[molly99]

Hi,
I just took all my programs off my computer and then put them back on because i had a lot of viruses. I was having a difficult time finding the drivers but then I eventually found them all online. But now I have a new problem. I am unable to connect to my wireless internet at home - which my laptop could previously connect to before the reformating stuff. It is a Dell Inspiron 6400 and just says that there is limited or no connectivity and spends a long time trying to connect. I have no idea what to do next!
Please help!!
Thanks

[TerryNet]

I don't understand the first part of your post at all, but "the reformating stuff" makes me wonder if you formatted the hard drive and reinstalled Windows.

If that is what you did then download and install your chipset drivers, then the networking drivers, and then any other drivers Device Manager shows as missing. Use your Service Tag on Dell's web site, support section, for easier searching.

[molly99]

Oh, sorry if i was confusing. Yes, that is what I did. And i successfully downloaded all of the drivers that the Device Manager said were missing. There are no more yellow question marks there. But I still cannot connect to my wireless connection. It just says limited or no connectivity -- no matter what I try.
Thanks

[TerryNet]

Can you connect by ethernet?

Disable encryption on the router and try to connect that way. If successful you can probably re-enable encryption and reconnect. If unsuccessful please try to connect and show ...

Start, Run, CMD, OK to open a command prompt:
(For Vista or 7 type CMD in the Search box after Start)

Type the following command:

IPCONFIG /ALL

[Note that there is no space between the slash and ALL.]

Right click in the command window and choose Select All, then hit Enter.
Paste the results in a message here.

If necessary use a text file and removable media to copy the results to a computer with internet access.

[molly99]

Ok. Thanks.
This is the info.

Windows IP COnfiguration
Host Name.......... bethany-4a4f5e7
Primary Dns Suffix...........
Node Type............. Broadcast
IP Routing Enabled...... No
WINS Proxy Enabled.... No
Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:
Media State .................... Media disconnected
Description...................... Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller
Physical Address................ 00-15-C5-C6-84-75
Ethernet adapter Wireless Network Connection:
Connection-specific DNA Suffix:
Description..........................: Dell Wireless 1500 Draft 802.11n WLAN Mini-Card
Physical Address..................: 00-19-7D-12-E7-93
Dhcp Enabled......................: Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled......: Yes
IP Address..........................: 0.0.0.0
Subnet Mask.......................: 0.0.0.0
Default Gateway...................:
DHCP Server........................: 255.255.255.255


Thanks again!

[TerryNet]

(from a JohnWill post)

IP addresses of 0.0.0.0 are normally caused by one of the following.

Diagnosis:
1. DHCP Service not running.
2. Duplicate IP address on the network.
3. Bad NIC card drivers.
4. Defective NIC hardware.

Resolution:
1. Check Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Services. The DHCP Client service should be Started and its Startup Type should be Automatic.
2. Turn off ALL of the computers and other network connected devices, reboot the router, then restart all the computers and other network devices.
3. Check for upgraded drivers and/or reload the Network drivers.
4. Replace the Network Interface Card.