Okay, I have a Dell Inspiron M5040, Windows 7. My computer was working fine until (stupid of me) I tried to do an update on my wireless adapter. Supposedly, it was "recommended" on the Dell Drivers & Support page according to my Service Tag #. It was the Dell Wireless 1704 network adapter. OK, so I downloaded it & ran the wizard. It uploaded fine & when I restarted my computer, I was no longer able to use my Wireless network. That's how I use my computer regularly. I've tried Restore System, uninstalling & reinstalling the network adapter, but to no avail. My network is not listed in the "Manage Wireless Networks," so, I tried to add it; however, it's stating that "an unexpected error occurred." In "Network Connections," the Wireless Network Connection is located; however, it's in Grey & says Disabled. I tried Enabling it, but nothing. My Wireless Adapter is Dell Wireless 1701 802.11b/g/n. I even contacted my Internet Service Provider & they tried to help, but said it was the Wireless Network Adapter. I have even tried to install the driver using the disc my computer came with, but it still didn't work. I'm definitely running out of ideas. Last option, just do a Windows restart of the entire system. THANKS A LOT DELL for recommending the update... Would definitely appreciate any help...
Your system has a Dell Wireless 1701 802.11b/g/n adapter. Works on 2.4GHz ONLY and has bluetooth.
Have seen some virus programs and firewalls block communications.
Since you think this was a driver issue, you can try...
Go to Drivers & Downloads enter your service tag number, then select your operating system. Under Network, download and install the latest drivers.
Try these tweaks....
Start, control panel, device manager. Click on Network and then right click on your wireless adapter, left click properties, power management. Uncheck the box, allow computer to turn off this device to save power.
Go to the power options, and changed the Wireless Adapter Setting, from Maximum Power Setting to Maximum Performance.
Your adapter was showing. If you can connect in the same area of your wireless router, then I would think maybe your antenna wire(s0 may have come lose. But you're saying you cannot enable the adapter in device manager.
PudgyOne
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Posted February 14th, 2013 12:00
Musician_Man,
You can try system restore and go back to when this worked.
Can you run Finding System Information REMOVE YOUR PRODUCT ID and REGISTERED OWNER and post the information back here.
Rick