i stated i use windows xp

Sorry for my English, I speak Spanish, but makes every effort

First, what operating system you use?

Already downloaded the drivers, this is the download link: www.dell.com/.../DriverFileFormats

regards

i have windows xp

how do i find what wireless adapter i have installed.

i didnt have ths problem last time ireformatted

You do not mention what operating system you have nor what wireless adapter you have installed.
Without this information, I cannot direct you to the exact driver.

Make sure you select the correct OS.
Then under the Network section for WinXP, you will find three differnet links for drivers:

Dell Dell Wireless 13xx, 14xx, 1505 MiniCard
Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN
Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection

There are more adapters available if your system is Vista.

Click on the adapter that you have and then download the driver and install it.

In the device manager, do you have any question marks showing?

also i tried to run the wireless configuration utlty but it does not run

View the system information for a particular service tag by Clicking Here.

Go to the above link and input your service tag.  Make sure you select the tab System Configuration.  Then post back what your wireless card is.  If you are not sure, post the entire list.

very bizare but i looked under network card and there was no wireless card

i know i have used wireless a few months ago

on this computer

and there was no wireless unser hardware either

under other devices there is a network controller

& there is a question mark there and it can not update the driver]

Do this.. go into the properties for the device, then the details, in the dropdown select hardware ID.  Post the information that goes where the asteriks are in this: VEN_****&DEV_****