Computer Assistance Request: Dell, Win XP Pro, New HD, Network Adapter Not Recognized

[Babu]

I'm at my wit's end -- maybe some FReeper who is smarter than I can tell me what clue I am missing. Here is what happened:

My wife's computer's hard drive crashed, so I purchased and installed a new hard drive, formatted it, and Windows XP Pro was and is working fine. The wife's computer is as follows:

Dell 4600C Series P4 3.06GHz, slimline case with vertical CD drive, purchased in January 2004.
Network Adapter according to original invoice is "Integrated 10/100 Ehternet"

Then the problem came when I tried to get on the Internet. We have a cable broadband always-on connection, run through a wired/wireless Linksys router. Two other computers use the connection, another desktop with a wired connection to the router, and a notebook with a wireless connection to the router. Throughout this, both other computers have retained their Internet connection without interruption.

When I was unable to get connected to the Internet after running the usual checks and dug deeper, I went into the Device Manager, and found that the Network Adapter is not showing, so therein obviously lies the problem. I have used the Find Hardware, etc., to no avail, and the computer just does not recognize the Network Adaptor. I thought perhaps a card had become loose when I changed out the hard drive, so I shut down and opened up the case, but the ethernet cable plug is not a separate card, but seems to be part of the massive Mother Board. I checked all around to see if there was perhaps an unplugged plug or loose cable that occured when I changed the hard drive, but nothing of the sort--everything is very secure.

I tried putting in the Dell Driver disc that came with the computer and installing the supposed driver for the network adaptor, but because the computer does not recognize the network adapter, there is nothing to attach the driver to. I tried reformatting the computer hard drive again from scratch, thinking that something had possibly gone amiss the first time, but the result is the same -- still it does not find a Network Adapter, so I still cannot connect this computer to the Internet.

I have a computer consultant I trust and I use when I just cannot figure something out myself, but he isn't available for over a week, and my wife would like her computer up and running ASAP (It's bad enough she lost her email addresses and favorites in the hard drive crash), so it would be best if I could figure the problem out now. Besides, on occasion, I have found problems that stumped me have stumped the 'computer guy' also, so I think Free Republic is probably a better source than my local computer consultant!!

From other technical threads I have read, I know there are a lot of really knowledgable types in this area that frequent this forum, so perhaps some fellow FReeper has the right tip for me. Please, though, if you would be so kind, don't get overly technical with the language -- I am only a "shade-tree computer-mechanic", I'm sure you get the drift. Sometimes some of the tech language here on the computer threads goes a little over my head. (And you Mac folks, please don't just tell me to buy a Mac, thanks anyway, but I'll work with the equipment I already have)

Thanks in advance!

[markman46]

one question, how dis you reinstall WXP? did you use the rescue disk that came with the computer, or another copy of WXP

[TomGuy]

You might try undoing the router-to-computer connection and then reconnecting it.

I has a similar problem when I reinstalled WinXP. It would not recognize my PCTV card. I had to pull out and then reinsert the card for XP to 'see' it. Then, it asked for the various install drivers.

[Babu]

I used the "Reinstallation CD" that came with the computer.

[frogjerk]

Make sure the integrated network adapter is enabled in the BIOS.

[corbe]

If the Network Card does not show up in the Device Manager that usually means that the BIOS is not reporting it to Windows XP, check the BIOS, usually F1 or F2 immediately upon bootup.

Good Luck, I don't think you should buy a MAC, but I wouldn't buy a DELL either.....LOL

[Al Gator]

Pssst

(tell him how to get to BIOS)

[js1138]

The problem is that the adapter is on the motherboard and you have not installed all the DELL drivers. Sometimes there is a separate disk of motherboard drivers. With Gateway you can go to their site, put in your serial number and they will provide links to all the drivers for your system. Don't know about Dell.

(You do have other computers with which to download stuff?)

Worst case scenerio, go to CompUSA or Circuit City, and for $10-$20 buy a Plug 'n Play network card.

[BurbankKarl]

You have to reinstall all the Dell drivers also, and their updates.

You can do this my entering your Dell computer number onto the support.dell.com site, showing all the Dell specific drivers to one folder, then burning it to a CD and installing on the target computer that way.

Plus you are going to need to install the service packs off the Windows Update when you are up and running.

[frogjerk]

It could be F1, F2 or DEL on Boot up.

[Al Gator]

Fedora Core Forever More

I just put on my magical Red Hat, and all my troubles go away.

[markman46]

Follow frogjerk's advice, and check the BIOS for the NIC to be enabled

[BurbankKarl]

oops, sorry for the typos....but you get the idea...you need to install all the Dell drivers...I would get the updated versions off the website

[Babu]

Yes, thank you, I have tried that several times (as well as unplugging the cable modem and the router) -- just tried it again for good measure. No change -- still doesn't find the Network Adapter

[Al Gator]

And Babu, don't go mucking about too much in BIOS if you are not familiar with it. You can stick yourself into deep cul de sacs.

If in doubt, wait and ask someone.

[oceanview]

use another computer, goto the dell web site, enter your service tag, download the latest BIOS and updated XP network card drivers, burn a CD, load everything onto the non-working computer, reboot.

[red-dawg]

Write down the Service Tag number off of this pc and go to a working PC.
Go to Dell's website / support section and enter the number.
Download the network driver and burn to CD.
Copy this file to a folder on the non-working PC and unzip it.
It will have a "Setup" file you need to execute. This will get it working.

Good luck.

[ChinaThreat]

I would suggest a couple of things:

Boot into your BIOS and reset everything back to the defaults. I have seen this cause problems on Dell integrated NICs before. This should only take a few minutes.

If speed is your priority, go buy another NIC (network card). Make sure you determine if you need a low profile nic or not.

If you are trying to conserve money, rebuild the machine using the recovery tools provided with your machine. If you get paid more than $10 per hour, you would be better served just buying a new NIC.

I hate when they integrate comm components on the motherboard. Its just asking for trouble. Packard Bell and Compaq used to be notorious for this.

[frogjerk]

Listen to BurbankKarl's address as well. If the NIC is enabled in BIOS then the specific drivers for the motherboard are not being detected by Windows, it will not detect built in stuff correctly (Like modems, correct video card, NICs, correct soundcard, etc...). You would need to load the correct and updated drivers from DELL for the motherboard and onboard chipset.

[Babu]

Yes, I have two other computers that are still on the Internet, so I could try to go to Dell.com and get the Dell drivers, but I have the original Dell Driver disc, and loaded it up and put the drivers on the malfunctioning machine, but since the computer was not recognizing the Network Adapter to match to that driver, it wouldn't do anything.

Still, I'll see what I can do on Dell's site on one of my other machines. Thanx.

[Babu]

'Worst case' won't work with this computer -- this slimline case does NOT have any extra slots, so I've gotta try to figure this puppy out ...

[TomGuy]

You might try this:

Start Button (lower left)
Settings
Control Panel
Network Connections
from there, run the Network Setup wizard

[El Gran Salseron]

There are motherboard drivers that have to be installed, not only the network adapter drivers.

If the network adapter was working before the hd crash then it is already enabled in BIOS but you have to install the motherboard drivers.

Surely, there must be a set of drivers for the motherboard that came with the computer.

On the other hand, maybe the network adapter is listed in device manager as a yellow "?" ( Unknown ) device and that is where the drivers would have to be installed.

[kylaka]

Buy another network adapter, if you have a PCI slot available.
It sounds like the integated adapter went TU. A PCI ethernet card is about $15 bucks.

[KoRn]

Find out specifically what kind of card it is and go to the manufacturers website. Download and install the driver for it.

[BurbankKarl]

hey, I have 10 Dells at work here...and I am tech support....among 100 other things. Just posting what works for me!

[KoRn]

PS: If it's an on board NIC you may have to go to Dell's website and download the drivers for the mother board. Usually it will be called something like, "Intel Chipset".

[Bommer]

You installed the OS, but not the motherboard drivers. If this card is built in to the board, you should have a drivers disk that you need to install first. Easiest way to find out if this is so is to go to control panel and under system/device manager, delete the NIC driver. Close the window and if the initial driver was installed, the OS will find it. If not, pull out the drivers CD that came with the PC and install all yourmotherboard drivers.

[1rudeboy]

Somewhat related issue: in XP HE, how can I determine whether the unit is wireless-capable? I plumb forgot.

[js1138]

You can buy network adapters that plug into USB ports.

[KoRn]

"I am tech support"

I can't see my monitor. Would you help me? I keep hitting the NumLock button and it doesn't help.

[HitmanLV]

I had to do a complete reinstall of XP on my Compaq and it didn't recognize my network connection anymore, either.

I had to go to he compaq support page for my pc and get the driver/software package (a small download) for the ethernet connection. I downloaded it, ran the program, rebooted, and the connection then worked fine.

I couldn't connect to the internet via the ethernet port so I had to connect to the internet via the usb port.

Visit the manufacturer support page for your PC and model and download the ethernet driver and install. Good luck.

[OSHA]

If there are any unknown devices (?)in the hardware list, remove them and then search for new hardware.

[Babu]

I'm in the Bios, and the Network Interface Controller is on, so that isn't apparently the problemo.

Apparently I need to go to Dell.com on a different machine, plug in service tag #, etc., as some here have kindly advised, so that is what I will try next.

[rivercat]

I just put on my magical Red Hat, and all my troubles go away.

I was wonder which idiot would be the first to make a Linux comment. Congratulations.

[TChad]

First, hunt through the entries in Device Manager to make sure that the adapter is really not there. Start > Settings > Control Panel > System > Hardware Tab > Device Manager button. Is anything at all listed under Network Adapters? If an adapter is listed make sure that it is enabled. If one is listed and no error notice is present, the adapter may just need a driver. XP has built in drivers for many adapters, but not all, so you may need to install a driver from the adapter manufacturer, which will be available on the manufacturer's website, or perhaps the Dell website.

If no adapter is listed, go into the computer's BIOS on boot. On your Dell this is probably done by tapping the F2 key, but it may be Delete or another key -- the specific key should be displayed early in the boot process.

Hunt around in the BIOS for an entry for your network adapter. On some computers this would be in Integrated Peripherals, but I have no idea where it is in yours, or even if it is normally present at all. Some Dells have minimal BIOSes. If you find the adapter listed and it is set as disabled, change that to enabled. Hit Escape and choose to save the change to your BIOS, reboot and Windows should notice the adapter.

You can of course screw up your computer by messing with the BIOS. If you get confused about what you have done to the BIOS just shut the computer and let it reboot. If you somehow mess up the BIOS, remove the motherboard battery for 15 minutes and then replace it, and a default BIOS will load when you boot.
Good luck.

[Post-Neolithic]

The question here is what is your time worth? As a few others have suggested if you have an available PCI slot run down to the local computer chain store and get a PCI ethernet 10/100 card. They are about $15.00-$20.00. Make sure its a wired ethernet card.

Too many stores have removed the wired version trying to force people to use wireless. This all assumes the computer in question is the wired variety.

[BurbankKarl]

Is the computer plugged in?

hahaha...1st question on the Bangalore Dell Help Desk.

Berry Berry Good, My name is Joe.

[ABG(anybody but Gore)]

If none of the above suggestions work, call your local Best Buy and ask for the Geek Squad. I know from working there that they usually sneer at Dells, but you might still be able to get an agent to come out and fix the problem. From having worked in their computer department, I know they usually take pity on Dell owners if the customer is friendly enough.

The problem is, Dell wants you to run everything through them. Understandable. But it puts the customer in a real bind when it's a simple problem that can be fixed in a few hours as opposed to 4-6 weeks.

[KoRn]

I spoke with "Mike" from the HP support in India earlier this week regarding a bad hard disk in a server. I couldn't understand a damn word he said lol.

[Babu]

In Device Manager by hitting 'Show Hidden Devices' it adds the Network Adapter to the list, and it has two available network adapters, both microsoft. I worked with those for hours last night tryed activating both of them, the drivers are there, but they apparently are something else, because I still cannot get an Internet connection, and I know for a fact that the Ethernet plug is not M-soft. Anyway -- I spent a lot of time going down that road and it was a cul de sac.

NIC is on in Bios.

Thanx.

[corbe]

Set the BIOS defaults, Reboot, go back into BIOS and check network card again (in BIOS). IF the integrated network card is not in the Control Panel, Harware Devices, it is either BAD, possible, but improbable or the BIOS is not reporting it to windows, highly likely, due to a flake in the BIOS. Seen this before on Intel Boards.

[Babu]

The question here is what is your time worth? As a few others have suggested if you have an available PCI slot run down to the local computer chain store and get a PCI ethernet 10/100 card. They are about $15.00-$20.00. Make sure its a wired ethernet card.

Sux, but this slimline version has no available slots, so not an option. I have to make the existing work ...

[Prophet in the wilderness]

I had a problem setting up my mom's new DSL service.
You might as well re-do the whole network.
Fist you will have to have to establish the modem and router on ( ONE ) computer.
That any ( one ) computer and connect the DSL cable in the back of the modem and plug it into the one computer and then turn it on and when you get it up and running, open ( INTERNET EXPLORER or as some would say INTERNET EXPLOITER )... and then, in the web address area, type in 192.168.1.1 and you should get the modems web page and re-do all of the settings and configuration.
After you get the modem up and running again, plug the cable from the modem and plug it into the router, and plug a cable into one computer and use the factory supplied disk that came with it......
Is it a Linksys card ? my brother ( who is very computer savvy ) told me that he had problems with some of Linksys cars ) but, since your using the on board LAN connection, then, I would not worry about that.
To bad that computer is not up and running on the Internet, you might have to go to the ( Help and Support ) area of your computer and it will ( or might ) take you directly to Windows updates.
Another thing you will have to do is set up a network connection with Windows XP.
I really don't like using the software that comes with any DSL ISP service, sometimes I am able to do without it.
Some DSL ISP software can mess up your computer performance.
Go to control panel . and when you go that up, go to my network connections.
Is it showing any kind of connection ?
or ? go to the Icon were it says ( SYSTEM ) and click that.
Go to HARDWARE, and then, Device Manager, then, go to Adapters, what does it show ? if it shows the network card, right click it with the mouse and see were it says uninstall ? uninstall it ( but, don't shut the computer down, because sometimes you won't be able to re-boot the computer ).
After you have uninstalled it, then, go to add new hardware, and have it search for the card, it ( MIGHT ) find the network card, and install it automatically.
If it installs the card, or network adapter, then go to ( Internet Options ) in the control panel, and go to the connections tab.
When you see the tab at the bottom of the window, were it says ( LAN Settings ) see were it has a little box ? click it so it will ( Automatically detect settings ) and click OK.
See were it says ( in the same Internet Connections box or window ? ) click Never Dial Connection ).
Then, in the same box or window, at the top, ( to set up a Internet connection ) click setup.
It should bring you to a window or box that says, ( Welcome to the new connection wizard.
Go through that.
After you have done that, in the control panel box or window, go to the icon were it says ( Network connections ) either were it had your LAN ( Local Area Network ) or you ISP Icon, click it with the right mouse button, and go to properties, a box or window should come up and say ( Local Area Connection Properties ) and in the middle of the box or window were it should say ( this connection uses the following items ( I don't know if you use file and printer , I don't, it can be a security risk ) , this box shows you your Internet TCP protocols , you only need to use ( Internet Protocol TCP/IP ) un click all the other ones.
If you have to, outa, must have, printer, then use it when you need to use the printer, other wise, keep it unclicked.
If you can get that computer on-line somehow, try to use Windows updates, that LAN connection might need a updated driver.
Sometimes ? Disks, CDs, DVD can lose it information over time.
Even your hard drive can be effected by electric magnetic field or force, keep it away from the monitor, or even a everyday magnetic.

[js1138]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833127147

[RebelTex]

Babu,

You mentioned at the top that the Network Adapter is not showing up in the Device Manager. Several people have mentioned that you should check the Device Manager for unknown devices. Did you check for those?

With integrated devices that are built onto the motherboard, they are not always recognized by Windows and get installed as 'Unknown Devices'. You then install the driver disk from the manufacturer so that Windows can find the drivers.

However, the devices have already been installed as 'Unknown', so you now have to remove (delete) ALL 'Unknown Devices' from the Device Manager, then reboot.  Windows will find the correct drivers on reboot and install them.

Check that first, as this is your most likely problem.

RT

[Al Gator]

Idiot?

Why do you feel the need to be rude and insulting?

Bad day? Fight with the wife? Or is it just plain old stupidity?

[Prophet in the wilderness]

He would have to re boot the computer, and while the BIOS screen is up, press F1... and go the advance tab.

[rivercat]

Why do you feel the need to butt in with condescending comments in a thread that has nothing to do with you?

[Al Gator]

I think he is past that point at this point. :-)