No network connection after SP2, why? 1

[javierdl]

A friend of mine upgraded to SP2, and ever since he can't connect to the internet nor his LAN.
He is using a cable modem and a router. We know the problem is not with any of these devices as his roomate can connect just fine.
One thing we noticed is that his connection (in the Network Connections control panel) says "connection not existent). As far as I know he had already reinstall the network card driver.
It seems to me that this kind of problem arising right after upgrading to SP2 is somewhat common, is it?
What can be the reason?
I am hoping that by now someone has caught up a pattern here and have a solution.

Thanks in advance,

JDL

http://www.sunnylandbaja.com

 

[bcastner]

There is not a killer solution as yet, but fundamentally the issue is a driver problem.


Step #1: Obtain a newer driver

. Download a new driver set. The best drivers in my experience are from the chipset OEM manufacturer's, and not the NIC adapter OEM. See if you are using a RealTek or ADMTek chipset, and try their drivers.

. Wrong driver set. This is very common. There are 8 different drivers offered for the Linksys Fast Ethernet adapter.

. Problematic driver set. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that the NVIDIA ethernet controller driver has issues with SP2. Similarly, Intel or 3Com are likely the best source for newer drivers is you use their products, as they make the underlying controller chipset.

Step #2: Reregister some DLLs:

Start, Run, CMD

regsvr32 netshell.dll
regsvr32 netcfgx.dll
regsvr32 netman.dll
regsvr32 atl.dll

Step #3: Uninstall all existing network adapters

Start, Run, devmgmt.msc
View, Show all hidden devices
Expand Network Adapters
right-click on each and uninstall

Now reboot the computer. For each identified network adapter by the New Hardware Wizard point to your new driver set.

After the re-installation of the network adapters, reboot and test.

If no joy, a more advanced worksheet for resolving the problem is available here:

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=825826

 

[javierdl]

Thank you so much for such a complete reply bcastner

I'll give it a try.

J.

http://www.sunnylandbaja.com

 

[bcastner]

Good luck and let us know:

. Exact make and model of the network adapter in question
. Any other adapters installed
. Your progress