Dear Rick,
important things first - the network adaptor (Microsoft Teredo Tunneling Adapter) and the wireless connection now works. After going through all the installations, the mobility center was able to access our hot spot. MANY THANKS for your help. We would not have been able to fix this ourselves.
What has not yet worked out is the installation of two "Network" applications under "Drivers and Downloads". When installing the first and fifth program ("Dell Wireless 1704 Driver" and "Driver for 1701 BT"), some issues with the blootooth seem to appear ("Activae Bluetooth using Wireless switch"). I have not seen a specific switch, other than through Fn+F2, which is enabled. Any idea would be much appreciated.
There is one more problem, which we have had since the beginning: The notebook suddenly switches off (not shutting down but instantly turns off). We have had the mainboard and fan replaced and reinstalled windows (hence all the trouble above). That didn't help and we are out of warrenty now. It happens when in battery mode as well as when the power cord is plugged in, so not likely to be a problem with the battery. Any advice would be REALLY appreciated, we are pretty clueless in this regard.
Many thanks again,
Mario