hannah

This error is rare so maybe somebody will need this.
I removed the Dell connection manager software from a new Dell E-series laptop because I could not figure out how to use it. The wireless connections program that comes with Windows xp is pretty good. In order to use it I had to take off the Dell Connection Manager software first.
It worked for a bit but then we got this error message:
"The Dell Wireless WLAN Card is still disabled. Use the Dell Wireless WLAN Utility to enable it."
The wireless card had been disabled and there was no way to enable it again. The switch on the computer did not fix it.
Here is what fixed it (this morning at least).

1. Start Device manager Start>Run>devmgmgt.msc and uninstall the Wireless adapter. The PC should detect it again. Flick the wi-fi switch if you need to.
2. The Dell Wireless WLAN Utility is a service so stop it and disable it in services.msc

Make sure that windows' "wireless zero configuration" service is started. You might need to opt to use windows to manage the connection in the wireless adapter properties in network connections in control panel.

I do not regret removing the dell connection manager as it was unnecessarily complex. I could not even figure out how to connect to an access point.