Dell N5050 - New Hard Drive, No WiFi

Hello. Trying re-posting on the Networking board. Be sure to tell them which operating system you have.

After an operating system installation you should follow the order of installation. You can skip the 1st item if you don't have it (Dell System software) but be sure to install the next item, Intel Chipset driver.

All of your drivers are on the Inspiron N5050 downloads page. You have to select your OS in the dropdown box, and if you navigate away from that page and return to it with your browser's back button, you have to re-select the OS -- unless yours is the default OS.

I tried to install the Intel Chipset driver that was on my Dell CD

Dell doesn't usually include discs anymore. I wonder if you could have been sent one by mistake, not meant for your model, because that Atheros driver you said is on it is not meant for an an Inspiron N5050.

You could download the Intel Express Chipset software through that link I posted, but be sure to select your operating system.

I assume that means the new hard drive already had a OS on it?

I have never heard of a new hard drive with Windows pre-installed on it. Which version of Windows is it? Dell only fully supports Win 7 on the N5050.

For what it's worth, the other option on my backup CD for Network drivers is Realtek RTL81XX PCI-E Network Connection. I installed that but it keeps wanting me to plug in a cable as if to say it's not a wireless network driver.

I think the Realtek RTL81xx PCI-E is an Ethernet device. By that, I mean the internet connection where you connect an Ethernet cable from a modem or router to the computer's network connection port.

There are some wi-fi drivers on the N5050 downloads page, in the Network category. Looks like there are a few "Dell" branded wireless drivers. That is probably for wireless hardware made by some company like Broadcom but using the Dell brand name. Probably one of those drivers is what you need.

This is the Laptop Audio board and this stuff is outside my particular area. If you post on the Wireless board those guys should be able to tell you how to determine which wireless hardware you have and which driver you need for it.

I did mean the Intel Express Chipset.

aw2055989,

When you reinstalled the operating system, did you install the Dell System Software(if applicable) and the chipset drivers first? If not, the rest of the drivers will fail to install. How to Download and Install Drivers in the Correct Order

Start with the Dell System Software and the chipset drivers and follow the list.

Rick

I did post on the Network board.

I see that you posted there and got a response from Rockstar Rick K two days ago, but you did not reply to him. You should talk to Rick -- he is the one who can help you out.

(Don't know why someone moved this thread to this board -- it is not an OS issue.)

Hey Rick. I was working with the poster in this thread -- it was originally on the Laptop Audio board but someone has moved it to the OS board.

I think aw2055989 needs help in nailing down his exact wireless hardware so he can get the right driver. He says that the Dell original configuration shows a device that is not listed on his laptop's driver downloads page. That does not seem right to me.

Jim,

I have joined the threads in the Dell Networking, Internet, Wireless Forums

aw2055989,

Can you run Finding System Information REMOVE YOUR PRODUCT ID and REGISTERED OWNER and post the information back here.

What are you having issues with. Can you give a screenshot ot the device manager?

Rick