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

chev65 · 23 Sep 2013

I think I might try clearing the cmos on that board before I replaced it., there is usually a small hole on the side of the laptop for this. I've fixed many an Ethernet problem this way.

pdoyle · 23 Sep 2013

paper clip inserted in the tiny hole, like resetting a router device?
I will try this and the ethernet icon...I had trouble disassembling the laptop case yesterday, not realizing the ethernet port would be part of the motherboard. tx.

chev65 · 23 Sep 2013

pdoyle said:

paper clip inserted in the tiny hole, like resetting a router device?
I will try this and the ethernet icon...I had trouble disassembling the laptop case yesterday, not realizing the ethernet port would be part of the motherboard. tx.

Yes they usually have a small hole for this like a router would have.

Ethernet NICs tend to get overloaded at times and usually have a fail safe that will shut them off. Clearing the cmos has fixed this for me in the past.

SandeepP · 24 Sep 2013

pdoyle said:

paper clip inserted in the tiny hole, like resetting a router device?
I will try this and the ethernet icon...I had trouble disassembling the laptop case yesterday, not realizing the ethernet port would be part of the motherboard. tx.

Hi pdoyle,

Please try the steps at your convenience and let us know the results so we can advise you further if required. If you have any further queries, please feel free to contact us.

pdoyle · 24 Sep 2013

Had to stop disassembling case for fear of cracking something...Safe Mode with networking didn't give any different performance; again, trying to update the driver through Windows 7, it states the ethernet controller device is functioning properly, and has the best driver already. Re. suggestion of trying to reset through pinhole; no pinhole could be found in the case near the port; and I stopped short of uncovering the motherboard out of fear of snapping something.

SandeepP · 25 Sep 2013

pdoyle said:

Had to stop disassembling case for fear of cracking something...Safe Mode with networking didn't give any different performance; again, trying to update the driver through Windows 7, it states the ethernet controller device is functioning properly, and has the best driver already. Re. suggestion of trying to reset through pinhole; no pinhole could be found in the case near the port; and I stopped short of uncovering the motherboard out of fear of snapping something.

Hi pdoyle,

I appreciate the time and effort that you took to troubleshoot the issue. However, it seems to be an issue with the Ethernet port itself and for which complete motherboard would require replacement.

If you primarily use the wireless to connect then would not miss the Ethernet port in the system primarily.

However, if you still wish to get the motherboard replaced in future you can contact our out of warranty team at the below link:

http://dell.to/12LmNBq

If you have any further queries, please feel free to contact us.