Identifying network adapter?

[mikehende]

Hey guys, I would like to know how to identify a "wireless" network adapter on a pc please. I have 2 desktops, one has a USB adapter and I can see it's description in the Device Manager under Network Adapters, that's fine. On the other desktop I have a PCI Wireless adapter, can't remember the brand but when looking in the Device Manager on that pc under Network Adapter, I am seeing 3 items but none of them looks like the pci wireless card, please see attached pic?

http://i493.photobucket.com/albums/rr298/mikehende/Untitled_zps563c28fe.png

 

[Fardringle]

The "Broadcom 802.11g Network Adapter" is the wireless adapter.

 

[mikehende]

Just to clarify would that Broadcom item be the brand of the PCI wireless card or the driver name for that card?

 

[Fardringle]

Broadcom would be the name of the chipset on the wireless card. It could be a card actually made by Broadcom, or a card made by someone else that uses the Broadcom chipset.

To identify the driver that you need, you would need to know the brand name and model of the wireless adapter. If it was included when the computer was purchased you may be able to look up the computer's serial number on the manufacturer's web site to find the model of the wireless adapter that was installed in the machine. Or check the adapter's documentation if it was purchased separate from the computer.

Or, right-click on the Broadcom adapter in the Device Manager, choose Properties, click on the Details tab, then click on the drop down list below "Property" and select "Hardware Ids". Copy the information from one of the results into a Google search (or paste it here) to find the model number of the card, and then use that model number to find updated drivers.

 

[mikehende]

Ok got it [thanks], just for my knowledge and if you won't mind explaining/confirming please, the 2nd item which is the Intel 10/100 connection, that should be the wired network adapter? If yes, then what is the 3rd item which the Microsoft Virtuak WIFI miniport adapter?

 

[JackMDS]

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...-adapter/78a96f27-ae98-42e1-891d-e8651cd99748

 

[mikehende]

Ok thanks, other question please, I wish to try out the USB wireless card which I am using on one desktop on the other desktop so I would like to know before doing so:

1] If I remove the USB wireless card from Desktop 1, when reinserting it, will I need to reinstall any drivers or will it work as before?

2] When I insert the USB wireless card on the other desktop 2, in order to test the wireless on that desktop 2, what would I need to do, disable the PCI wireless card? If yes, how can I do that without having to physically remove the card from the PCI slot please?

 

[JackMDS]

Any Card can be disabled by right clicking on its entry icon in the device manager ana left click on Disable.

So, you can disable the other card, and when done enable it in the same manner.

In most cases reinserting a USB card will automatically make it working again.

That said I always keep on all of my computers all their related Drivers so that it immediately available of necessary.

Drivers can usually be downloaded from the manufacturer support site.

Never download Drivers from those sites that suggest to scan your computer through the Internet, or bundle the drivers in their own install package.

 

[mikehende]

Alright I appreciate it, one last thing for now please, how do you find where a driver is located on your HDD to copy it as backup? I am not an option for this anywhere in the Device Manager.

 

[XLer8]

Although Jack is right in most cases but I think Windows 7 found the driver probably off of windows update. Just in this particular Windows 7 has it already.

If you wanna know all info about the card for future DL of drivers and who makes it. Just look at HW IDs. In devise manager double click the device, select details tab, under property go to HW IDs. Copy and google the first 3 sets or so of the 1st line. Just use google to find out manu and model then head to their site and download it.

Looks something like this: PCI\VEN_xxxxxx_xxxxxx
PCI maybe changed to USB, HID or something.

Hardware IDs is what like "plug n play" tells windows what it is and if there are proper drivers.

Hope this helps.

 

[mikehende]

I understood that but what I am asking is how to located an existing driver on the pc so I can back it up? As an example, how can I copy the wireless driver for the Broadcom wireless adapter mentioned in post #2 without downloading it from the net? I am asking this for future purposes when reloading an OS and want to back up the unit's wireless driver just in case it can be hard to find on the net for download.

 

[XLer8]

I understood that but what I am asking is how to located an existing driver on the pc so I can back it up? As an example, how can I copy the wireless driver for the Broadcom wireless adapter mentioned in post #2 without downloading it from the net? I am asking this for future purposes when reloading an OS and want to back up the unit's wireless driver just in case it can be hard to find on the net for download.

I know, since it came directly from Windows update its going to be hell getting them without downloading. No temp driver folders etc. They are too integrated to find all things needed.

 

[JackMDS]

Drivers can usually be downloaded from the manufacturer support site.

 

[mikehende]

Ok understood now, thanks guys and Happy Thanksgiving!