No wireless adapter found after installation

[tbone1390]

Hi, after I first installed Windows 7 to my computer, I was left with only the ability to connect to the internet via Ethernet cable. I've been looking online for wireless adapters or other means to fix this problem, but to no avail. Any help is appreciated, thanks!

 

[chev65]

This page at the Dell support site shows Windows 7 64 bit support for your Dell Studio 1737. Installing the NIC drivers for Windows 7 should get you going again. Drivers & Downloads

It doesn't show support for Win 7 32 bit only 64 bit but the Dell advisor says that the Vista drivers should also work.

You might also try Windows Update center to see if they have some updates for you. You can get there using the wired connection.

Going into Device Manager may show a yellow ! at the Network Adaptor, you can try updating from there also by right clicking and choosing update driver.

 

[brady]

Device Manager shows "no" wireless adapter at all? or is it red x'd or disabled?

 

[tbone1390]

I doesn't show any kind of wireless adapter. It's not even under my ipconfig list; all I have is an ethernet adapter listed.

 

[brady]

Wifi enabled via hotkey? example : Fn+F2 for dell systems?

 

[tbone1390]

@chev65: I've tried doing exactly what you have said, but each time it ends in failure: http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac323/t_bone1390/DriverInstallationFail.png

I also tried updating drivers, but under network adapters all that is shown is my ethernet connection and my WiMAX driver that, for some reason, installed correctly. There is a "Network Controller" under Other devices that shows a little yellow exclamation point next to it, but when I try updating that, it also ends in failure:
http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac323/t_bone1390/UpdateDriverFail.png

Thank you so far for your suggestions though.

 

[brady]

go to dell site, put your service tag into the drivers and downloads section. find the drivers for your network adapter and install them again.

Dell - Drivers and Downloads

 

[tbone1390]

There's a switch on the side of my computer that turns my wireless on and off, but it is switched on. My wireless was working perfectly before I installed Windows 7 from Vista

 

[tbone1390]

I've done that a few times, but no successful attempts. The result is what you see in the pictures above.

 

[tbone1390]

I had to do a custom installation if that helps any.

 

[brady]

when you say "custom installation" can you be more detailed?

 

[tbone1390]

Well, I had to upgrade from 32 bit Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 64 bit Professional

 

[zay]

Try this tool Drivermax, there is a feature in it to find drivers for unidentified hardware. It is free, but I will pm you my information so you won't have to wait for them to send you reg code (yes it free, but they still email you a reg code)

 

[chev65]

Well, I had to upgrade from 32 bit Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 64 bit Professional

Is that because the only drivers on the Dell site were for 64 bit systems?

 

[zay]

You have a better chance of finding 64bit drivers from the manufacturer.

 

[tbone1390]

Well, yes and no. I upgraded to 64 bit mainly because my computer would have no trouble handling it, and that it would be better for me in the long run. Though the driver compatability was part of the issue. @chev65

 

[tbone1390]

Thank you!! My wireless adapter now works fine thanks to your help! @ zay

 

[chev65]

I'm glad that those driver service sites are actually good for something. Figured it had to be a driver problem of some sort.

Most of the time I do not trust them at all because they are always trying to sell you stuff and there is usually endless pop ups.