Can't find network adaptor after hd replacement

[blwyn]

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,

 

[karlsnooks]

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?

 

[wanchoo]

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

 

[blwyn]

Missing network adapter

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,

 

[karlsnooks]

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.

 

[blwyn]

X86

It says it is an X86 based PC.

Thanks for the help.

 

[karlsnooks]

This tutorial covers all cases and provides complete information despite the title:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

 

[wanchoo]

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.

 

[blwyn]

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,

 

[kegobeer]

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

 

[karlsnooks]

blwyn,
Before I can give any advice, you need to fill out your system specs and here is how:

Update your SevenForums System Specs
User CP (located on the top menu bar) |
Your Profile | Edit System Spec (left-hand column)

To gather info, use Speccy (my favorite) or SIW or System Info

In the System Manufacturer Block, enter:
Manufacturer and Model and
ADD the word laptop, desktop, netbook or tablet.
For example:
Toshiba Satellite L305D notebook.

Provide full windows version info, for example:
MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit

Use the “Other Info” block for Optical Reader,
Mouse, touchpad, wifi adapter, speakers, monitor, etc

Scroll down and click on SAVE CHANGES.

You will find that in Speccy, you can select info from the display
using your mouse/touchpad and then paste that info into your specs.

SIW is a marvelous program, but the free version does not offer
this capability.

 

[wanchoo]

You said that "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." This means that you have the hardware for a LAN connection but without the drivers being installed.

It is not very difficult to download the Ethernet Driver and install it from the site that I had suggested earlier. If you do that you shall get connected to the Net. You can also download the driver in the way that kegobeer has suggested.

Good luck to you.

 

[blwyn]

Again, thanks for your continuing help.

I downloaded Speccy and updated my profile.

I've tried downloading the Broadcom network driver listed on the Dell page for the Inspiron 580, a couple times. However, when I go to install it always fails with a "not supported by processor message."

I'm open to any suggestions. However, I'll also say that the thrill of the fix is starting to fade here. If I just go buy a USB wireless network adapter is it likely to work, or will I just run into a new set of driver issues with it?

Thanks,

 

[kegobeer]

The Inspiron 580 doesn't have Windows 7 32 bit drivers available - that's why you are getting an error, because you downloaded a 64 bit driver. Why did you switch to a 32 bit version?

 

[karlsnooks]

blwyn,
Read that write-up again about what info goes where.
You are coming close, but for one thing, I'm rather sure that you don't have 1 tb memory.

Get those specs cleaned up, be sure tell us info about the mouse, keyboard. This time, those two won't make a difference, but the future may hold other questions.

After the spec update, then let me know so that I can answer the other question.