How do I connect laptop to internet through the ethernet cable?

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  1. Posts : 22
    Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64-bit 10586 Multiprocessor Free
       #1

    How do I connect laptop to internet through the ethernet cable?


    my 3 year old Dell Studio laptop connects fine via wireless to home router and internet; but I cannot connect through the ethernet cable. I've done the troubleshooting; disabled/enabled the network adapter; updated the drivers. I'm using an ethernet cable which normally connects an XP, so I know the cable's fine.
    Device Manager says the Realtek PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller is working properly. I found the Receive Side Scaling value Enabled, so I Disabled that. Shut off radio for wireless Centrino adapter. Disabled wireless adapter too. Restarted not only the laptop; but also did a shutdown then restart of the entire FIOS with Asus Access Point home network, with all devices shut down. Checked BIOS setting, didn't see any setting Disabled that appeared like the ethernet controller.
    Can't do system restore; I did a Repair installation of windows 7 Home Premium last week...but even before then, the System Restore failed every time. I've never been successful at getting a system restore to work on any XP or 7 pc I've tried it on, even though it's enabled and purports to work.
    The laptop had been connected primarily, maybe even exclusively, via the wireless, for 3 years...so I"m not even sure the ethernet has ever been connected before.
    I'd hate to buy a new ethernet controller card if i don't have to, only to have the problem be software...
    Any ideas? thanks!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 457
    Microsoft Windows 10 Home Build 15036
       #2

    I'd say, inspect the ethernet port on the laptop for bent contact pins. Just for grins and giggles, try another cable. Try attaching the laptop to ANY other network via ethernet cable.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,007
    Winndows 7 32 bit
       #3

    pdoyle said:
    my 3 year old Dell Studio laptop connects fine via wireless to home router and internet; but I cannot connect through the ethernet cable. I've done the troubleshooting; disabled/enabled the network adapter; updated the drivers. I'm using an ethernet cable which normally connects an XP, so I know the cable's fine.
    Device Manager says the Realtek PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller is working properly. I found the Receive Side Scaling value Enabled, so I Disabled that. Shut off radio for wireless Centrino adapter. Disabled wireless adapter too. Restarted not only the laptop; but also did a shutdown then restart of the entire FIOS with Asus Access Point home network, with all devices shut down. Checked BIOS setting, didn't see any setting Disabled that appeared like the ethernet controller.
    Can't do system restore; I did a Repair installation of windows 7 Home Premium last week...but even before then, the System Restore failed every time. I've never been successful at getting a system restore to work on any XP or 7 pc I've tried it on, even though it's enabled and purports to work.
    The laptop had been connected primarily, maybe even exclusively, via the wireless, for 3 years...so I"m not even sure the ethernet has ever been connected before.
    I'd hate to buy a new ethernet controller card if i don't have to, only to have the problem be software...
    Any ideas? thanks!
    Hi pdoyle,

    Once you connect the cable to the ethernet port on the system so we see any leds on the ethernet card. Also, if you are connecting it from a router then do you see any led coming up on the router as well.

    Click on start>type cmd>open command prompt> type ipconfig/all and take a screenshot of Ethernet adapter local area connection and post it here:

    Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Seven Forums

    Keep us posted with the results so we can advise you further.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 22
    Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64-bit 10586 Multiprocessor Free
    Thread Starter
       #4

    I tried connecting to a different network; different ethernet cable; there is no obvious damage to the contacts on the ethernet port. when I connect the cable, there are no lights visible near the port; and I don't have access to the router here. I'll try it again later today at home to see lights on the home router.
    attached is the screen shot of ipconfig/all...thanks!
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails How do I connect laptop to internet through the ethernet cable?-screenshot-pdoyle-cmd.jpg  
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 22
    Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64-bit 10586 Multiprocessor Free
    Thread Starter
       #5

    OK this screenshot taken when I ethernet connected to router at home. with other connected devices, their router ports show either a green or an amber LED...except the port my laptop is connected to; that Router port is not showing any LED lights. Same for my laptop's port; no LEDs visible at its port. attached is the screenshot of ipconfig/all...please advise? again, I don't recall whether the ethernet controller has ever been used. I've owned it for 3 years and 3 months, so don't know if the motherboard warranty might apply. thanks
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails How do I connect laptop to internet through the ethernet cable?-screenshot-pdoyle-home-routeripconfigall.jpg  
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 457
    Microsoft Windows 10 Home Build 15036
       #6

    Well, at this point, I'm willing to be you're having adapter issues that won't be fixed short of replacing it. That's not going to be easy considering that you're dealing with a laptop, so, I'd say you were stuck with using wireless until a workable solution comes about.

    Is the system under warranty?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 22
    Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64-bit 10586 Multiprocessor Free
    Thread Starter
       #7

    no warranty


    will Dell Fix, OutOffWarranty? It Never Worked, But Is ThreeYearsOld
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 457
    Microsoft Windows 10 Home Build 15036
       #8

    That's when you start talking about giving Dell more $$.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 512
    Windows 7 Professional x64 SP1
       #9

    If you've never used the Ethernet cable port before and you aren't getting any LED indications, the cables between the port and the card may be an issue. You should see some LED activity. I would open up the case and inspect the port connections. Remove the connection and replace to see if you get LED indications.

    You may be able to find instructions only about opening up the case. All these parts should be able to be replaced if defective. If your wireless card is the same as your cable card, at least you know the card is working on the wireless side. Contact Dell Support about replacement parts for the port and the card. Ask about instructions on how to remove and install the components. I have an old Dell Inspiron, and Dell has sent me a replacement port connection before with instructions on how to replace. You may even be able to find the parts on eBay for a low price.

    The fact that you can't do a system restore raises some issues as well. If you are trying to restore from an old restore point, that is not unusual. But, if you create a few restore points and still can't get a successful restore, I would suspect something amiss in the OS. Have you done a SFC /SCANNOW from the cmd prompt? Reload the OS from the Dell CD. If you don't have the CD, you can get one from Dell for a few bucks.

    I think this issue is solvable without high cost.

    Regards
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 1,007
    Winndows 7 32 bit
       #10

    pdoyle said:
    OK this screenshot taken when I ethernet connected to router at home. with other connected devices, their router ports show either a green or an amber LED...except the port my laptop is connected to; that Router port is not showing any LED lights. Same for my laptop's port; no LEDs visible at its port. attached is the screenshot of ipconfig/all...please advise? again, I don't recall whether the ethernet controller has ever been used. I've owned it for 3 years and 3 months, so don't know if the motherboard warranty might apply. thanks
    Hi pdoyle,

    Thanks for your reply. I appreciate the time and effort that you took to troubleshoot the issue.

    It seems to be an issue with the ethernet port on the system which might require replacement. Most laptops have the ethernet port integrated to the motherboard so it might be that complete motherboard would require replacement.

    Do you see any changes in the LAN icon at the bottom right corner of the screen when you connect the cable.

    Please check the system under safe mode with networking and let us know if there are any changes in the behavior:

    Safe Mode

    Keep us posted with the results so we can advise you further.
      My Computer


 
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