It's a common frustration. You've just finished a clean installation of Windows 7 on your OptiPlex 790, but when you get to the desktop, you have no internet connection. The most likely culprit is a missing network interface card (NIC) driver. Windows 7 was released before the OptiPlex 790 became common, so its installation disc doesn't have the specific drivers needed for that hardware. As a result, the operating system can't communicate with your computer's Ethernet port.
Optional. Most Optiplex 790 units did not come with built-in Wi-Fi unless a custom PCIe card or USB dongle was added later. Why You Must Avoid Third-Party Driver Websites
On a working computer with internet access, visit the Dell Drivers & Downloads page.
Point the search to the folder where you extracted the Dell driver files. Bios Network Configuration If the network card does not show up at all: It's a common frustration
Network drivers are essential software components that enable your computer to communicate with other devices on a network. Without the correct network drivers, your Dell Optiplex 790 may not be able to connect to the internet, access shared files, or use network-based services.
Intel 82579LM Gigabit Network Connection. Connection Type: Wired RJ-45 Ethernet port. Speed Capabilities: 10/100/1000 Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet).
The Dell OptiPlex 790 motherboard features an integrated network interface card (NIC). Intel 82579LM Gigabit Ethernet LAN Connection Port Speed: 10/100/1000 Mbps (Gigabit capable) Connection Type: Wired RJ-45 Ethernet port Step-by-Step Guide to Free Download and Installation Windows 7 was released before the OptiPlex 790
Select or Extract (choosing Install is the quickest method).
Follow the on-screen prompts, accept the license agreement, and click . Step 4: Reboot Your System
This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later. Most Optiplex 790 units did not come with
If a User Account Control (UAC) prompt pops up asking for permission, click . Step 3: Follow the Intel Setup Wizard
If you have temporary internet via USB tethering (phone), install Dell Command | Update for Windows 7. This tool auto-detects your hardware and downloads the best network driver directly. However, Dell ended support for the Win7 version, so only use this if you are comfortable with legacy software.
