As mentioned Intel won't support it but Microsoft natively support it in Windows 8.0 and Windows 8.1 so its not an issue. The wireless card will work directly with this Operating System. As mentioned I have done this with both a Latitude D820 on Windows 8.0 32 Bit/64 Bit and Windows 8.1 32 Bit/64 Bit with an Intel 3945ABG wireless card. I have also done it with an Inspiron 6400 on Windows 8.0/8.1 32 Bit/64 Bit with a 3945 card and an Inspiron 6400 on a Windows 8.0 32 Bit with an Intel 4965 card. I tend to install and test Windows installation a lot. I am actually writing this message on an Inspiron 6400 with Windows 8.1 64 Bit and the Intel 3945 card. You have 2 choices, clean install Windows 8.0 and upgrade to Windows 8.1 as here and here: Otherwise follow the workarounds to download a Windows 8.1 .iso and clean install with Windows 8.1: [Windows 8.1 Retail] Downloading the Windows 8.1 Retail .iso [OEM/Retail] Product Activation of a Windows 8.0 Product Key using Change Key I prefer the second method as it will lead to a cleaner system and does not involve installation of a Service Pack via a buggy Microsoft Store.
Boy, do I feel silly waiting for the 11th hour to ask this question.  But maybe there's some kind guru out there who could lend me a hand. Bought my Inspiron E1705 in '06 .. runs 1.6 GHz, original 2G RAM, Windows XP SP3, love it to death.  FINALLY need to upgrade ... but which one?  Ran Upgrade Assistant for both Windows 7 and Windows 8 and thought I was okay ... especially since others on this forum mentioned successful install of Win 8.1 on their E1705. Terrific.  Have Windows 8 disc in hand, ready to install. But ... took one final look at the incompatibility list on Windows 8 - and YIKES!      INCOMPATIBLE - Intel(R) ProSET/Wireless v. 6.1.1.4      INCOMPATIBLE - Broadcom Management Programs 8.65.05      COMPATIBLE - Intel Pro/Wireless 3945ABG Net Connector      COMPATIBLE - Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integration Controller It gets worse.  Searched online - and Intel's website claims that Intel Pro/Wireless 3945ABG Net Connector is NOT compatible with Windows 8, even though their Assistant wizard claims it is. BOTTOM LINE:  Will I wipe out my beloved workhorse ([re-installed) XP on my E1705 only to find out that my wireless adapter will no longer function?  (Interactive tech support no longer supported - only online - and I've yet to find a smart enough person at those companies who can answer me. Perhaps there's one here? I'd be grateful. Thanks a mil.) 
XP Procrastinator: Will my wireless still work with Windows 8?