Need 1470 Mini PCI Driver for Win XP on Latitude C400

Question

I just installed a Broadcom DW1470 Mini PCI Wireless Card in my Latitude C400. I have downloaded R102320.exe and R112196.exe drivers for the 1470 card. My C400 tells me they are not suitable (or similar message) and does not install them. I previously had a Dell 019401/C Agere Mini PCI Wireless card that worked, but it was 802.11b and I wanted to upgrade to a Wireless G. When I bought the card on eBay the ad said it was compatible with the Latitude C400 (I know, you can't trust all you read on eBay). Am I out of luck or where can I find a working driver for it?

Thank you.

helmecj01 · Answer

hi have you try going on to the Broadcom web site http://www.broadcom.com/

oldneezer · Answer

Yes. I found the proper series (I think) but could not find a download capability for it. I found a message that said I was to go to http://support.dell.com/us/en/index.asp and I have successfully chased my tail to no avail. Thanks for the reply. I am beginning to doubt the compatibility of the Device with my C400, but I will try furhter.

TadN · Answer

I would try the following:

Assuming this is what you have:

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

1. use the dell wireless utility:

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?journalid=C8789D3562D711DB8C89B5EEE13E1C35&docid=303374

2. get the driver from:

oldneezer · Answer

Thanks for the response. I will go through it step by step. I did not buy the card from Dell, but on eBay. It does say DW1470 and Broadcom on it. I previously downloaded the R102320.EXE file and it tried to install and got so far as to loading it into dell/cab files, but the installation quit on its own when it said it did not match.

I will go back through your procedure on How to I connect to a wireless network using the Dell Wireless Utility. Then I will try reinstalling the driver software.

Thanks again.

gjmalcyon · Answer

Just went through the same issue with my C400 and a 1470. Do not run the Dell automatic setup program. Unzip the driver files to a hard disk folder and note the location. I used the R102320 set of drivers.

Go to the Device Manager and delete the 1470 in the list of hardware (it should have a yellow question mark next to it).

Next, run a Scan for Hardware Changes. Win XP should discover the 1470. When XP asks for the location of driver files, give it the location where you unzipped the 1470 drivers. XP will install the drivers for the 1470, but none of the Dell support or connection manager programs. You will have to use Windows XP to manage your wireless connections.

If you check the README.txt file in the unzipped driver location, there are instructions on how to run the install with command line switches to install only the System Tray app without installing the drivers, and other "custom" installs. Didn't try it, however.

TadN · Answer

Excellent reply!

oldneezer · Answer

What a wonder you are. I was doubtful at first, but I went through your instructions faithfully and it worked just like you said it would. Thank you very much. Now I must go back to the guy I bought the Mini PCI Card from on eBay and eat a little crow for doubting him. Although I must admit it took perserverence and some might smart people on the Dell Wireless Forum to assist me on it. Thanks again.

gjmalcyon · Answer

Don't each too much crow - you are both right. While the card will work in a C400, its equally clear that the standard Dell installation routines do not work in a C400. Absent a little technical knowledge, you will not get the card to work in a C400.

oldneezer · Answer

I got my 1470 Mini PCI Driver working just fine.  Then I added a range extender to my Wireless Router and got to messing with the Properties/Advanced settings and think I may have messed them up.  I accessed these from Wireless Network 3 Properties/Configure.   How can I reset them to a default set of conditions?  Or what are the proper values for the individual items in the list of options?

house1224 · Answer

Were you finally able to make 1470 up and run on your C400? Thanks

oldneezer · Answer

Yes I was, using the advice I got in this forum.  It works like a charm.  Sorry about the two simple yes replies.  I had to figure out how to reply and then my Enter finger repeated before I was ready to send the first reply.

house1224 · Answer

Hello,

I appreciate you promptly responded to me. I purchased C400 on eBay. Everything seems to be working fine except NETWORKING. The status of its onboard LAN shows message “Network Cable Unplugged” though it is connected to a router. Every other possible network device that I installed on c400 ( 1470 WLAN Mini-PCI Card, USB wireless adapter, PCMCIA card) have the same problem- message “Network Cable Unplugged” though they all are configured properly. Did you come across this issue?

oldneezer · Answer

I am about to tell you more than I know on the subject, so take it with a grain of salt.  It sounds to me that your built in LAN/Internet port is not working properly, since it shows up under all attempted configurations.  I expect that you may have already tried these potential solutions, but I would start with the Device Manager (accessed from left double click on My Computer, right click then on Properties, select the Hardware tab, then select Device Manager).  Open Network Adapters and select the one that is not the Wireless one.  Then you should have the options to disable it and reenable it, load a new driver for it (which should be on the disc that came with the computer or by download on another computer from Dell, put on a flash drive and moved to your C400).    Like I said, I have probably told you more than I know.  Good luck.   Gene

house1224 · Answer

Thank you Gene,

I have 3Com 3C920 Integrated Fast Ethernet Controller (3C905C-TX Compatible). It has "working properly" status in Device Manager. I've also run full system diagnostic test with Diagnostics Build 1102 and it didn't pick up any problems with NIC. Though USB Wireless adapter has the same problem as NIC and WLAN I today was able to get to Internet through USB connected 2Wire Modem/router.

I've received a message from Dell Tech. support requesting additional information. I've sent it to them and they are working on my case. But nevertheless I have feeling that you were 100% right that its motherboard has flaws that affect on network devices.

Thank you for taking time writing me.

oldneezer · Answer

Keep working with Dell and your C400.  It is a great little computer.  Mine has been to England and around the Horn of South America with me and does a great job.  I bought it from Dell Financial Services.  I recently bought a new battery for it (off eBay) and it lives much longer off line.  I tend to doubt that you have a problem with the motherboard, but would still keep fighting with the Drivers.  Hope the Dell tech support can help you.   Gene.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Need 1470 Mini PCI Driver for Win XP on Latitude C400

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