Windows 7: Unidentified Network - Public Network

First time here and hope somone can help. I know this issue has been raised before and does appear with SOLVED attached to it - but they do not work for me.

History - Windows 7 machine that has worked perfectly through a netgear router since windows 7 first came out. Switched it on three days ago and it would not connect. My wifes XP and a laptop using XP connect - no problems whatsoever.

So far I have tried all the fixes that have been listed in these forums with no success. So as a last resort I have done a clean install of windows 7 and still have the same problem - Unidentified network.

I have disconnected the other pc's on the network and have reset the Routers status back to its original settings and then tried to 'Set up new connection or network' but the system will not find the router. (I have already checked the ethernet cable and swapped it with a new one). So here I am on a laptop wondering whether to throw my computer down the nearest mineshaft,

I have noticed that when I tried to enable/disable the network adaptor - a Nvidia nforce networking controller which is an onboard LAN on my Asus P5N-E sli motherboard - it 'hangs' or becomes unresponsive which means I have to power down the computer and re boot. I have 'flashed' the bios on the motherboard and still no joy.

I m starting to believe that it may be a motherboard issue as opposed to windows 7 - any help would b greatly appreciated as I have 2 websites that I desparately need to update.

Cheers

Would try 2 things:
remove/update the NIC drivers on the motherboard
Bypass the router completely and see if the issue remains

Since I posted I have been able to connect using the router but only wirelessly.

I can connect through it no problem using a wireless connection but not using a LAN cable. Don't want to appear daft but what are the NIC drivers on the motherboard. I have tried searching for windows 7 drivers for the P5N-E sli motherboard without success.

definitely sounds like the LAN Adapter driver. You'll find the LAN adapter under Device Manager, I would unistall the LAN Adapter (NOT THE WIFI Adapater) and have windows update attempt your first re-installation of that driver.

In addition to the above - you may be looking at an actual hardware issue - failed component in the on board wired network adapter - or more likely, in my experience, the actual RJ45 port.

The only way to tell for sure is to dual boot with XP and if the same issues remain then the hardware fault is most likely.

Another thing to try in this case is swap out the cable - these do fail