No wireless network

Question

Okay, I have a Dell Inspiron M5040, Windows 7.  My computer was working fine until (stupid of me) I tried to do an update on my wireless adapter.  Supposedly, it was 'recommended' on the Dell Drivers & Support page according to my Service Tag #.  It was the Dell Wireless 1704 network adapter.  OK, so I downloaded it & ran the wizard.  It uploaded fine & when I restarted my computer, I was no longer able to use my Wireless network.  That's how I use my computer regularly.  I've tried Restore System, uninstalling & reinstalling the network adapter, but to no avail.  My network is not listed in the 'Manage Wireless Networks,' so, I tried to add it; however, it's stating that 'an unexpected error occurred.'  In 'Network Connections,' the Wireless Network Connection is located; however, it's in Grey & says Disabled.  I tried Enabling it, but nothing.  My Wireless Adapter is Dell Wireless 1701 802.11b/g/n.  I even contacted my Internet Service Provider & they tried to help, but said it was the Wireless Network Adapter.  I have even tried to install the driver using the disc my computer came with, but it still didn't work.  I'm definitely running out of ideas.  Last option, just do a Windows restart of the entire system.  THANKS A LOT DELL for recommending the update...  Would definitely appreciate any help...

PudgyOne · Answer

Musician_Man,

You can try system restore and go back to when this worked.

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

Rick

Musician_Man · Answer

Hi Rick, here's the info. you requested. BTW, I've already tried a system restore, but nothing.

Host Name: DARKNESS-PC

OS Name: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium

OS Version: 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1 Build 7601

OS Manufacturer: Microsoft Corporation

OS Configuration: Standalone Workstation

OS Build Type: Multiprocessor Free

Registered Organization:

Original Install Date: 12/25/2011, 4:23:18 PM

System Boot Time: 2/14/2013, 1:10:35 PM

System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.

System Model: Inspiron M5040

System Type: x64-based PC

Processor(s): 1 Processor(s) Installed.

[01]: AMD64 Family 20 Model 2 Stepping 0 AuthenticAMD ~1650 Mhz

BIOS Version: Dell Inc. A06, 12/15/2011

Windows Directory: C:\windows

System Directory: C:\windows\system32

Boot Device: \Device\HarddiskVolume2

System Locale: en-us;English (United States)

Input Locale: en-us;English (United States)

Time Zone: (UTC-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada)

Total Physical Memory: 3,692 MB

Available Physical Memory: 2,183 MB

Virtual Memory: Max Size: 7,382 MB

Virtual Memory: Available: 5,324 MB

Virtual Memory: In Use: 2,058 MB

Page File Location(s): C:\pagefile.sys

Domain: WORKGROUP

Logon Server: \\DARKNESS-PC

Hotfix(s): 174 Hotfix(s) Installed.

[01]: KB2764913

[02]: KB2764916

[03]: KB2650043

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Network Card(s): 4 NIC(s) Installed.

[01]: Bluetooth Device (Personal Area Network)

Connection Name: Bluetooth Network Connection

Status: Media disconnected

[02]: Realtek PCIe FE Family Controller

Connection Name: Local Area Connection

DHCP Enabled: Yes

DHCP Server: 192.168.0.1

IP address(es)

[01]: 192.168.0.14

[02]: fe80::a51e:6731:dbac:5fba

[03]: Dell Wireless 1701 802.11b/g/n

Connection Name: Wireless Network Connection

DHCP Enabled: Yes

DHCP Server: N/A

IP address(es)

[04]: Broadcom Virtual Wireless Adapter

Connection Name: Local Area Connection 2

Status: Media disconnected

PudgyOne · Answer

Musician_Man,

Your system has a Dell Wireless 1701 802.11b/g/n adapter. Works on 2.4GHz ONLY and has bluetooth.

Have seen some virus programs and firewalls block communications.

Since you think this was a driver issue, you can try...

Go to Drivers & Downloads enter your service tag number, then select your operating system. Under Network, download and install the latest drivers.

Try these tweaks....

Start, control panel, device manager. Click on Network and then right click on your wireless adapter, left click properties, power management. Uncheck the box, allow computer to turn off this device to save power.

Go to the power options, and changed the Wireless Adapter Setting, from Maximum Power Setting to Maximum Performance.

Places to look to see if your Connection is enabled

Rick

Musician_Man · Answer

OK, I did your suggested info. the one with the picture. I had already "reinstalled" my driver for the Dell Wireless Adapater, but nothing.

Checked the BIOS: however, I didn't see anything there.

Checked Device Manager: it's not enabled. Tried to press "Enable," it didn't do nothing.

Tried the fn & f2: Didn't work

Checked the Windows Mobility Center: My Wireless Connection isn't even listed

Checked the WWAN: And under the "Location & other Sensors," it states No Sensors are installed.

One question: do I need to uninstall my antivirus & firewall before reinstalling the Wireless adapter?

I don't know what else to do. How about if I just reset my computer to it's original settings. Would that help?

PudgyOne · Answer

Musician_Man,

If you want to restore back to factory, make copies of files and folders that you cannot afford to lose. Restoring Your Computer´s Software to the Factory Settings is the easiest method, no drivers needed to install.

Your adapter was showing. If you can connect in the same area of your wireless router, then I would think maybe your antenna wire(s0 may have come lose. But you're saying you cannot enable the adapter in device manager.

Rick

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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