Format now can't connect to internet

TheSongsful · 14 Oct 2013

So, today I decided that I would format the C drive to free up clutter, make the computer faster. So I got my Windows 7 installation disc but neglected the drivers. I formatted the computer no problem, but once I loaded it up I realized I couldn't connect to the internet. I've tried looking around and installing drivers for the internet. Whenever I went into the device manager the ethernet controller had a yellow exclamation mark next to it. I have an Xfinity router Model name:TC8305C and the Gateway Model is GM5632E. Please help me, I need links to the drivers and how to install them. I can still connect to the internet on my laptop and have a flash drive to carry them over.

Denverjay · 14 Oct 2013

I have had the same problem in the past. I had one notebook that drove me almost insane after I restored to factory settings...Windows didn't have the driver, manufacturer gave me the wrong one...real pain. but that was an extreme case.
SO...a couple of questions:
1. are you talking only about a wifi connection? Can you get internet by connecting an ethernet or usb cable? Also, if you are connected with a wire, don't just rely on your browser. Try opening windows update. Often that will work even if your browser won't; then updates should fix the problem.
2. Can you hook an ethernet cable from your LT to your PC and create an adhoc network? If you can, then again, updates may very well fix your problem.
3. Your post does not make clear what the card on your computer is; is it the Gateway? If so, does the manufacturer have a all-in-one-driver you can download to the usb stick?

I believe that the reason no one has answered you is because your information is not complete. I by-passed all the usual "read this" stuff when i signed up for this forum, but I bet if you look, there will be a complete set of instructions, probably labeled something like "before you post..."

This will give you instructions on what to try before you post, as well as what information to post, such as the results of ipconfig /all, your computer model, etc.

TheSongsful · 14 Oct 2013

1.No, the ethernet is plugged in from the router into the plug in the computer. I've already tried going to Windows Update and get Code 8024001F "You need to connect to the Internet to check for updates."

2. I just tried to connect the ethernet cable from the laptop to the desktop, and I created an adhoc network on the laptop, but I'm not sure if I was supposed to do it from the desktop, or how I would connect to it. I don't have any options to wirelessly connect to networks on that one, and never have been able to. I've never used these types of networks before.

3. Sorry for my ignorance but could you explain more what you mean? Or what I need to find? I'm not really much of a technical computer guy. From the searching that I've done on Gateway's website, there are already drivers that I can install. I've downloaded the modem driver, the audio one, the chipset, the lan, and one that's titled "others." I've had some errors with some of them giving me an error like I need to restart the system and try again. On the lan one it's "LAN_Intel_9.8.20.0_XPx86x64" and it has folders in it that are APPS, PLATFORM, PRO100, PRO1000, and PROXGB. Then the files in the folder is the autorun, index, and I've tried viewing the read_me and preinstall files in there but the preinstall doesn't do anything, and I don't have the folder that the read_me says to use. In there it says to "From the start menu, left-click Run, type: C:\D00813-001-001\preinstall.cmd and then press ENTER." I don't have that folder in my C drive.

Once again, I'm sorry that I don't know what to type and that I'm rather unintelligent when it comes to this kind of thing.

Denverjay · 14 Oct 2013

ouch...I'm not sure if I am the guy to help you, but I will try. Can you give me 5 minutes to run to the store to buy a pack of cigs?

TheSongsful · 14 Oct 2013

lol, yeah

Denverjay · 14 Oct 2013

ok, it's 10:30 Pm here, and I may buy a little more beer too, but I have been messing with this stuff for many years now, and if a competent person can't help you, I bet we can muddle through. BRB

Denverjay · 14 Oct 2013

ok, so can you post a screen shot of your device manager?

Denverjay · 14 Oct 2013

I think if you click on my name you can add me to your contacts and we can PM

Denverjay · 14 Oct 2013

I don't know where you are, but if you get back here later:
The software that you downloaded is for Windows XP, not 7; it will NOT work...
BUT...if you found that, then you are probably already at the right website, you just need to find the drivers for Windows 7 instead.
SO.. look around, my friend, I bet you are closer than you think! If you find a list of choices, pick the file that is biggest and says something like "all in one", "universal", you know things like that.
If yu end up with a list of files similiar to the XP one, then double click on the one that says "autorun.exe." Anything with the file extension ".exe" is an executable program, meaning that if it is from an unknown source it is a virus, but if it is from a trusted source it is a self-executing program, meaning you will get a set up wizard, etc.
Where the XP file said "From the start menu, left-click Run, type: C:\D00813-001-001\preinstall.cmd and then press ENTER." it means click on the Windows logo in lower left corner, then in search bar type "cmd"
right click on "cmd" and pick "run as administrator" then in black box type what it told you to type. But if there is an ".exe." file then you don't have to do all that, just double click on the "autorun"

You may be downloading a compressed file. If it says ".zip" or ".rar" or such, then right click on it, choose "extract to here", then click on ".exe" file

The info people on this forum want is probably things like a screen shot of your device manager, and a screen shot of your ipconfig. That means, click on the windows logo, in the search box type "cmd", on the cmd program that shows in the list right click and choose "run as administrator". In the black box, after the command prompt, type "ipconfig /all" then post the results here. Again, you should look for the "before you post" instructions

Here is the link to read before posting your issue:
Basic Requirements Before Posting your Networking Thread

TheSongsful · 14 Oct 2013

Well, from hours of searching I finally found a Realtek driver that was just what I needed. Thanks for your help.