Windows 7: Can't find network adaptor after hd replacement

HD crashed on Dell Inspiron 580 desktop. Replaced with a new one. No back-ups discs available. Installed Windows 7 Starter from Notebook backup disc to boot it up.

Now it will not connect to the internet. Message is that it can't find a network adapter.

Is it because of the Starter version of Windows? Will installing a new copy of Home Premium fix it



How do I find what it needs?

Thanks,

blwyn,
Welcome to SevenForums.

Which operating system came on the desktop?

Did you create the HP recovery discs?

Do you have a copy of Win 7?

Do you have the product key for the Win 7 that was on your computer?

Is the Network adapter visible in the Device Manager? If yes then is it shown to be working properly?

Thanks for the responses.

I inherited the computer from an elderly relative. As best as I know she never created any backups. She could barely e-mail. I don't know why she had a computer like this. Must have been what someone else told her they had. I think it originally had Windows 7 Home Pro on it.

I have the Product key #. I contacted Dell through their web site where you can request back up disc. However, the computer is 14 months old and they refused to provide it as it was 2 months past the warranty. The only Widows 7 disc that I have is the Windows 7 Starter from a Notebook that I have. It is what I used to boot it up and see if it worked after replacing the hard drive.

The devise manager lists a Concerptronic 54mbps usb adapter under the network adapter. It has a yellow ! behind it. I got a code 10 message when I tried to start it.

Thanks,

blwyn,
1. Windows Starter is rather inadequate.

2. Since you have the 25 character product key, then you will be able to install a Windows 7 Home Premium.

3. You can download an official Win 7 with sp1 file that you burn to DVDfrom.

4. You will need to know whether the computer has a 32 bit processor or a 64 bit processor to download the correct file.

WIN | type MSINFO32 | ENTER
you will see an entry for System Type
System type will show either x86-based system or x64 based system.

WIN = key with microsoft logo on top

Let us know which it shows.

It says it is an X86 based PC.

Thanks for the help.

This tutorial covers all cases and provides complete information despite the title:
Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

In my opinion 14 months is hardly old. I am running Windows 7 on a six year olds machine.

It is not very difficult to download an ISO image of windows 7 installer from Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO from Digital River « My Digital Life. The ISO image can be made universal by applying "eicfg Removal Utility" on the image. You have to take care that it is the exactly same image (32-bit or 64-bit, x86 means it is 32-bit) that corresponds with the original version that was on it (Starter, Home Basic, Home premium, Pro etc) when you got the Computer. If it is a Laptop then the product Key would be on a sticker in the base of the Laptop. You then activate it with the same Product Key with which it came to you.

The Network Adapter can be found and easily downloaded by a Google search for "conceptronic 54mbps usb adapter driver download" in case it doesn't get installed with Windows 7. For starters try at Free Driver Download for Conceptronic 54Mbps USB adapter - American Megatrends Inc. N355.

Also please keep in mind the advise tendered by Karlsnook and please fill in the System Specs to the best of your knowledge.

You should be up and running in a short time. Best of luck.

Thanks for the help. I got Windows 7 Home Premium reinstalled now, but I still have the original problem of "Windows can't find network adapter. There is no network adapter listed in the Device Manager now. There is an Ethernet Controller listed in Other Devices. It is not working as it can't find the driver. I searched the internet and I can't find a driver download for it anywhere.

The Hardware ID is PCI\VEN_14E4_DEV1691&SUBSYS_04381028&REV_01. I believe it is a Broadcom Netlink Gigabit Ethernet. I've searched Broadcom's site and a number of others and I can find driver downloads for everything but the 1691 series. Any ideas on where I can find this driver download?

Thanks,

You need to go to the Dell support website, find your laptop model, and download the necessary drivers for it.