Turning Dell laptop network drivers on with no network cable plugged in?

Solution 1:

Install a Microsoft Loopback Adapter. This is a fake network card for exactly this purpose.

1. In the host operating system, right-click My Computer, and then select Properties. Depending on the style of the start menu, My Computer may be located in the Start menu.
2. In the System Properties dialog box, on the Hardware tab, click Add Hardware Wizard.
3. In the Add Hardware dialog box, click Next.
4. When the Is the hardware connected? dialog box appears, click Yes, I have already connected the hardware, and then click Next.
5. In the Installed hardware list, click Add a new hardware device, and then click Next.
6. In the What do you want the wizard to do? list, click Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced), and then click Next.
7. In the Common hardware types list, click Network adapters, and then click Next.
8. In the Manufacturer list, click Microsoft.
9. In the Network Adapter list, click Microsoft Loopback Adapter, and then click Next twice.
10. If a message about driver signing appears, click Continue Anyway.
11. In the Completing the Add Hardware Wizard dialog box, click Finish, and then click OK.