Windows 7: Wireless Limited Connectivity Issues

I have a gut feeling the router hasn't fully learnt of this machine's adapter MAC details.

How do I change my network security from whatever it is now to WPA2, or how do I found out what I am using currently?

Hey, take a look at your picture, it says DHCP is not enabled. So, you get limited connectivity as when you connect your PC retrieve IP parameters, but as you got static ones, it won't. And if your static parameters are wrong, then nowhere you'll go.
Go to your adapter properties, and set auto to IP and DNS in the properties of TCP/IPv4, and TCP/IPv6.

You would go into your router control panel for that. I'm not sure what router you are using though. 192.168.x.x? depending on your router the last two numbers will be different. I spent quite awhile researching this and I'm pretty sure that is the problem.

Or you can click on your wireless connection then choose "Wireless properties" then the "Security" tab. You will also want to enable DHCP while your in the router control panel and in your network properties.

If your school's wireless security isn't WAP and you can't access the router you may not be able to change the security in which case you should purchase another USB wireless adaptor. There were so many complaints about your Dell 1545 laptop with wireless connection problems I lost count so your options may be limited.

most OEM's install proprietary wireless connection software in order to manage wireless connections which is totally not needed one thing Windows has always been able to do well is manage wireless connections on it's own.

I would go through and remove any software from Dell associated with wireless connectivity completely and then uninstall the adapter from device manager.

then I would go to Dell drivers and support and download just the driver for your adapter those used Intel, Atheros, and Marvel adapters not sure which one you have but if you put in your service tag it will bring up the right one for you laptop do not download the wireless configuration software called "application" for wireless card.

here is the link to Dell support good luck!

Drivers & Downloads - Public Sector

I agree with the above which is why I already posted this...

If you can't see the network at all try doing what this guy did.

To remove the Dell wlan software and how to install the driver without it.

I had a similar problem with a brand new Inspiron 1525; it just refused to recognise any wireless networks. The solution was to remove (Uninstall) the Dell WLAN Management software this removes the device as well. Then Reinstall the wireless card with the Drivers ONLY. (It seems the DELL software doesn't work properly with the DELL branded network card in a DELL Laptop; go figure)
When you download the driver it will unzip and try to install automatically; but this will only reinstall the offending software again, so you must cancel the installation after you unzip the file.
When I searched for new hardware again it found the device as a Broadcom wireless card but could not install the drivers. This allows you to click Update Drivers and point to the 'drivers' folder in the location that the files were unzipped to. Once the device driver alone is installed the wireless card works immediately and finds any available networks.

chev65 sorry about the double post I did not see that I am pretty under the weather today

Hate to ask, but could someone post some step by step instructions, or link to me some, on uninstalling the adapter (that much I understand) but downloading only the drivers? I'm worried I'll do something I don't want to.

As far as I can tell these are step by step instuctions....

To remove the Dell wlan software and how to install the driver without it.

I had a similar problem with a brand new Inspiron 1525; it just refused to recognise any wireless networks. The solution was to remove (Uninstall) the Dell WLAN Management software this removes the device as well.

This software can be found in Add/Remove programs, you should be able to find it there and remove it. You can remove the drivers from there also or you can remove them in Device Manager under network adaptors obviously enough.

Then Reinstall the wireless card with the Drivers ONLY. (It seems the DELL software doesn't work properly with the DELL branded network card in a DELL Laptop; go figure)

When you download the driver it will unzip and try to install automatically; but this will only reinstall the offending software again, so you must cancel the installation after you unzip the file.

When I searched for new hardware again it found the device as a Broadcom wireless card but could not install the drivers. This allows you to click Update Drivers and point to the 'drivers' folder in the location that the files were unzipped to. Once the device driver alone is installed the wireless card works immediately and finds any available networks.