Network Driver Adapter is missing after restart

This is an on again off again problem over the past month and is getting worse.

To start, I have Broadcom network driver and a desktop with hardwired internet connection (Comcast). A Dell computer running Windows 7 64 bit.

When I start my computer (nearly everyday now, but not in the beginning) I can't connect to the internet. I get the message that my network driver adapter is missing.

I used to do a system restore to get it to work.

Then that started failing, so I reloaded the driver and that worked for a while.

Now, I sometimes have to try several restore points (even one that worked yesterday and doesn't today) to get one that will connect to the internet. Sometimes reloading the driver doesn't work anymore either.

My computer is about 4 months old and my system spec have been uploaded here.

Any other ideas? From what I have read on the forums I think maybe I should buy a new Network Interface Card but I am not sure that is the right answer.

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

You say your computer is only 4 months old. Have you spoken to Dell with a view to getting the network card replaced free of charge while you're still in the warranty period?

I actually have a techie friend helping me try to solve this problem and was just coming here looking for new suggestions.

Seavixen32, I have a feeling if I contact Dell they will try to tell me it is a software problem.

Roderunner, I actually downloaded the newest version from the Broadcom site (it is newer than the one on the Dell site).

sburton1313 said:

Seavixen32, I have a feeling if I contact Dell they will try to tell me it is a software problem.

How can you say unless you try? I recently had a RAM problem and was sent replacement RAM sticks without any quibble on Dell's part.

I know this sounds odd, but, I've had the same problem and the resolution seems to be to let the computer warm up.
I live in Florida and I only have this problem when the room the computer is in is cold. Once it warms up it's fine.
The cold snap lasted about three days and then its over 60 degrees in the room and it works fine.
I tried all the suggested fixes and nothing worked. Other users have had the motherboard and Broadcom NIC replaced
and still have had the problem. Just track the temperature and see what you find.
Steve W.

switcs, Can you tell me how you solved your problems since it seems this may be mine? What I mean is when it was too cold did you wait for the machine to warm up and suddenly it connected again, or did you have to restart the machine, etc.

It seems I needed to restart, once it found it missing it wouldn't find it again unless it re-booted.
It hasn't happened on mine in about a month now that it's warmer here.

Dell replaced my motherboard for me. Evidently the adapter is integrated into the motherboard now? Anyway, so far so good! Thanks for all your help.