A computer system that is configured to wirelessly access a local area network is further configured to search for the availability of wireless access points when the notebook computer is powered-off. A computer user activates this powered-off seek mode by pressing a button mounted on the outside cover of the computer. Activation of this button then activates a power supply within the notebook computer that powers a wireless communication module. The remaining power supplies in the computer system, however, are not turned on. Once the wireless communication or radio module is powered, a side-band signal to the normal universal serial bus communication activates the wireless access seek mode. Once a determination is made by the wireless communication module, that determination is passed to the user in the form of a light emitting diode which indicates the availability or nonavailability of a wireless access point in range.