be saved.
4. Click OK to apply your changes and return to the Manual Diagnostics Tool. The next time you run the tests, the log file will be save to your specified location.

To run the tests:

1. Click the check box next to each test to select the test to run.
2. Click Run Tests to run the selected tests. The test results will be saved to a file named WirelessDiagLog.csv.
3. Click Close to close the Manual Diagnostics Tool.

#### Available Tests

Name | Description
--- | ---
Hardware Test | The test passes if the WiFi adapter is present and accessible. The test fails if the adapter is not present or present but disabled. The test summary displays whether the wireless hardware is enabled or disabled. Troubleshooting Verify that your adapter is listed under Network adapters in the Device Manager. If the adapter is not listed, right-click Network adapters and select Scan for hardware changes. You can also reboot your system. Verify that your adapter is enabled in the Device Manager. When the adapter is disabled, a red X is displayed on the device. Right-click the adapter and select Enable from the menu. When the adapter displays a yellow exclamation point, right-click the adapter and reinstall the driver. Contact your computer manufacturer for other troubleshooting options.
Driver Test | The test summary displays the Intel(R) PRO/Wireless Network Connection driver supported by the WiFi adapter. The test verifies if the driver binary version is compatible with the installed version of the WiFi connection utility. The test fails if the driver binary is not found or if the driver version does not match the WiFi connection utility software version (for example, version 11.1.x.x and driver version 9.0.x.x, 9.1.x.x, or 11.1.x.x). Troubleshooting Reinstall the drivers using the WiFi connection utility.
Radio Test | The test summary displays Radio On or Radio Off. The test queries the current radio state. If the radio is switched on, the test passes. If the radio is off, the test fails. Troubleshooting Verify that your WiFi adapter's radio is on. There are two methods to turn the radio on and off: The hardware switch The WiFi On/WiFi Off button in the WiFi connection utility main window. See Turn On or Off the Wireless Radio for more information.
Scan Test | The test queries the WiFi networks within range of your WiFi adapter. The test passes if networks can be seen in the scan list. The Test Summary displays the number of networks available to connect to. Troubleshooting Verify that you are within range of an access point. Switch the wireless radio to off and back to on. Verify that the wireless band setting matches the access point band setting. Switch the access point to off and back to on.
Association Test | The test summary displays Associated or Not Associated. Association is the establishment and maintenance of the wireless link between devices. When security is enabled, the devices only exchange security credentials. The test checks for wireless connectivity. The test passes if the client is associated successfully. Troubleshooting When the access point signal strength is low, use the signal test listed below. Verify that a profile has been created. If created: Verify that the profile SSID matches the access point Network Name (SSID). Remove the profile and create a new profile. Verify that your wireless network is not included in the Exclude (profiles) List. Verify that the MAC address has not been excluded in the access point.
Authentication Test | Describes the process after association, during which the identity of the wireless device or end-user is verified and then allowed network access. The test queries for authentication state information, including all Cisco Compatible Extensions and security-related information. The test passes if the client is authenticated successfully. The test fails if the WEP key or other credentials are not authenticated. The Test Summary displays whether authentication is required for the network connection. Troubleshooting Edit your profile to ensure the correct credentials have been used for the WEP key, PSK, password or certificates. Remove the existing profile and create a new profile.
Signal Test | The test summary displays the signal quality. If the signal quality is low, use the Troubleshoot button to diagnose and fix the problem. Troubleshooting Move your computer 10 to 20 feet from the wireless access point or router. Reduce interference by moving away from appliances (microwaves, cell phones or 2.4 GHz phones) or access points using the same channel. Try increasing the transmission power of the access point.
Ping Test | The test verifies whether the WiFi adapter successfully sent messages to and received replies from the access point IP address, default gateway, DHCP server (if enabled) and DNS servers. The test summary displays whether replies from these entities were received. Example: Response: AP, default gateway. No Response: DHCP server NOTE: If the ping tests to this access point and default gateway are successful but the ping test to the DNS server fails this is not a wireless network issue but a general network issue. Troubleshooting Disable the security firewall and try the ping test again. Contact the access point manufacturer to troubleshoot your home network. Enterprise users should contact their network administrator.
Troubleshoot | Diagnose and fix problems displayed by each of the tests. The Troubleshoot button becomes active if the test fails.
Run Tests | Executes the tests that you have selected.
Close | Closes the page.
Help? | Provides help information for this page.

Back to Top

Back to Contents

Trademarks and Disclaimers