I encountered WiFi issue recently with Dell Wireless 1504 adapter. I noticed that on some networks I was able to connect, but had either No internet access or limited connectivity.
Checking Dell Wireless 1504 (which actually looks like rebadged Broadcom 802.11n) in Device Manager shows that card reports that it’s working, however it does use Microsoft drivers. I suspect Windows Update is having issues with it, as it’s probably not reporting properly as Broadcom device.
Below are steps needed to replace driver with proper Broadcom release.
- If using Windows 8/8.1: Go to the Start Screen and type Device Manager to begin a search – you’ll see the search window appear on the right
- Is using Windows 7: Click on the Start button and in the Search Programs and Files search box type Device Manager
- Open Device Manager from the search results
- Expand the Network Adapters section and then right-click on the Broadcom 802.11n or DELL Wireless 1504 802.11b/g/n (2.4Ghz) network adapter and select Properties.
- Select the Driver tab and check if the Driver Provider is listed as Microsoft. If so then select Update Driver. If the Driver Provider is not listed as Microsoft then please see our advice below on getting further assistance with this issue.
- Select Browse my computer for driver software
- Select Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer
- Select the Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter (Broadcom) entry from the list, and click Next to change the provider from Microsoft to Broadcom. Once this is complete close the Device Manager windows. If you do not see a listing with ‘(Broadcom)’ in the name then you’ll need to look for similar driver online.
I will not try to sell you driver updating software. I do recommend checking Dell Windows Reinstallation Guide website, as it is great resource for Dell drivers of all kind.