broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter -this device cannot start (Code 10) how do I fix this

Question

How do I fix this? broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter -this device cannot start (Code 10)

Answer 1

Updating the drivers usually solves it. It’s all described by Microsoft here http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943104

Answer 2

Hi, I follow these instructions, because I have the same problem described (Code 10) I ininstalled the Broadcom device, Then I went to control panel devices, add a device, the wizard does not find the device to install it again.  What can I do? I need to reinstall this in order to use the wireless.

Answer 3

Hi Metalbee,

Make certain you installed the proper drivers for your device and for your operating system.  If the problem persists, proceed as follows:

Was this recent or a while ago.  If recent, try a System Restore to BEFORE the problem began to see if that helps.  Here's the procedure: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76905-system-restore-how.html.  Be sure to check the box to show more than 5 days of restore points.  If the first attempt fails, then try an earlier point or two.  NOTE: You will have to re-install any software and updates you installed between now and the restore point, but you can use Windows Update for the updates.  Use the recovery disk if the system prompt doesn’t work. The recovery disk works a bit different from the above procedures but if you follow the prompts from the System Restore menu option with the above information you should be able to restore with no problems.

If the System Restore doesn't work, do a Startup Repair by booting to the genuine Windows Vista Installation Disk (or one you can borrow from ANYONE) or from a Recovery Disk with recovery options included on it.  Here's the procedure: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/91467-startup-repair.html.  To boot to the CD you may need to change the BIOS to make the CD-drive first in the boot sequence.  To do that, wait for the screen that tells you the F key to push to access the boot menu or boot setup.  Push it quickly. Make the changes, save your work, and exit.  Put the CD in the drive and reboot.  When prompted, push any key to boot from the CD.

If you don't have either disk, you can make a bootable Recovery Disk using

http://neosmart.net/blog/2008/windows-vista-recovery-disc-download/ along with burning software like: http://www.snapfiles.com/get/active-isoburner.html and, of course, a blank CD (perhaps made on a different computer or perhaps in safe mode with networking if that is working).

If that doesn't work, then let's check some of your system files:

Go to Start / All Programs / Accessories / Command prompt and right click on command prompt and click run as Administrator.

Type sfc /scannow and enter and let it run.  It will scan and try to fix some of your system files.  Hopefully it will complete with no corruption it could not repair (if there is such corruption post back here or try to analyze it to find the problem file(s) using http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928228).

While in Command Prompt, type chkdsk /f /r and enter and let it run.  It will want to schedule itself to run at the next restart.   Answer yes and then reboot to run the program.  It will scan and try to fix any corruption or bad sectors on your hard drive and mostly remove that as a potential cause.

If that doesn't work, then please post any error messages from the Event Viewer concerning startup (Start / Control Panel / Administrative Tools / Event Viewer).  Here's how to use Event Viewer: http://www.petri.co.il/vista-event-viewer.htm.  Look in the System section.

***************************************************************

If none of the above help, please post images of your IPCONFIG,

To do this Please Follow these Steps:

1. Click Start>All Programs>Accessories

a.  Right click on Command Prompt and click on Run as Administrator


b. You may need to Click Continue if a UAC Prompt appears

2. Once the Command Prompt windows Opens Please type in the following code

ipconfig /all

Then Press Enter


a. This Will Provide some Information please Upload a Snip of the Information when you Create the Thread -

Go to Start>All Programs>Accessories


b Click on Snipping Tool - After that Drag your Mouse over the Command Prompt Window and save the File as a Jpeg - Include the Picture with your post. You may need more than one picture to capture all the information as it may extend beyond one screen.

3. After you have done that Please create a batch file (use Notepad and the following code and call it repair.bat) and Run the File AS ADMINISTRATOR Before you Post.

The File will flush DNS cache and Restore the HOSTS File and make sure that isn't the problem.

BE WARNED ONCE THE FILE HAS FINISHED IT WILL RESTART YOUR COMPUTER AND DELETE THE FILE

Code: (don't include this - just everthing that follows)

@Echo on

pushd\windows\system32\drivers\etc

attrib -h -s -r hosts

echo 127.0.0.1 localhost>HOSTS

attrib +r +h +s hosts

popd

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /renew

ipconfig /flushdns

netsh winsock reset all

netsh int ip reset all

shutdown -r -t 1

del %0

***********************************

If that doesn't work (or we can't help you from the results of those procedures that you post in your next reply), we'll need to do a system repair/upgrade using the genuine Windows Vista Installation Disk (one you own or one you can borrow from ANYONE).  To do this you have to also be able to boot normally.  Here's the procedure: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88236-repair-install-vista.html.  Although this will not affect your data, settings, or programs, you should still backup your data before starting just to be on the safe side. You may have a lot of updates to re-install (including any service packs you had to remove).  If the version on the system came with SP1 or SP2 pre-installed and the disk is an earlier version, then you'll need to make a slipstream disk as follows: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/151606-vista-sp1-slipstream-installation-dvd.html.

If you can't do that (you don't have the disk and can't borrow one), then I'd say there are three choices.  You can do a clean install (or a restore to factory conditions) to see if that works or you can try replacing the network card to see if the card has gone bad, or you can take the computer to a reputable computer repair shop (or send it to Acer if they service computers) for assistance.  If you decide to do a clean install, post back and I'll provide the process.  The other options are up to you.  I'd try to make sure you can return the card for a full refund if you get a replacement so if it doesn't work, you won't have wasted any money on a card for nothing.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I have the same problem. My Acer Aspire 5100 laptop, running Vista32 was working fine one day, I was online, and the internet dropped out. I have been unable to get it working since. I have tried installing drivers from the Acer website, as broadcom doesn't seem to have any as stated above, and still a code 10. I am unable to use the fixit programs on the microsoft site, as I am unable to get online to do so. I ran trojan and antivirus scans with no result. I even cracked open the case and poked around inside, but that only resulted in a clean computer. any thoughts?

Answer 5

Hi Maria_762,

You are having troubles with your device drivers, firmware, and/or

software.  Go to Device Manager by going to start / search box and type

device manager and enter and then double-click on the program icon that

appears.  Check each device for a red x, yellow ! or white ?.  These

identify devices with problems (probably drivers, but also conflicts or

something else).  Click on each for further details and troubleshooting

tips.  If you need to get drivers (and if you got Code 10 for the Broadcom 802.11n Adapter, you probably have already done most if not all of the above and know you need to install updated drivers for that device), do so from the computer vendor (I suggest them as I had trouble finding that driver on the Broadcom website when I just looked) or device manufacturer (you may have better luck than I did) - NOT from Microsoft Updates unless there is no other choice or is specifically recommended by the manufacturers.  Proceed as follows to get the drivers: http://pcsupport.about.com/od/driverssupport/ht/driverdlmfgr.htm. 

Once you have the drivers, you can install them through Device Manager as

follows: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/193584-device-manager-install-driver.html.

If updating the driver (and rebootiing) does not solve the problem, then delete the driver and the device from Device Manager.  Go to Start / Control Panel / Add Hardware and run the wizard (using the recommended mode) to find the missing device and follow the instructions to install the device (which will include installing the driver you just downloaded) and when done, if it doesn't prompt for it, reboot anyway and see if that resolves the problem.  If that doesn't find the device, use the manual method to specify the device and install the drivers (and then reboot).

Hopefully this will resolve your problem.  If not, post back and we'll try some other options to locate and resolve the problem.  Please include the manufacturer, make, and specific and complete model number of your computer in your reply.  Also, please confirm that this is an internal adapter and not a USB adapter.

Good luck!