Vista - Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter Issue

Let me first start by saying what put me in this position is pure stupidity mixed with a little ignorance. Please, be gentle. I wanted to format but I could not find my vista cds so I just took my XP cd from a past desktop(also Dell). Yes, I see in hind sight that was a bad idea. Nevertheless, I had the Vista cds sent to me from Dell. I formatted back to Vista and saw that a driver was not functioning. I sent my computer through the gauntlet of the dell diagnostics that took a little over an hour and nothing was found wrong. I continued to use the drivers online and on the vista cd to reinstall the "Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter" driver. Nothing seems to work.

I do not know if this helps, but it did work in the past, I have had the laptop for roughly a year.

I believe this is used for wireless internet, since that is the only thing not working. There is a way for me to "turn on the wireless internet,"using Function+F2, but when I use that combination like I have in the past, the light does not light up next to Caps Lock and Scroll Lock, etc.. Please, if anything needs clarification, I will gladly answer any questions. I know the answer will be simple, but I just don't know it. Thanks.


I have a Dell Inspiron 1501 Notebook. Everything I have complained about I was able to do before I chose to format with XP and it came pre-installed from Dell. I can connect through the internet, but only through a wired connection.

When I changed my laptop it came with Vista, when I tried to use my Broadcom adaptor the monitoring tool that used to sit in the bottom bar is no longer there as it was under XP.
It looks as if the monitoring tool is not supported under Vista.
The adaptor still works though, just disable your internal wireless card if you have one and the computer should automatically display the new Broadcom connection in your network settings.
Hope this helps

Try this- your driver should be in this lot

ASUSTeK Computer INC. Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter Driver

Hi thebiceCage, were you able to fix this issue?