I have two Dell Inspiron 1521. One is fine the other I am encountering a problem, actually several problems. The one with the problems has Windows Vista Home Basic with SP1, it will not allow me to install SP2. All MS installs error out. The other one that works fine has SP2Configuration of both laptops are the same otherwise. Network and Sharing reflects "not connected" to internet. However, I can get to the Internet and access a printer set up on the network connected to a desktop. It will not allow me to turn network discovery on. I have gone to services and restarted network list and network location. When doing this the network starts to show a public network (my network is set up as private) and then reverts back to not connected. I've noticed that this issues is posted on several forums but no solution noted.

Hi, It is probably been blocked by certain third party software, I would suggest disable your security software such as firewall or antivirus software to check the result. Regarding to SP2, it is suggested to download the Standalone Installer and install it in Clean Boot Mode. Step 3: Download Windows Vista SP2 Standalone Installer ==================================================== 1. Download Windows Vista SP2 Standalone Installer from the link below according to the System Type: Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Five Language Standalone for Windows Vista 32-bit (KB948465) (Size: 348.3 MB) http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=a4dd31d5-f907-4406-9012-a5c3199ea2b3&DisplayLang=en Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Five Language Standalone for Windows Vista 64-bit (KB948465) (Size: 577.4 MB) http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=656c9d4a-55ec-4972-a0d7-b1a6fedf51a7&DisplayLang=en Step 4: Install Windows Vista SP2 in Clean Boot Mode ========================================= Please disable all startup items and third party services when booting to avoid conflict when installing Windows Vista SP2. 1. Click "Start", type: MSCONFIG in the search box and press Enter. Note: Please click "Continue" if the "User Account Control" window pops up. 2. Click "Services", check the "Hide All Microsoft Services" box and click "Disable All" (if it is not gray). 3. Click "Startup", click "Disable All", click "OK" and restart the computer. Note: Temporarily disabling the Startup Group only prevents the startup programs from loading at startup. This shouldn't affect the system or other programs. We can manually run these programs later. 4. Please double click the downloaded Standalone Installer and follow the instructions to install Windows Vista SP2. Regards,Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

Your Connection is probablly misconfigured. Once connected (even though it says not connected) open Network and Sharing Center. If you are able to click on Customize do so. Click Merge or delete network connections. Highlight and remove all connections not in use. Close the 2 pages, keep Network and sharing Center open and click Manage network connections. Right click each connection and click Delete. If Delete is Greyed out choose Properties. Click Configure, click Driver, click Uninstall, click OK. Do not put a check in the box "Delete the driver software for this device" Restart your computer. Make your new connection. Since you have 2 identical laptops (and I am assuming the connections were identical also) you can check all this and trouble shoot with the working one.