My computer doesnt recognize my wireless network card!

I have a Dell Inspiron 6400 laptop computer. Im running Windows XP home edition.
I reformatted my computer about a week or so ago and since then my computer does not recognize I have a wireless network card. i do have one, since i've used wireless internet previous to reformatting.
I've went to the dell website and installed the correct drivers, but it still doesn't work. I have Intel Pro Set wireless program, which i had before, and when i load it, it says 'no supported wireless adapters found in this system'
HELP PLEASE!!!
im desperatee

If you right click on "My Computer" and go to manage, then to device manager, do you see any devices that have a yellow icon next to them?

Oh yes haha. there's one next to network controller
and video controller
also, when i restart my computer, it pops up that it's found new hardware, a bass device i think? but yet it cannot find the correct software or driver to install

Sherri20,

If there is an entry for a network adapter in Device Manager that has a !, ? or red X on it then it most likely needs the driver reloaded. The drivers for the Inspiron 6400 (available on the Dell support website) should be loaded in the order below. I've included links to the latest driver for those that I know are correct for your system (usually because they are the same on all 6400s).

• Dell Notebook System software (http://ftp.dell.com/utility/R120775.EXE)
• Intel Chipset software (http://ftp.dell.com/chipset/R114079.EXE)
• Ricoh card reader driver (http://ftp.dell.com/chipset/R105921.EXE)
• Video driver (depends on what video card your system uses)
• Audio driver (http://ftp.dell.com/audio/R122161.EXE)
• Broadcom 440x 10/100 Network driver (http://ftp.dell.com/network/R113310.EXE)
• Intel Pro/Wireless 3945 Wireless Network driver (http://ftp.dell.com/network/R138747.EXE)
• Touchpad driver (http://ftp.dell.com/input/R120179.EXE)
• Dial-up Modem driver (http://ftp.dell.com/comm/R114200.EXE)

If you have any questions on getting the drivers loaded I will be more than happy to answer them.


Larry
Dell Customer Advocate

I am having a similar problem, I have a Compaq Presario running XP Home Edition. I reformatted it today to get a clean start. It no longer sees the wireless network card that is installed. I don't know the MFG of the card and MAY not until I tear the computer apart.

The wifi was working before the reformat.

Any help would be appreciated.

If you're having problems with devices not being recognized (yellow exclamation marks in Device Manager, etc.), it probably means the drivers are not installed or there is some kind of hardware conflict. Although typically it means there is a driver issue.

I would try this:

SlimDrivers Free - CNET Download.com


I've used it countless times, and it works wonders. Slim Drivers, after installing, will want you to scan the computer. It will look for "out of date" or "missing drivers", and will show you the results. Look for the "Network Card" or "Wireless Card" on the list, and install the update. It will ask if you want make a restore point; do it. Anytime you mess with drivers there's always a chance of something going wrong and messing up the entire system.