Re-install Windows 7, Drivers Loaded, No Network Adapters Detected

delquattro · 10 Feb 2013

Hi,

I've got a Dell Inspiron M5040 with Windows 7. It had the annoying cursor jumping all over the place issue. I tried to load Windows XP x64, but no, go. So, back to Windows 7, but this time, Ultimate. It's loaded, but no network adapters detected. I've loaded all the network drivers available at Dell for the M5040, but no go. I even tried using the Windows OS disc that came with the computer, but of course, it has no drivers, and the computer did not detect the wireless adapter when I loaded all of the drivers with it, too. When I click on, "Connect to the Internet," the only available adapter is, "Broadband (PPPoE)". So, here I am. Thanks in advance.

Saurabh A · 11 Feb 2013

Hi delquattro,

There are various reasons that may be responsible for the 'wireless adapter' not getting detected.

Did you check 'Device Manager' to verify if the wireless adapter' is present?
- Click 'Start' icon > Type 'devmgmt.msc' in 'Search programs and files' text box (without quotations) > Tap 'Enter' and 'Device Manager' page appears > Locate 'Network Adapters' category > Expand it by clicking the 'arrow sign' besides it (Inspiron M5040 may have been shipped with either of the following cards: WLAN 1701/1702/1501/1502/1503) > Check if either of these cards is listed.
- If not, please browse through the whole list of devices to check for any 'question/exclamation mark' > If yellow mark is present, capture its details and share

If the 'WLAN card' driver is installed and the card shows up in 'Device Manager', you may need to enable it. Use the key combination <Function><F2> to 'enable' the 'wireless'. You may also use 'Windows Mobility Center' in the 'control panel' to check the status of the wireless connection. You may 'enable or disable' wireless as shown in the image below:

Re-install Windows 7, Drivers Loaded, No Network Adapters Detected-1.jpg

If you are not able to use Fn + F2 keys combination, you may install 'Quickset application' for your computer from this file: Driver Details | Dell United States

Once installed, it will enable the Fn+F2 key combination and you will be able to activate the 'Wireless'.

Hope this helps. Do reply with the findings; would be glad to assist.

delquattro · 11 Feb 2013

I have internet! Although, I clicked on "Update Driver," before, I did something right this time...it worked! Thanks for the good juju, Saurabh!

Saurabh A · 12 Feb 2013

Hi delquattro,

Glad that you were able to enable the wireless and internet is working now.
Do reply if you have any further questions; would be glad to assist.