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Question

How do I know what driver(s) I need to install?

Jan 15, 2014 7:55PM PST

I tried to go online with my laptop and got a message saying there is no driver installed to go online.

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
(NT) You do have internet service at your house, right?
Jan 19, 2014 8:55PM PST
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Answer
Re: drivers
Jan 15, 2014 8:00PM PST

Most (if not all) laptops come out of the factory fully working. If not, it's a warranty issue.

So maybe you did something yourself to make it not work? Then I should reverse that. But since you didn't tell about it, it's impossible to discuss the details.

Kees

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Answer
How do I know what driver(s) I need to install?
Jan 15, 2014 11:26PM PST

I have a laptop that I found in an abandoned home that I am remodeling. I transferred ownership registration with Dell and received an operating system reinstallation dvd. Now I'd like to install any required driver(s), specifically the driver to go online.

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Dells have a SERVICE TAG
Jan 16, 2014 1:28AM PST

That can help. Keep in mind that Windows, even today is a dinosaur OS with odd ideas about expecting you to be a computer scientist when it comes to installing the OS and drivers.

Did you consider Linux Mint or others that don't make such an assumption?

And Dells have a SERVICE TAG that you can enter at Dell.com to get a list of drivers.
Bob

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Check and then visit...
Jan 16, 2014 1:32AM PST

Since you're asking for driver(s) or which one then either you didn't finish the *FULL* install of that Dell laptop OS and laptop setup which should have included any drivers. To check the status of drivers now you need to get into the control panel, select device manager and check for red/yellow flagged items. These more than likely need attention usually some driver install, but review what it wants to correct the problem. Now, since this is a Dell laptop proceed to online support website using a working PC. Enter your Dell "service tag#" found on your laptop decal for ease of access to drivers or direct support of your product. Depending on what you need, enter driver section and select the required driver s/w that's needed. Now YOU need to be 100% sure of what drivers to get, since we have no clue because you will be looking at the device manager results, stating whatever is present and needs this driver type to be fully ready. Download the required drivers to some flash drive or burn to disc and then use that to install from for your laptop. Dell support explains this as well how to get driver s/w in the FAQ file -OR- manual for your laptop, read it!

tada -----Willy Happy

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My bet is that this found laptop has none of those documents
Jan 16, 2014 1:45AM PST

Which is why most folk discover the Jurassic era which Microsoft lives is. It's time to make the driver hunt be a thing of the past.
Bob

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Answer
2nd thoughts
Jan 16, 2014 2:14AM PST

Just to let you know...

Why would a laptop be left behind. You would think its something keen to be packed. I can only guess it maybe broken in some way or truly forgotten about. If broken, you may have the reason why it was left behind, it now needs repair. So include that if you get the proper drivers and seems ready to work but still fails, some broken h/w maybe at fault.

You didn't provide any info or details about your laptop, so these replies are our best guesses. You do know there is a Dell forum here as well, repost there for possible better help again with details provided.

tada -----Willy Happy

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During a BLACK HAT discussion
Jan 16, 2014 2:27AM PST

The idea was bandied about to "lose" tablets, laptops and more on purpose. These would be found and put to use by unsuspecting folk happy with their found gift.

Now I want folk to think how evil we can get with this method. Good thing they reinstalled the OS but what if they didn't scrub the HDD?

They are out to get you.
Bob

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to 2nd thoughts
Jan 16, 2014 4:53AM PST

You're right, I didn't provide too many details. The abandoned home was a bank repo. I can only assume this person was locked out (because he/she didn't comply with eviction) or this person possibly was incarcerated, having no time to pack the keen items.

I do have the system tag #, and speaking to Dell Tech Support, it was determined to be a Dell Inspiron N7010, released in 2011. Your best guesses have been helpful and are appreciated.

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One last check...
Jan 16, 2014 9:31AM PST

As already posted to get "drivers" if that all that's needed, then Dell website support will provide. They can also if so inclined review some s/w or apps(free?) that was part of that laptop build and re-install as well. If not, the Dell store or support can help get it all back for some cost or should you pay for support services.

Before I part, if you haven't checked, there maybe a "hidden partition" that is the restore/recovery portion that provides the same OS install s/w and drivers, etc. to get back to day 1 of that then new laptop. Again, the Dell support website provides how that's done should you find such a partition present. If so found, use that instead of the re-install DVD because it more readily returns the laptop to day 1 build. If not, you have your DVD and posted answers which should cover this topic quite well.

tada -----Willy Happy

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Since you have the service tag
Jan 16, 2014 10:05AM PST

That's all you need to get the drivers at dell.com

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Answer
Drivers for Dell
Jan 19, 2014 4:09AM PST

All drivers should have been on the DVD Dell sent you. If i read your question correctly you want to install "the driver to go online". What you need is software which also should have been on the Dell DVD, Windows Internet Explorer and hardware, a WI-FY card and or a Ethernet Port on the laptop. Make sure you have one or both and ensure it / they are working. You will also need a router that will connect either of the two options mentioned to establish a connection to the internet.