Windows 7: Network Adapter not detected

Hi, I've been running Seven on my Acer Aspire for 6 months or so, without problem. Then, a couple of weeks ago (after some MS updates?) Windows stopped detecting my Network Adapter (Marvell Yukon 88E8056) at cold boot ups. When this happens there is no Network Adapter category in Device Manager. Restart has no effect, but Shut Down and then reboot generally fixes the problem.

I uninstalled the adapter and let Windows reinstall at boot up - no difference. I have downloaded and installed the latest drivers from Marvell - no difference.

Has anybody else started to have this problem recently? Any other ideas of what to try, short of replacing the card or reinstalling the OS? Many Thanks.

Hi KevG,

Have you tried a System Restore? Restore it to a point where your computer was working properly, perhaps prior to Windows Update.

Please post an update.

Thanks for the idea, I'll look at that. I'm not sure how far back Restore points are kept for? This has been happening for a couple of weeks now.

Seems to be getting worse the last couple of days. 3-4 reboots to get the card recognised.

I have ordered a new card from Amazon. I don't believe this is a HW issue, but for £10 thought it would be worth trying a different manufacturer.

Will look at the Restore idea and post back.

Looked at Windows restore last night - don't seem to be any restore points going back more than a day or two. Would you expect there to be?

I tried a free trial of Windows Tune Up, which fixed 360 registry "errors"! I then did a clean install of the latest drivers, followed by 3 good boot ups. However this morning it's back to the same old problem

My theory is that it depends what the router (Thomson home gateway) is doing. Last night we had a laptop connected to WiFi. It seems as though the network card does not respond to Windows until it has established ethernet comm.s to the router, and this takes longer if the router is asleep. Perhaps the MS update reduced the timeout when Windows gives up on it??

You may also try assigning Static or Manual IP and see if that cures the issue.

sfc/ scannow command might also help.
SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

Then if that didn't help at all, then you may try the new Network Adapter that you have already ordered.

Please post an update.

Which A/V software are you running?

Hi folks, thanks for your suggestions. Pleased to say my new card (Edimax PCI E) arrived yesterday, and seems to have resolved the issue, connected straight away every time so far :-)

Glad that the new network card resolved your issue.

You're Welcome.