I upgraded to Windows 8 and am now having problems with the internet adapter (Broadcom Netlink) I went online to find out about Windows 8 compatible drivers and learned there are none. Confused I talked to Dell and was told my PC is obsolete. Broadcom is not making Windows 8 drivers. The adapter is built into the motherboard so I am stuck-I can't buy a replacement adapter, and the adapter I have does not work well with Windows 8. Dell gave me the option of reverting to Windows 7, but I would need to reload all my (other) software. I am confused why this situation occurred. I don't understand why my PC was built to work only with Windows 7 and don't remember being told this when I bought it. Did I miss something? Do I need to be more alert when buying my next PC?
Did Dell advertise their Inspiron 580 could only be used with Windows 7
- Thread starter mtkotsay
- Start date
getochkn
Polypheme
- Jul 2, 2006
- 12,407
- 54
- 65,040
If Windows 8 wasn't out when you bought the PC, kind of hard for them to build a computer to work with Windows 8 when it didn't even exist.
Your only choice really then is to buy a network card. You can get a PCI or PCI-express one for around $10.
Your only choice really then is to buy a network card. You can get a PCI or PCI-express one for around $10.
It's a weird corner case issue. These kind of embedded systems are already pretty poorly supported, and practically all of them use custom designed boards with equally non-standard components. The manufacturers don't support them for future software because there is no profit for them in spending the time and effort to design drivers that so few people use. The new model uses a different component, and the vast majority of existing owners won't upgrade the OS. Basically, they are built to work out of the box and no-one thinks about it too hard beyond that. Since they are lower powered than their bespoke brothers upgrading is for many systems actually impossible anyway, and even if it's not it's up to you to figure it out. Sorry about that.
But you can certainly get an alternative source of internet connection - A usb to wired ethernet or usb to wireless adapter will work just fine with windows 8 and they only cost a few bucks. Obviously that's not ideal for you, but your machine will still work fine. Equally a PCI card will work too and is easy enough to install, although you will need to get your hands dirty.
Edit - Turns out it's a desktop not a laptop - Updated to reflect that.
But you can certainly get an alternative source of internet connection - A usb to wired ethernet or usb to wireless adapter will work just fine with windows 8 and they only cost a few bucks. Obviously that's not ideal for you, but your machine will still work fine. Equally a PCI card will work too and is easy enough to install, although you will need to get your hands dirty.
Edit - Turns out it's a desktop not a laptop - Updated to reflect that.
jaimelmiel
Honorable
- May 7, 2012
- 999
- 0
- 11,360
What prevents you from buying a pcie Nic card that is compatible with Windows 8. Do you have a free slot available?
TRENDING THREADS
-
Discussion ABS Eurus Aqua gaming pc with Gigabyte z790 ud ac crashing and BSOD
- Started by Icarry2
- Replies: 3
-
-
-
-
News Windows 11 will reportedly display a watermark if your PC does not support AI requirements- Started by Admin
- Replies: 31
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram