Member Avatar for Dawn_1

Three days ago, my laptop stopped connecting to the internet. Error says no modem found. When I go to Device Manager, modem is not listed. Can't update anything because cannot connect to the internet. Help, please!

Edited by Dawn_1
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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Itsdigger

Dani AI

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When Windows 7 on a Dell reports "no modem found" but no device appears in Device Manager, the problem is usually one of three things: the network adapter driver is missing or corrupt, the wireless/Ethernet hardware is disabled at the firmware/keyboard level, or security software is blocking the network stack. This guidance builds on points already raised by and and focuses on reproducible, offline-friendly diagnostics and recovery steps.

Quick checklist (priority order)

  • Confirm whether the system should have a dial‑up modem at all (most Dell 5000 series laptops use Wi‑Fi or Ethernet).
  • In Device Manager use View → Show hidden devices, then inspect both "Network adapters" and "Modems". If nothing appears, the adapter is not being exposed to Windows.
  • Check Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings for disabled adapters.
  • Check BIOS/UEFI (commonly F2 on Dell at boot) for any "Wireless" or "Integrated devices" setting and ensure wireless is enabled. Also verify any Fn key or physical wireless switch is on.
  • Temporarily disable/remove McAfee (or other AV/firewall) to rule out software blocking.

Useful command-line resets (run an elevated Command Prompt; reboot after the netsh resets)

ipconfig /all
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /flushdns

Driver and hardware follow-ups

  • If Device Manager shows an Unknown Device, open its Properties → Details → Hardware Ids and use that identifier to locate the correct driver.
  • Download drivers from Dell Support (enter the service tag on another computer if the laptop is offline), copy via USB, then install. Prefer the vendor-specific WLAN/Ethernet driver (Intel, Broadcom, Qualcomm Atheros, Realtek, etc.).
  • If problems persist after drivers are reinstalled and AV is removed, test with a USB Ethernet or USB Wi‑Fi adapter to separate OS/driver issues from failed onboard hardware.
  • Before major changes, create a restore point or full backup.

If these steps still leave the adapter invisible, the likely cause is a hardware failure (faulty Wi‑Fi card or a loose connection) requiring component reseat/replacement or a technician’s inspection.

Recommended Answers

All 12 Replies

Member Avatar for Itsdigger

Can you do a System Restore to a point before the problem started ?

Member Avatar for Dawn_1

I did, but still no modem listed.

Member Avatar for Itsdigger

Did you cycle the modem ?
1) turn off the laptop
2) unplug the modem from power source
3) wait 60 seconds
4) plug modem back in
5) wait for the modem to fully boot
6) restart the laptop
This updates the modem...

Edited by Itsdigger
Member Avatar for Crist_1

thank for info.

Member Avatar for Dawn_1

Thank you, itsdigger, I will try that as soon as I can.

Member Avatar for Dawn_1

Unfortunately, I still have no internet connection. It still says there is a problem with my modem or network adaptor when I try to access a broadband connection.

Member Avatar for rproffitt

You'll have to tell more to continue. "Modems" in laptops have been dial up modems and nothing to do with broadband connections.

In fact, so few folk have a modem in their laptops that I found it interesting you lead with that. But with this reply it's clear you may have been mislead by the error messages so, start over. For broadband the modem is not in your laptop. We use WiFi or Ethernet to connect to the broadband internet connection. I know folk are still learning about this stuff but you need to keep learning or head to a repair counter.

Member Avatar for Dawn_1

Thanks. Still learning! I guess I will find a computer repair person...

Member Avatar for rproffitt

Sorry but I didn't want you to give up that easy.

I hope you can tell more. For example, if you told us you had Norton or Kaspersky we know those will block your internet connection when they expire. To me that's rather thuggish behavior and has caused an untolk amount of trips to repair counters.

Also, just last week I had another one where they had the WiFi in the off position. I know this is asking a lot but like a car with its parking brake on, it couldn't get on the internet.

Member Avatar for Dawn_1

I have McAfee, but I had just used malwarebytes. I have checked and the wifi is in turned on. I don't have a switch, just the function to turn Wi-Fi on/off.

Member Avatar for rproffitt

So yes, Mcafee can block your internet. https://www.google.com/#q=mcafee+blocks+internet+access

This has lead me to avoid most AV makes today. I've fallen back to Windows Defender and my own good behavior. No visits to dodgy sites and for browser protection, Web Of Trust and Adblock+. It's been over 2 years and scans have found nothing but a few cookies to dust off.

Member Avatar for Itsdigger

Ahhh ! This makes much more sense to me now that I know you have Broadband and the laptop tells you there's a problem with the Network Adapter .
Well... Bob will get ya up and running . He's a Pro

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