Dell Network Assistant

Question

I have a problem with Dell Network Assistant: It always starts when I log in on my PC, but I ticked of the option 'run Dell Network Assistant when I log in at Windows' (or something like that...) It's annoying because it takes a while to load the program, I don't need it and I cant play a specific game if it runs. I don't dare to unistall it because I might need it later...

volcano11 · Answer

The program could be useful for someone without much networking knowledge to set up a network.  But, I found it too slow and too full of bugs to make it worthwhile.  But, then I'm pretty good at configuring everything manually, so it is not of much use to me.   Steve

-BC-Borus- · Answer

So, you've removed it...Did you noticed any problem after you did that? Why do you need the program actually?

volcano11 · Answer

This is one of the major problems with the Dell Network Assistant. It has other bugs as well and for that reason, I uninstalled it from my system after trying it out for a couple of weeks. If you want to keep it, you can disable it from starting up on every startup by running msconfig and unchecking the box next to the network assistant on the startup tab.

Steve

-BC-Borus- · Answer

Do you need it for wireless internet? And is there any way of reïnstall the full version after you removed it?

volcano11 · Answer

Windows and the drivers that come with the wireless card are all that you need to make a wireless network function. The Dell Network Assistant is not necessary. I've removed and have no plans to put it back, so I can't tell you whether or not you can reinstall it. The option to disable it on the msconfig startup tab, so that it doesn't run unless you specifically tell it it to, would allow you to keep it on your system in case you think that you may ever want to use it again.

Steve

tas7791 · Answer

Interesting to hear about user's reactions to Dell Network Assistant. Personally I was amazed that Dell could release something that is so obviously flawed. The app appears to work smoothly, and has a nice interface, but its bugs and annoyances are ridiculous. Any news on these getting patched soon? I'm an experienced network user, and like others here have no problems managing my configs manually... but I hoped the Assistant would just make it easier, particularly hopping between 4 diff network locations on my laptop (and so changing Workgroup, printer, wireless settings all automatically).

My main issue with it right now?

--> Continual popup of the window, "Network Profile Detected. You have connected to a network that you have created a profile for, do you want to connect to it?"

Is this a joke?? This thing pops up every minute, asking me if I want to connect to a Network Profile that I am already connected to and have a profile for! This confusion beats even some of Microsoft's attempts ;) I am not using the Assistant with this going on, obviously. But I've left it installed on my Inspiron 510m in the hope that these crazy bugs will get patched. Surely, surely, Dell can fix these pronto... not like it would be hard?

Any others having this issue? Comments?
tas

padmapada · Answer

Network assistant keeps popping up on my machine and telling me a new file is available, would I like to install it? If I say 'yes', it tells me it is not a proper file and it cannot be done. If I let my machine hibernate, as it is waking up the assistant tells me there is a problem with my network and I must contact my ISP. It is like having an assistant who is a slow learner. I'm going to fire it.

tas7791 · Answer

> It is like having an assistant who is a slow learner. I'm going to fire it.

Heh, I like that. Mine has been put on forced indefinite leave (disabled from running at all; waiting for Dell to patch).
Your problem sounds even worse than the popups I was getting. One baaad assistant ;)

No other suggestions or comments from ppl re if this thing is ever gonna work properly? Bah, back to something more interesting :)

tool4scs · Answer

I see a new version was posted on dell.com as of 12/20/2006.  If you decide to install it, make sure you uninstall the old version first (Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel).   http://www.dell.com/networkassistant/   I was having a few small issues with the previous version and the new release has fixed them all.

-BC-Borus- · Answer

I removed it a long time ago... Why do you actually need it for?

tool4scs · Answer

I use it for my home networking needs, file and printer sharing, network connection status, auto repair when I have network related problems...   It is really useful when you have it installed on more than one computer because if you share a folder, the other computer running Dell Network Assistant will automatically map that folder.  Same for sharing a printer.  One thing to note is that the firewall (if you have one) needs to have the correct ports open (10421 & 10426 UDP).   I really like the program!!!

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Dell Network Assistant

Was this post helpful?