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Cannot install Network Controller/Ethernet Controller

Anonymous
2016-04-18T21:30:13+00:00

I had to format and reinstall Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit on a Dell Optiplex 980 desktop PC. After the installation, all drivers were installed according to Device Manager except the Network Controller and Ethernet Controller. I downloaded the appropriate files from the Dell web site, but when I try to run them I get an error that says "Invalid self-extractor configuration. The file may be corrupted." But I know that's not the problem because the files run fine on my 6410 laptop.

Then I downloaded the 64 bit Network Adapter Driver for Windows 7 (PROWinx64.exe for Intel 82578DM Gigabit Network Connection) from the Intel web site, and when I try to run that it says "This version of this file is not compatible with the version of Windows you're running..." but I am running 64 bit Windows, and the 32 bit version doesn't work either.

I've had this same problem with reinstalling drivers on Dell laptops but have always been able to remedy it by using the original driver CD, and usually installing first the Network Diagnostic driver. Unfortunately I don't have the driver CD for this machine.

I don't want to have to trash this machine, but it's obviously basically useless without networking capability. I'm thinking that this must be a Windows problem rather than a Dell issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-04-19T21:27:51+00:00

    I was able to get it installed after downloading an earlier version of PROWinx64.exe (the Intel driver installation file).

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-04-20T04:14:24+00:00

    Hey,

    Thanks for replying.

    Your efforts to resolve this problem is very much appreciated. We appreciate the time taken by you to share the resolution. I am sure it would benefit other community members as well.

    Please feel free to reply, in case you face any other issues with Windows, we'll be glad to assist you.

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-04-19T14:21:25+00:00

    Hi,

    Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community.

    I can understand the inconvenience caused to you.

    Do you have any anti-virus installed ?

    First I would suggest you to boot your PC in safe mode and then try to install network drivers.

    To boot your PC in safe mode refer to the mentioned article:

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/start-computer-safe-mode

    If still issue persist then I would suggest you to share the screenshot of the error message for the better understanding of the issue.

    Hope this information helps.

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