Damaged Network Interface Jack on Inspiron 8500 Notebook

Question

I have a damaged network interface jack on my 8500 notebook and was told that I'd have to replace the entire motherboard to fix it. Ouch!!

I have a wireless Linksys router and the notebook has a built in wireless card. So, I was hoping I could configure the wireless set up, thereby avoiding having to replace the mother board just to get a new NIJ.

Can I set up my wireless configuration without having an initial internet cable connection from my laptop to do so? If not, what other ideas or alternatives might I have to spending $800 an another motherboard?

jwatt · Answer

Yuck! While it's safer to make configuration changes from a wired connection, you may be able to make most changes wirelessly. The ones that would be dodgy are WEP and WSA. But if you recognize that when you click on "Apply" after changing things like the SSID you'll be disconnected, and will need to change the client configuration before you can reconnect, you can probably change the configuration without too much hair loss!

The least expensive safe way is to purchase and install a PCMCIA NIC, though.

Jim

viper11885 · Answer

I have done the entire wireless configuration on wireless only before. No problems at all.

Just make sure that when you get the WEP key, write it down then apply the settings. Once down, enter in the WEP and do a restart.

You shouldn't run into any problems doing it wirelessly.

jmwills · Answer

Somewhere along the line, a wired machine is necessary in order to setup the router unless you reset it to factory defaults at which time I think it may be posiible to set it up via wireless.  Interesting to hear some other thoughts on this.

pappadude · Answer

Hey, that sounds like a great idea.  I will investigate.  Thank you.

johnallg · Answer

After checking the online service manual, tt is true the RJ-45 connector is on the motherboard.  If you are in warranty, it should be replaced under your warranty.

viper11885 · Answer

jmwills,

Actually, on my setup, I did it all wirelessly without any problems at all. Everything was from factory default settings. The stuff I changed were the router's ip address, ssid broadcast disable, wep encryption, dchp disable, and password change.

DELL-BobT · Answer

@pappadude wrote:

I have a damaged network interface jack on my 8500 notebook and was told that I'd have to replace the entire motherboard to fix it. Ouch!!

I have a wireless Linksys router and the notebook has a built in wireless card. So, I was hoping I could configure the wireless set up, thereby avoiding having to replace the mother board just to get a new NIJ.

Can I set up my wireless configuration without having an initial internet cable connection from my laptop to do so? If not, what other ideas or alternatives might I have to spending $800 an another motherboard?

pappadude,

The warranty on the system whose service tag is in your profile expires on 7-15-2005. You have the type of warranty where a technician will be dispatched onsite. You can contact Dell Support to set up service for your system.

pappadude · Answer

I was told by Dell that because the jack was damaged due to bent prongs, it is not covered under the warranty.  I'm not so convinced of this.

jwatt · Answer

If you have 'Complete Care' coverage, the damage should be covered regardless of how it happened. Perhaps DELL-BobT will have further comments on this issue. Jim Message Edited by jimw on 02-13-2004 10:26 AM

DELL-BobT · Answer

pappadude, This information is on the main support page.  Click on the Customer Care link. Click the view Documents link. Choose the area of interest.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Damaged Network Interface Jack on Inspiron 8500 Notebook

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