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[Solved] wifi problem

Discussion in 'Windows Vista' started by doug brown, Mar 12, 2016.

  1. doug brown

    doug brown Registered Members

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    Hi guys me again trying to get the wifi working after reinstalling the OS. after finding out that it was not a virus giving me the black screen issue i decided to just wipe it with a fresh install. i did lose some info i had on there but it's working almost like it should.
    after the reinstall i got the ethernet working so i could do the updates then i went to dell for the chipset drivers. i downloaded the ones that they showed for my laptop. any drivers for the wifi i tried didn't work and i even asked kenny if he knew where to find some. he was very helpful even after all the help he gave with looking if my original problem was a virus. he gave me links to look for the drivers. that was awesome and even gave me a link to easily install things i used a lot. that was even cooler. being the noob i am i'm having trouble getting the wifi to work. the bios has it enabled and the switch is on. the device manager can't see it so can you guys give some direction to what i'm doing wrong?
     
  2. donetao

    donetao Banned

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    Hey doug! What do you see in device manager?? I run W10 but Vista should look the same! You could power down your wireless router and then power it back on. What do you show in your system tray?
     

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  3. Tony D

    Tony D Administrator Administrator

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    You need to download the driver. Go to www.dell.com Click on Support. Click on Support by Product. From there, enter your Service Tag or let Dell determine which computer you have automatically.

    There may be a few drivers for the Wireless Network Card because sometimes Dell will use more than one manufacturer's wireless card in the same model computer. So, you may have to download them all until you find the one that works. It won't hurt if you download the wrong driver; it just won't work.

    You'll know you have the right driver when it shows up in the Device Manager under Network Adapters. Refer to Donetao's screen capture. His wireless network adapter is the second one listed under Network Adapters. The first one listed is his wired Ethernet adapter.
     
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  4. doug brown

    doug brown Registered Members

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    the manager only shows the wired connection and i already powered the router off and on. i do that once a day so i don't have connectivity problems. i went to dell for the drivers first but i didn't try to let them figure it out so i'll try that.
     
  5. donetao

    donetao Banned

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  6. Rustys

    Rustys Registered Members

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    How did you preform the wipe and reinstall?

    When they did not work did you uninstall them they may be interfering with each other.

    If you want to down load the Portable Version of ASTRA32 for Windows look under network and it should tell us that the WIFI is so we can help you get the proper driver. Also what Model of Dell is this?
     
  7. doug brown

    doug brown Registered Members

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    Thanks. the auto detect oddly didn't work for me so i'm downloading both chip sets and all the drivers under the network option. i hope this works. this thing is giving me a headache a swear i'm gonna kick that guys a$$ for messing with it in the first place.
    so am i right in saying install the chipset then wifi drivers?
    sorry rustys i was posting while you did i'll uninstall them before i do the ones i'm downloading now. it's a inspiron 1525.
     
  8. donetao

    donetao Banned

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    Yup Always install the chipset first!;)
    Good luck!
     
  9. Rustys

    Rustys Registered Members

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    For all drivers there is a specific order for them to be installed for the system to work properly. If not then the system may not work properly.

    Kind of let me see if I can find my copy of Drive install for Dell.
     
  10. donetao

    donetao Banned

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    IMHO The chipset is the first. After that I don't think the order matters.;)
     
  11. Rustys

    Rustys Registered Members

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    Driver install order for desktops and laptops
    The following list is an overview of the correct order to install drivers on Dell desktops and portables. After reinstalling Microsoft® Windows®, follow the order listed when reinstalling drivers. It is recommended that you print this list for reference when installing drivers.

    Note: Some devices may not function properly if the drivers are installed out of order.

    1. Desktop System Software (DSS) or Notebook System Software (NSS) - A vital utility that provides critical updates and patches for the operating system. If you are reinstalling Windows or updating all drivers, it is important that this software be installed first. This is located under the System Utilities Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

    2. Chipset - Helps Windows control system board components and controllers. This is located under the Chipset Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

    3. Video Adapter - Enhances video performance. This is located under the Video Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

    4. Network Interface Card (NIC) - Enhances the network controller for Internet or network access. This is located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

    5. Laptops Only: Dell Quickset or Dell Control Point Manager (DCP) - Controls power management, ambient light sensor, wireless profiles, and security features on laptops. This is located under the Applications on the Drivers and Downloads page.

    6. Audio Adapter - Enables and enhances the audio controller. This is located under the Audio Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

    7. Modem - Allows dial-up capability. This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

    8. Wireless Network Card - Enables and enhances the wireless network controller. This is located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

    9. Touchpad, Pointer, Trackstick, Mice, and Keyboards - Enhances the pointing device features. This is located under the Input Device Drivers Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

    10. Other Devices •Intel vProTM or AMTTM - Enhances system manageability. This is located under the Chipset Category on on the Drivers and Downloads page.
    •Bluetooth ® Module located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
    •Dell Wireless Mobile Broadband Cards located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
    •PCMCIA/Smartcard controller located under the Security Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
    •Touch Screen Digitizer Enables touch screen mouse control available on select Dell laptops. This is located under the Input Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
     
  12. Rustys

    Rustys Registered Members

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  13. doug brown

    doug brown Registered Members

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    Once again i'm in amazement of the level of intelligence and willingness to help out the little guy. reporting back with good results. wifi is back to good. thanks for your help guys. i hope one day i can help each one of you as much as you have helped me. kudos to all of you!
     
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  14. Rustys

    Rustys Registered Members

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    Glad to help.
     
  15. donetao

    donetao Banned

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    Hi doug! Now would be a great time to create a back up image of your OS. The next time you loan your PC to a friend and it comes back messed up, you just use the back up image to restore your PC just like it was the day you created the image.
    I use Macrium Reflect, but there are several freeware programs you can use.
    I'm:thmbup: glad you got your PC back like you want it.
    Thanks for sharing your recovery!
     
  16. doug brown

    doug brown Registered Members

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    Thanks for the suggestion about macrium reflect donetao. ill give that one a shot. with as the BS i went through this week getting this back to good. i will never loan any of my computers out. lesson well learned.
     
  17. Rich M

    Rich M Guest

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    This may well be a new reason to encourage backup image files but it does make sense. I think it also makes sense to not lend computers either
    as the letters "pc" and especially the "personal" do mean something.
     

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