Wireless adapter missing from device manager

Question

I have an Inspiron 6000 that was hooked up to a Belkin Wireless Network Utility 2.1 with a Belkin Wireless G USB adapter. This and 2 other PCs were set up professionally last year. Yesterday discovered that the USB adapter is broken (broke off of adapter end). The original owner said she didn't have to use an adapter to connect to the internet.  I searched for a wireless network adapter in the device manager. There isn't one. The only Network adapters are 1394 Net Adapter and Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller.  What do I need to purchase to install a built-in adapter?  There is a PCMCIA adapter - Ricoh R/RL/5C476(II) or Compatible Cardbus Controller listed in the device manager.  Can this be used to make a wireless connection?  If so what do I need to purchase to connect through the Belkin Wireless Network I have.  I am confused with this wireless adapter stuff! Thanking you in advance, Poodles721m

PudgyOne · Answer

Poodles721m,

The Broadcom should be for your ethernet connection. The 1394 is your wireless adapter. If for some strange reason, the operating system was re-installed, then the drivers listed below need to be installed in the order listed.

How to Install Drivers in Microsoft® Windows® on Dell Systems

Since the operating system was re-installed did you remember to go to drivers and downloads, enter your service tag(DO NOT POST SERVICE TAG here or your post will get deleted, since it contains your personal information), and install these drivers in this order.

Desktop System Software or Notebook System Software
Chipset or SMBus driver
Processor Driver (if applicable)
Video
Audio (sound)
Input Drivers (keyboard/mouse)
Modem
Network Card

Rick

dallascowboyswo · Answer

The 1394 is firewire connection. You would need to purchase a pccard wireless network adapter.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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