help me activate wireless

Question

i have Inspiron 6000 and due to reasons too long to list here, i had to reformat. using the Windows XP CD, I reformatted the hard drive. But now, I cannot connect to internet wired or wireless.   When I check for 'system information', i see 'Ethernet 802.3' under components-network. the laptop has built in wireless and i should be able to connect to the router but i don't see anything under 'network connections' (according to spec but i do not know how to verify this).    The HELP states that i could add wireless connection by going to 'network connections' and under 'network tasks' i should see 'create a new wireless connection'. i don't see this and even when i wire the laptop and create a new connection, it's not working.   can anyone help me? thanks.

volcano11 · Answer

After reformatting the hard drive and reinstalling Windows, did you install the chipset drivers before attempting to install any other device drivers? Without the chipset drivers Windows will not be able to properly recognize or properly install drivers for many other devices. The chipset drivers must be installed first.

Steve

MRF4700 · Answer

Any time that you reinstall Windows, it deletes all your system drivers. You need to reinstall these, as well.

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/devices.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&SystemID=INS_PNT_6000&os=WW1&osl=EN

You can download and install the drivers from the above link. Start with the chipset drivers, first. Followed by the Notebook system software then, the network drivers for the particular adapters that are installed in your I6000. Keep installing the drivers, till all the yellow question marks are gone, next to the hardware list, in the Device Manager.

P.S. You will also need to install all latest Windows updates from their website, if you have not already done so, as well.

volcano11 · Answer

The ethernet controller is under Network and is the Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller. To find out which video controller you have, go to the following site, enter your service tag number and then click on the Original Configuration tab.

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/my_systems_info/en/details?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~tab=2

Steve

joy2006 · Answer

Thank you so much for the help. After installing drivers from the link provided in the reply, i was able to get the wireless going and activate many devices in the Device Manager.   However, I still have a question mark next to 'Ethernet Controller', 'Video controller', and 'Video controller (VGA Compatible)' and this prevents me from playing a DVD, connect internet wired.   Is there other software I need to download?   thanks.

MRF4700 · Answer

This will likely get rid of the ethernet controller question mark:

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/type.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&SystemID=INS_PNT_6000&os=WW1&osl=en&deviceid=2966&libid=5

Likely you erased your DVD decoder software, when you reformatted your hard drive. In your stack of CD's that came with your laptop, do you have one titled "PowerDVD"? This CD contains the decoder software that allows you to view DVD's on your laptop. Contact Dell Support if you did not receive any CD's with your laptop. If your laptop is still under warranty, they should send you these at no cost to you!

Message Edited by MRF4700 on 08-22-200608:49 AM

joy2006 · Answer

I wanted to thank vocalno11 and MRF4700 for helping me out. I'm not online and most things are working fine.

DVD is still not working but i'll post the question separately since getting online is resolve.

Thank you so much for your help!!

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

help me activate wireless

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