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    Alienware 17 Clean Install - Now No WiFi! PLEASE HELP

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Squerl101, Dec 16, 2014.

  1. Squerl101

    Squerl101 Newbie

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    Hey guys,

    I have just done a clean install of Windows 7 on my Alienware 17. Before I re installed, WiFi and Bluetooth was working correctly and without issue. Now, I can use Bluetooth, but I am unable to see any wireless networks. When I go to Device Manager, under Bluetooth Radios, Generic Bluetooth Adapter is installed. Network Controller also appears under "Unknown Devices", but even after trying to update driver software, it still fails to find a driver for it.

    When I try to install the wireless drivers from the Alienware resource DVD, it just keeps telling me to "Activate Bluetooth using Wireless Switch". I have tried doing this but nothing interesting happens. The wireless LED on the upper right hand corner of the laptop toggles on and off when I press the button though.

    I have been working on this problem and have been without solution for 4 days now. I know it isn't a hardware problem because everything was working normally before I re installed Windows.

    Any type of help would be GREATLY APPRECIATED.
     
    Squerl101, Dec 16, 2014
    #1
  2. lingenfr

    lingenfr Notebook Geek

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    Not meaning to be silly, but did you press FN+F2 to make sure the wifi is on? The driver won't install unless it is.
     
    lingenfr, Dec 16, 2014
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  3. Squerl101

    Squerl101 Newbie

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    Yes, I have tried that and I have not been able to solve the problem.
     
    Squerl101, Dec 16, 2014
    #3
  4. MogRules

    MogRules Notebook Deity

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    Is the bluetooth active in the BIOS? There is an option to turn off different options in the BIOS and if the bluetooth isn't enabled in there then the drivers fail to install...BUT, I usually find that the wifi installs prior to that and works just fine.
     
    MogRules, Dec 16, 2014
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  5. Squerl101

    Squerl101 Newbie

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    I have just verified in the BIOS that Bluetooth, Wireless Network, and DMC are all enabled.
     
    Squerl101, Dec 16, 2014
    #5
  6. Bagongolo

    Bagongolo Notebook Enthusiast

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    Try this: under device manager uninstall all related to wifi and bluetooth (not the drivers) and reboot with wifi on. If it doesn't work, are you sure to have the correct drivers? Which Alienware model do you have?
    If you can't solve the problem, you can make another clean install :)() and follow the suggested drivers' install order:
    http://www.dell.com/support/Article/us/en/19/536193/EN
    Hope it helps
     
    Bagongolo, Dec 17, 2014
    #6
  7. mariussx

    mariussx Notebook Evangelist

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    Did you install OSD drivers yet? I am not sure if wifi switch works on Windows 7(or even 8) without installing OSD first.
     
    Last edited: Dec 17, 2014
    mariussx, Dec 17, 2014
    #7
  8. ejohnson

    ejohnson Is that lemon zest?

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    Right click on the "unknown device" get the product id so we can get you a good correct driver for it.
     
    ejohnson, Dec 17, 2014
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  9. Squerl101

    Squerl101 Newbie

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    Hey guys,

    I am at work right now and I do not have the computer in front of me. however, I do want to mention that I did install OSD, so when I press the wireless button, it comes up on the screen that the wireless is turning on and off like it should be. when I get home tonight, I will do another clean install of Windows and I will follow the Dell suggested driver install order. I also wanted to mention that this is not the first time that I have experienced this problem. In the past, I got it to work, but I can't remember how now.I was being stupid and didn't write it down.
     
    Squerl101, Dec 17, 2014
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  10. rtnlsltn

    rtnlsltn Notebook Consultant

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    In my experience, installing drivers after reformatting on Alienware's is a PITA. I had to guess via trial and error which driver worked. It took me a while.
     
    rtnlsltn, Dec 17, 2014
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  11. Squerl101

    Squerl101 Newbie

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    I have finally gotten a chance to use the computer. I am currently reinstalling windows for the second time. This time, I will be downloading the drivers directly from Dell. Previously, I was using the resource CD. I will also be following dell driver install order. I should be posting results within the hour.
     
    Squerl101, Dec 17, 2014
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  12. Squerl101

    Squerl101 Newbie

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    I have performed a clean install of windows, downloaded drivers directly from the Dell website, and have followed the Dell driver install order. After all this, I still run into the same problem.
     
    Squerl101, Dec 17, 2014
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  13. Squerl101

    Squerl101 Newbie

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    Does anyone have any suggestions before I go through the tedious bull with Dell and open up a support ticket?
     
    Squerl101, Dec 17, 2014
    #13
  14. TomJGX

    TomJGX I HATE BGA!

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    Call dell.. why are you opening a support ticket? If you have warranty, call them and make tech support help you on the phone!
     
    TomJGX, Dec 18, 2014
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  15. Squerl101

    Squerl101 Newbie

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    That's what I meant. I talked to Dell and they asked if I could at least get the ethernet drivers to work. Since I was able to get them to work, I'm going to have them remotely connect to the computer and try fixing it. I'll post results afterwards.
     
    Squerl101, Dec 18, 2014
    #15
  16. brajesh143

    brajesh143 Notebook Geek

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    hi i had the same problem
    i didnt install osd drivers at first
    then did a reinstall windows 7 and all drivers now that i notice and remember 2nd time i did install osd drivers then the wifi switch worked
     
    brajesh143, Dec 19, 2014
    #16