/ Configuring Dell Optiplex for Internet

Configuring Dell Optiplex for Internet

I just got a Dell Optiplex gx270 and I cannot get my wireless g to get on the Internet. Am I missing something? Kate Dubensky

Wireless Network Cards

Well, unless you have added a wireless network card or adapter to your Dell Optiplex, you might be missing wireless capability. The Dell Optiplex, like most PCs, isn’t necessarily equipped with a wireless card from the factory but you can add one, or you can run a wire from your PC to your modem or router. If you decide to add one, make sure that you take your computer’s specifications with you to the store and check that the computer can support the card.

Check your System with Device Manager

If you aren’t sure whether or not there is a wireless adapter built into your system, you can check using Device Manager. Click Start, then Control Panel, then System and then Device Manager. Here you can scroll and look for a wireless card listing. If there isn’t one, then you will need to add it before you can get online wirelessly. If there is one, you can check for a yellow ! mark beside the listing, which would indicate a problem with the card or the connectivity.

Update your Drivers from Dell

Once you have a wireless adapter installed, you will most likely need to update your drivers. Dell has several driver releases for the Optiplex gx 270 and you can find them here. The drivers should help your computer’s operating system communicate with newer hardware, such as the wireless card and router. Here is the link to the Dell Optiplex gx 270 Drivers and Downloads page. Use the drop down menus to get the right drivers for your operating system.

Check with your Internet Service Provider

Once you download and install the new drivers, you should be able to get online, at least in theory. If you are still having problems configuring a wireless router or modem with your computer, you can contact your Internet service provider. Sometimes you need to adjust your IP address to configure your system with the provider.

I hope these suggestions help. If not, you can write again with some information about what you have tried, what works and what doesn’t, and we can take it from there. PS - Don’t forget to make sure that the wireless adapter is switched on. For example, many laptops have an on/off switch for the wireless adapter. Good luck!