keek,   I would have restored my computer this way.   Restoring Your Computer´s Software to the Factory Settings    But since you did it your way, then...     The Desktop/Notebook Utility needs to be installed first(if applicable), then the chipset drivers. If they are NOT installed first, then the rest of the drivers will fail to install.      How to Install Drivers in Microsoft® Windows® on Dell Systems     Since the operating system was re-installed did you remember to go to drivers and downloads, enter your service tag(DO NOT POST SERVICE TAG here or your post will get deleted, since it contains your personal information), and install these drivers in this order.   :emotion-55: Hint :emotion-55: When downloading the drivers, make a folder for each drivers and name it with the device it belongs with to make it easier to install them in the proper order.   Desktop System Software or Notebook System Software(if applicable)Chipset or SMBus driver Processor Driver (if applicable) Video Audio (sound) Input Drivers (keyboard/mouse) Modem Network Card QuickSet(Laptop only)     Rick
Hi... long story... got a virus and had to resintall Windows Vista.  At first I was able to see the Network Adapter option in Device Manager, but couldn't find a driver.  Then somehow when trying to locate a driver, I lost the Network Adapter option.  Now I can't even "load" a drive if I had one. How do I get the Network Adapter option to show in Device Manager so I can load a driver to my Dell Wireless card? oh btw... this is on a Studio 15 laptop.  ... and yes, I have the wireless card switch turned on.
cannot see the network adapter option in device manager, help.