Solved Internet Connectivity Problem

[chris98]

Hello, I have recently purchased a laptop with Windows 8 pre-installed. I could work it fine, and the internet could also work with no problems with wifi. I also bought Windows 8 pro, and installed it from scratch (at that point, I did not know that I could just open the properties of computer and "add features to windows 8")

I had to activate my copy of Windows, and then added the pro by "adding features to windows 8". Whilst browsing through the Control Panel, I checked the "Devices and Printers" option, and next to my computer name, there was the yellow warning icon. I clicked it and it told me there were several drivers missing.

BCM43142A0


USB2.0-CRW

Driver for Network Controller is not installed


Driver PCI Simple Connections is not installed

Now, I know very basic things, and do know that they should obviously be there - but I don't even know what a driver is for in the first place!
And, secondly, where am I supposed to get these drivers from?

I would try to do a system restore, but for fear that my copy of windows is already verified and won't let me I don't want to.
But, there are no wifi options available either (that I can see). Please can someone help - Windows 8 seems a lot more complex than windows 7?

 

[archer]

Hi Chris, Welcome to 8 forums.

Drivers are small set of protocols (programs) that are required to run the hardware installed on your laptop. Can you let us know the make and model no: of the laptop that you are using. So that we can direct you to correct place to get the best drivers for your network card.

OR

you must have got a DVD with the laptop. This DVD is for motherboard drivers. you can insert the DVD and let it install all the drivers automatically (Restart the PC when ever prompted).

Keep us posted.

 

[chris98]

Thanks for the fast reply. I've probably got more information than you need, but:

My model is:

Inspiron 3721

System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.

System Type: x64 based PC

Processors: 1 processors installed

It keeps talking about plugging in an ethernet cable when I troubleshoot, and the only two connection types visible are Broadband (PPoE) and Dial-up.

Network Cards: 1 NIC install
Connection Name: Ethernet
Status: Media disconnected

 

[archer]

Do you have a modem and do you see a ethernet cable coming out. You got to plug that cable in your PC.

For getting the drivers, go to this site. Drivers & Downloads | Dell US

 

[chris98]

I don't have an ethernet cable (or modem I think). We use a wireless router, but what I meant above is when I go to create a new network connection, the only options that are available are PPoE and Dial-up - Even when I go into the PC settings and select "Wireless" it just says no wireless devices are found without the option of even enabling wireless communication. Do I have to download the drivers on the computer running windows 8, or can I download and transfer them- if so where do I put them? Is it c:\drivers?

 

[archer]

Ok, so you have a wireless router. Did you turn on the WiFi on your laptop? Once you turn on the WiFi on the laptop, your PC will be able to get the signal from your router.

You can just download the drivers from the link provided. Save it anywhere and install. Once you start the installation, it will automatically read the network card and perform it's task.

 

[chris98]

I can't turn on wifi on my laptop, there are no links to anywhere. I searched for ages, and there are no links, buttons or files I can find - it appears to be invisible or not there at all. The thing is that it did work before I re-installed windows 8. Now, it just says that it can't find any wireless networks at all.

How do you normally turn it on in windows 8?

 

[archer]

Well, normally you have a button/clip in the front or at the side of the laptop to turn on/off the WiFi. But, we need to install the drivers first.

I have selected the drivers for you. Just go to this page and download the drivers and install them.
Driver Details | Dell US

 

[chris98]

Thanks. I have installed both the drivers, but the following issues are still continuing:

Network Controller doesn't have a driver

PCI Simple Communications controller doesn't have a driver

USB2.0 doesn't have a driver

However, now I do have the option of enabling wireless communication in the PC settings.But when I actually go to create a new network connection only the two types above are visible still.

 

[chris98]

Thanks, I have now fixed the remaining problem - it turned out that when I installed windows 8 from scratch it moved some of the drivers (the missing ones still) into a folder created called "windows.old/FOLDER THEY WERE IN". Since it couldn't find them in the old location anymore, it threw out the error/notification.

Thank you for all your help.

 

[archer]

Glad the issue is resolved.