Windows 7: Hardware issue that can prevent all network connectivity?

For years, my computer (home theater) had no issues connecting to my home network via the onboard ethernet chip (nForce controller).

Now I get the message that the ethernet cable is unplugged. I tried various fixes, but nothing worked, so I disabled the onboard ethernet and installed a PCI wireless card. The wireless card works fine in other computers. For some reason, it cannot find any available networks. Several other computers connect to the same router, so that's not the problem.



Is it possible that my computer has a more general hardware issue, maybe with the motherboard, that prevents it from all network connectivity?

I've even tried reinstalling Windows 7, but I get the same error messages.

Thanks for any help!

Yes it's entirely possible that the board is having problems. Best way to find out is to clear the cmos on the board. After that uninstall any A/V software that could be blocking the connection. Be sure and return bios settings back to normal. Try to connect again using the wired connection, if it was a board problem it should now connect.