Issue installing wireless driver for Dell Inspiron 5100 laptop

[fj62alex]

Hi,

I wasn't sure if the Dell Inspiron 5100 laptop had a wireless function built-in. I've checked the BIOS and couldn't find anything related to wireless (turn off/on).

This laptop worked with Linksys 2.4 wireles PCMCIA adapter without any issues, even when it Win XP Home SP1 only and the driver for Linksys Adapter were in Device Manager.

I tried to download the wireless driver from the Dell site and install it. I installed the driver, rebooted and it still didn't show-up in Device Manager.

Now when I boot the computer with Linksys adapter and check the device manager, it shows Dell driver.
In order to wireless to work, I have to turn off the wireless monitor.
What do I have to do in order for this adapter to work properly???

Thanks,
Alex

 

[rawle24]

is it turned on?; look at your "F key functions", not sure which one but i think the F5 turns the wireless on/off, on your keyboard hold dowm the FN key and press F5. Or you can try this article

http://www.ehow.com/how_4762150_wireless-card-dell-inspiron-laptop.html

 

[kjv1611]

If there's nothing in the BIOS at all about wireless, then it's probably not there. It can be added, however, I'd imagine. I once added internal wireless B/G to a Dell Inspiron 1150 which I believe is a lower end model, same time frame. It's VERY easy to do, much easier than you might expect, I'd say, and you can find add-on cards on eBay all day long for cheap.

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[rawle24]

yes that true i added one on a Dell D630; works great

 

[BadBigBen]

Kjv1611 - just because there is no setting in the BIOS for the wireless, does not preclude that there is none installed...

e.g. I got a laptop (Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo 1556) with build in wireless card, that is not controlled in the BIOS at all, but has an on/off switch located at the front...



Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"

 

[kjv1611]

I was thinking specifically about the Dell 5100 series, and all those built about the same time. I saw a handful - different model #s, and all had wireless options (if they had internal wireless):[ol][li]In BIOS[/li]
[li]Via the shortcut key, which if I remember at the time was [blue]Fn[/blue] + F2[/li]
[li]I don't think any had a physical switch at the time.[/li]
[li]And of course Windows software to enable/disable - usually by the wireless chipset mfg or by Dell if was Dell wireless.[/li][/ol]

The only one that didn't have that option in the BIOS was my personal laptop, which did not come from the factory with internal wireless.

That said, it is possible that there could have been a wireless mini-pci adapter installed after the factory, and therefore not added to the BIOS, but it's highly unlikely if this is the original owner.

fj62alex,
Here is an adapter on eBay that will work in your Inspiron 5100 that's G plus Mimo wireless - that's plenty enough, and it's $23 and free shipping.

In order to install a wireless add-on card to any of the Dell Inspiron models in that particular line, you only have to open one of the bottom "plates" on the laptop casing, and install the mini pci card into its slot, then connect the wireless antenna/antennae. If there is no antenna, then you'd have to get your own, and it's best to run it around the base of the laptop (inside the case of course), carefully avoiding any moving parts - fans.

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[BadBigBen]

I was thinking specifically about the Dell 5100 series

my bad... I thought you generalized there...

that there could have been a wireless mini-pci adapter installed after the factory, and therefore not added to the BIOS, but it's highly unlikely if this is the original owner.

True, true, and very true... ;-)

Part of the company's high-performing desktop-replacement line, the Inspiron 5100 comes with a FireWire port, a 16MB or 32MB ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 AGP graphics card (our review system had 32MB), and a Wi-Fi antenna.

with that he probably does not have to route a Wi-Fi antenna...

To complete the notebook's wireless setup, you'll have to pay $49 for an 802.11b/g Mini-PCI adapter.

source:
Dell Inspiron 5100, PC-World About dot COM

http://pcworld.about.com/news/Jun302003id111390.htm

Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"

 

[kjv1611]

To complete the notebook's wireless setup, you'll have to pay $49 for an 802.11b/g Mini-PCI adapter.

Or $23 if you want to go the one on eBay.

I got one about the same price a couple years ago from a good seller on eBay, went in and worked like a charm. You just have to watch the sellers, some are rip-off kings/queens.

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me