"unknown device" problem, can't connect to the internet...

[jessiem25]

dell inspiron 7000, 96mb memory, 10/100 lan ethernet card.

the machine has not been connected to the internet for a couple of weeks, and today, on restart and bootup, the system is finding an "unknown device" and when i search for new drivers, it doesn't find any. removing the device from device manager doesn't help, as it keeps coming up after every reboot. the ethernet card is recognized, but will not connect to the internet at all. i suspect that this might be a bad ethernet card, since it's four years old, but any clues? would like to get back online sometime soon. thanks in advance!

jessie

 

[thebigguy128]

You can try this...

Physically remove the NIC and reboot. If the new hardware found dialog box doesn't come up...reboot into safe mode and remove the NIC from there. Power down..reboot...power down...reinstall the nic..power up. Make sure you have the drivers for the nic. You should get a new hardware box to install the nic.

Post back if this is or isn't helpful...only with feedback to we become better!

Dana

 

[WheeDoggy]

If the ethernet card is showing up as unknown, then you need to reinstall the drivers.

Check if you have a Dell "recovery" CD or a driver diskette that came with the card.

Alternatively, you can check mfr/oem website to download.

Rgds

 

[jessiem25]

i will definitely try these.

wheedoggy - the ethernet card is showing up as itself, not as unknown, but i still can't get onto the internet. could the two still be related? device manager shows the ethernet card under pc cards, and then "unknown device" under "unknown devices."

 

[WheeDoggy]

OK - try thebigguy's suggestion and reseat the NIC.

Regards