From what I have seen XP does maintain the driver database on the C: drive. I assume that is still true in Vista.
You say it doesn't load, do you mean it loads and fails to connect? You can go into tools/options/main and set "what FF does on startup" to blank to answer that question.
I am guessing you mean it won't connect. You could turn on file sharing and share a file. Then see if it is available on another PC. That will test the adapter. A shared printer would do the same thing. Usually it is easier to get an internet connection going.
Have you tried to run the troubleshooter? That may give you the option to repair the connection.
