Wireless Network

Question

I recently had to reinstall Windows XP on my Dimension E510. The reinstall has caused me numerous problems, but the one I need to resolve soon is getting my Wireless Network back up and running.

I have searched Dell & MS for solutions with no success.

I am unable to run the Wireless Network Wizard successfully. I keep getting stymied. I have a broadband cable modem and a Linksys WRT320N Router. I have also tried the Cisco Network Magic Setup with no success. This problem also effects my printer, HP J6480, which was on my wireless network and I need to get it back on the network.

I believe that the reinstall didn't cover all of the drivers, etc. that were originally installed. I have used Dell Support to insure I have all of the updates, but again no assistance.

The odd thing is that my PC does connect wireless (?) to the Internet. Under Network Connections I am connected via a "Virtual Private Network" through a WAN MiniPort (L2TP). No Wireless Connection shows under Network Connection.

Any assistance is much appreciated.

Thank you,

Tony

DELL-Jesse L · Answer

tofriedel,

Thank you for using the Dell Community Forum.

Did you use the Dell Drivers and Utilites disk to reinstall the drivers after loading the OS? The first driver that should have been loaded would be the chipset drivers. If this is not loaded first all other drivers will not load or work properly.

tofriedel · Answer

Yes, I did use the Dell Drivers and Utility disk to reinstall the drivers.  I have revisited these to insure they were downloaded correctly.  Are there any other options available to me? Thanks

PudgyOne · Answer

tofriedel,

The Desktop/Notebook Utility needs to be installed first(if applicable), then the chipset drivers. If they are NOT installed first, then the rest of the drivers will fail to install.

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.

:emotion-55: Hint :emotion-55: When downloading the drivers, make a folder for each drivers and name it with the device it belongs with to make it easier to install them in the proper order.

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

QuickSet(Laptop only)

Rick

tofriedel · Answer

Rick,

If I understand you correctly, I should go back and download and install the Desktop/Notebook Utility. Then from the Resource CD download & install the chipset drivers and then the other drivers.

Question, since some of these drivers have been installed, will that interfere with the Resource CD knowing what drivers need to be replaced? Do I have to delete any drivers before doing anything else?

Thank you,

Tony

PudgyOne · Answer

Tony,

Your option is to either download and install the desktop/notebook utility and install first, then the chipset drivers

or

Install those from the drivers disk.

Once installed, then you'll need to install the rest of the drivers. Order isn't as crucial but you really need to install the first ones or the rest of the drivers will fail to install. Just start with the desktop/notebook utility, chipset and richoh drivers. Once these are installed, you can actually go online with the ethernet cable and install the latest drivers, if you want.

Restoring Your Computer´s Software to the Factory Settings is the easiest method and the more involved is How To Restore or Reinstall Microsoft® Windows® on a Dell™ Computer

Rick

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Wireless Network

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