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January 31st, 2017 15:00

After replacing hard drive, cannot connect to WIFI

My laptop is a Dell Inspiron 15 300 Series.  I just had to replace a bad hard drive.  I installed Windows 7 Home Premium from the CD I got with the purchase of the PC.  Now I'm having no success with connecting to my WIFI router.  After clicking "Connect to the Internet"  it says "Windows did not detect any networking hardware".  When I access "Device Manager", and Network Adapters, only Bluetooth devices appear.  I was using WIFI with this PC before I replaced the hard drive.  Why not now and how do I fix this problem?  TIA.      

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February 1st, 2017 10:00

gboone,

You will need to install all the drivers into the system after reinstalling Windows. You can click the link below, choose your system mode, choose operating system and download the drivers. There is a driver install order that you must follow for the hardware to work properly. I have also iniclude a link for Settign up your Network.

Dell Support- Inspiron Laptops

http://dell.to/2jwBqcR

Driver Install Order- How to Install the Drivers in Correct Order

http://dell.to/2jwEZ2t

Dell Networking and Wireless Support Center

http://dell.to/2jwyOLN



6 Posts

February 3rd, 2017 08:00

Thanks Jesse, your answer worked.  However, when I bought this PC from Dell about 3 years ago, I requested Windows 7 because I didn't like Windows 8.  Later, I got the free upgrade to Windows 10 via download.  Is it possible for me to get  Windows 10 for free again?  After all, the original hard drive should have lasted more than 3 years.  I lost a lot of data on that drive too.

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February 6th, 2017 05:00

gboone,

You can click the link to download Windows 10.

Dell Windows Backup Media Options

http://dell.to/2laIw6Y

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4 Posts

June 9th, 2021 13:00

How can I install the drivers if I can't connect to the internet? DUH?

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August 1st, 2024 10:13

Hello My Inspiron 15 3000 series laptop is not connecting to WiFi after SSD upgrade. 

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