How do I enable my network adapter?

Question

I am trying to setup my linksys router to my laptop, but it says that I need to enable my network adapter. How do I do this without the "local area connection" icon in my Network Connections?

I have a Windows XP, if that helps.

Answer 1

Tim is right, but I'd like to add something.

During set up, sometimes the NIC can drop it's drivers.  A very simple solution is most often, to just

1) go to RIGHT click MyComputer > Properties >

tab Hardware > button Device Manager >

there scroll down > RIGHT click the NIC and DISable the NIC. and next >

2)  Restart your computer, which will automatically reload new drivers.

3)  Go back to NIC in Device Manager and make sure it's ENabled.

Done

^j^

Answer 2

If you don't have the local area connection icon in network settings, this means the adapter does not have the drivers installed.

this is sort of complicated as you need to network adapter to get the drivers.

Answer 3

Go to Start > right click My Computer > select properties > select hardware tab > select device Manager > look for network adapters and click + sign > right click the apropriate adapter and enable.

With Laptops  they sometimes have a wireless network switch on the side or front. This will also disable/enable the adapter in windows.

Answer 4

Tim made a great point that many people tend to overlook.  There is usually a button on the laptop somewhere that can enable/disable the wireless adapter.  Make sure to check that.

Now, you mentioned being connected to another Internet connection at the moment.  I take it that it's a wireless connection..?  Even if it's not, you can connect to Dell's website and download the necessary drivers just in case you don't have them.  Once you have the drivers, you can check the device manager to make sure it's enabled.

The device manager can be accessed through the control panel or you can just "right" click on "My Computer" and select "Properties" then 'Hardware" and "Device Manager".  From there you can see if your network adapters are installed and working.  From the properties tab you can enable or disable the network card.

There is one other thing I think I should mention.  Right click on "My Computer" and select "Manage".  Towards the bottom of the left pane you'll see "Services and Applications".  Click on Services and you can see all of the services running on your system.  Be VERY CAREFUL not to turn off something you aren't familiar with, as it's easy do mess up the system config from here but I felt it was important to mention that you should check and make sure the "Wireless Zero Configuration" is started and running.

Hope this helps, let us know what happened...