Based on your detailed description, it seems you are experiencing issues with your Dell DW1501 Wireless-N half mini-Card adapter and its compatibility with Windows 7, specifically regarding Wi-Fi connectivity and speed.

To address these concerns:

1. Driver Compatibility:

- The fact that the latest driver installed without issue doesn't necessarily mean it's fully compatible or optimized for Windows 7.

- It's recommended to check Dell's official website for specific drivers known to work with your system configuration (Windows 7, 32-bit).

- Look for drivers specifically marked as 'A' or 'B' releases, which indicate they have been tested and validated by both the manufacturer and Microsoft.

2. Wi-Fi Catcher Network Locator:

- The absence of this option in Windows Mobility Center could be due to driver compatibility issues.

- Try updating your system's wireless adapter settings through Device Manager (Control Panel > System & Security > Device Manager) or using third-party software specifically designed for managing Wi-Fi connections.

3. 802.11n Speed Issues:

- The reduced link speed of 72mbps could indicate that the adapter is falling back to a lower data rate, possibly due to compatibility issues with your router's firmware.

- Ensure both your router and adapter are running the latest firmware/BIOS updates available from their respective manufacturers.

4. Dual-Band Connectivity:

- The DW1501 supports 2x2 dual-band (Dual-Stream) IEEE802.11n on both the 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands.

- However, issues with detecting or connecting to one band while the other works fine can be caused by various factors including driver compatibility, router settings, or physical barriers between devices.

To troubleshoot further:

1. Check your system's Device Manager for any yellow exclamation marks beside network adapters; this may indicate a hardware issue.

2. Try resetting both your router and adapter to their factory defaults (check manufacturer's manuals).

3. If issues persist across different systems with the same configuration, it might be worth considering contacting Dell support or Netgear technical assistance for further troubleshooting and potential replacement of faulty components.

Remember that compatibility can sometimes be an ongoing process due to continuous updates in both hardware and software technology. Patience and persistence will likely help resolve these connectivity issues.

Dw1501 driver windows 7 32 bit