Ethernet network cable unplugged message on Windows 10 Pro

Question

I recently received this message and noticed the data transmission light no longer flickering in the Ethernet port on my Dell Optiplex 9010 AIO. Opening the network properties on the installed Intel(R) 82579LM Gigabit Network Connection indicates “This device is working properly.” Changing cables does not correct the message as the original cable from the modem works fine on my laptop. Disabling and re-enabling does nothing. Opening the unit cover shows the port is part of the motherboard Dell Customer Service recommends replacing the entire board. $$$😳. Any suggestions on what I’m may be doing wrong or what I might try to get the port working again? If I can’t get the port up and functioning can I use an Ethernet to USB cable to connect to internet instead? Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Good Day Gary,

My name is Carlo, I am also using Windows 10 and a community member like you.

I can feel the urgency to get this fixed, let us work together to sort this out.

-Press Windows key + X

-Go to Settings

-Click Update and Security

-Click Troubleshooter then Additional troubleshooter.

-Look for Internet Connection and run the troubleshooter.

Once done proceed with these steps.

-Press Windows key + X

-Go to Device Manager

-Expand the Network Adapters

-Look for the Ethernet driver that was installed

-Right click and Update

-Look for "Browse my computer for driver

-Let me pick drivers available drivers

-Choose an old driver and use it.

Reset Network Settings

Open Settings.

Click on Network & Internet.

Click on Status.

Under the "Change your network settings" section, click the Network reset option.

Click the Reset now button.

Click the Yes button.

-Click Start, type CMD and run as administrator

-Copy and paste each of the commands below and hit enter.

netsh int ip reset

netsh advfirewall reset

netsh winsock reset

ipconfig / flushdns

ipconfig / release

ipconfig / renew

Once you entered all those commands restart your computer and try to connect.

If issue persist, proceed with these steps.

-Press Windows key + X

-Go to Device Manager

-Expand the Network Adapters

-Look for the Ethernet driver that was installed

-Right click and Uninstall

Once uninstalled, go to this link below and download and install the driver

https://dl.dell.com/FOLDER01433678M/3/Network_D...

Once downloaded and installed restart your computer and check.

I hope the information above helps. Please let me know how it goes.

Have a wonderful day ahead and stay safe.

Sincerely,

Carlo T.

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Answer 2

As you correctly surmised, "network cable unplugged" is a hardware problem, especially when the device is shown as good in Device Manger. Typically we try a different cable and router port and, if that fails, it confirms it. (Many non-technician participants here make a lot of suggestion re. Windows and drivers that won't solve the problem.) A USB to Ethernet adapter is a good solution for you. Ideally you have a free USB 3 port and get a USB 3 capable adapter.

Answer 3

Thank you very Much Carlo, I appreciate the help. I purchased a TP-Link USB 3.0 to ethernet adapter as it seemed an easy and quick alternative. So far it's working except that i had to paste a shortcut to the desktop screen and have to click on to get internet access every time I turn on the PC. I will give your remedy a shot to see if I can get the PC ethernet port functioning again and get back to you if it work. Thank you once again.

Answer 4

Thank you GTS-NJ for the reply. I did exactly what you suggested with a TP-Link 3.0 USP to ethernet adapter and it's working fine. The only exception is that I had to paste a shortcut to the desktop screen and have to click on the adapter application to get internet access every time I turn on the PC. Regardless of the extra step, at least I have access to internet once again. Thank you for your time and response to my dilemma.