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Windows 7 cannot connect to the internet through a wired connection

Anonymous
2014-05-25T14:13:14+00:00

Hello,

I've recently replaced the power supply in my PC, which is running windows 7. I installed the new power supply and booted the computer, and everything seems fine except for the internet connection, which I cannot get to work. My computer is connected to the router through an Ethernet cable. I've checked the cable and the ports of the router, and neither has an issue. I know the router itself is connecting to the internet properly, as my wireless devices can connect without a problem. 

Running a network diagnostic tells me to install a driver for my network adapter. I downloaded the driver for my motherboard (an ASUS P6T), and tried to install it. If finishes running and then gives me this message:

"The Realtek Network Adapter/Controller was not found. If Deep Sleep Mode is Enabled Please Plug the Cable"

Most of the solutions I've found online for this issue say to unplug the power for several minutes and then reboot, which I've tried without success. I've also seen solutions that involve changing the properties for the network adapter, but no network adapter is displayed either in network connections or in the device manager. 

I realize this may not be an issue with windows itself, but I would appreciate any advice you could give me on how to solve this.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Internet and connectivity

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-05-25T16:44:27+00:00

    There is no network adapter shown in the device manager; in fact, it isn't even listed as one of the headers. The Ethernet port is built into the motherboard, although I don't know if it is enabled in the BIOS. How would I check for that?

    I'm not sure what the cause of the power supply failure was; we were away from the house for a while, and when we returned the computer would no longer turn on. My best guess would be a power surge, but again I can't say for sure. 

    It seems odd to me that the Ethernet port would fail without any damage to the rest of the motherboard. Is that possible? It may very well be a hardware failure; I'd just like to make sure before I buy an Ethernet card. Thank you for the response.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-05-25T21:36:45+00:00

    It was enabled in BIOS and it still doesn't show up in device manager, so I'm going to assume it is a hardware problem at this point. Thank you for all the help.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-05-25T16:32:42+00:00

    The first thing to do is to check Device Manager.  Is your network adapter shown?  Is there an error code?

     Are you using the motherboard built in Ethernet port or an add in card?  Assuming the motherboard port is it shown and enabled in the BIOS?

     If you cannot find the port in either of the above checks it, there may be a hardware failure.  What was the circumstances of the power supply failure? 

    If all else fails, you may have to install an Ethernet card or a USB to Ethernet adapter.

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-05-27T14:36:53+00:00

    You're welcome.

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  5. Anonymous
    2014-05-25T20:23:52+00:00

    It is possible, though not common, for the motherboard network port to fail while other functionality still works.  I've have run into this a few times over the years.

    There is a manual for your motherboard available here with full detail re. the BIOS etc. -

    http://support.asus.com/download.aspx?SLanguage=en&p=1&s=29&m=P6T&os=10&hashedid=QtpKQuERkuYw6trc

    To enter the BIOS press DEL during startup. (Do this quickly, before Windows starts to load).

    The option to enable or disable the on-board Ethernet port is in the Advanced section.  If you're lucky it may be disabled there and you can change it.  It it is missing or already shows enabled but can't be detected by Device Manager then I would conclude that there is a hardware problem.

    (If I had the computer in the shop I might do one further test with a CD or USB bootable Operating System if the device was shown enabled in the BIOS, but I think you can let that go especially knowing that there was a blown PSU.)

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