Missing Ethernet Controller


  1. Posts : 14
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
       #1

    Missing Ethernet Controller


    I have an Acer 603G "upgraded" to Win 7 Pro thanks to this forum.
    My current issue involves my ethernet controller. It is missing, when I go to Device Manager (DM) the statement where the ethernet controller once existed now reads "Unknown Device". This started when I unsubscribed from software I discontinued. At first the ethernet controller was disabled, I was able to re-enable it from DM. More recently it disappeared from DM and I was able to re load the BIOS and it would work as of two days ago that doesn't help. The BIOS is P11._B2_A. I have downloaded new BIOS onto a pen drive and this still does not correct bring it back.
    Any help will be greatly appreciated.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 2,171
    Win7, Win10, Win11
       #2

    Try working through the steps in this tutorial.
    Device Manager - Finding Unknown Devices
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 14
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    AmericanPharaoh said:
    Try working through the steps in this tutorial.
    Device Manager - Finding Unknown Devices
    Thank you. When I did the upgrade someone suggested Driver Easy. I've sent them the information and will let you know the outcome.
    BTW, I've contacted the software provider I deleted. I can no longer access their chat room and am relegated to online support. It makes little difference as I'm still trying to get the computer back on line. At that point and depending upon what I discover, I'll get back to them. I had to reinstall their software, but of course could not activate, as I'm not online. So we'll see. I really can't pin it on them, but I don't like coincidences, and I certainly don't like seeing their log in screen as an option to access the internet, especially after I "uninstalled" there software.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 2,171
    Win7, Win10, Win11
       #4

    What happened is when you upgraded to Windows 7, from Windows Vista. Windows was unable to find a generic Driver to install for you Ethernet. When this happens, you need to go to another PC, go to, in this case, the Acer Website. Find Driver downloads, look for a Windows 7 Ethernet driver. If you find one, download it to a USB stick. Take the USB stick and plug into the PC without Ethernet and save the file to the Desktop. Right click on it and unzip the file. Now open the unzipped file and the Driver will install. Reboot and check in Device Manager. Note: you may also need to download a driver for you Wi-Fi at the same time.

    For now look into getting your missing driver/s. I'll look into your other issues shortly.

    Are you saying your Browser Home Page got Hijacked? What Browser do you use?

    John
    Last edited by AmericanPharaoh; 10 Aug 2016 at 14:10.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 7,107
    W7 home premium 32bit/W7HP 64bit/w10 tp insider ring
       #5

    If your comp is
    Aspire XC-603G

    follow the link below


    http://global-download.acer.com/GDFi...C=ACER&SC=PA_6

    Download to your desktop and point the unknown device to it
    IGNORE any comment re unsigned coz it isnt.

    Note W7 came driver complete and considering the age of your comp then it will allready be on your system, all you need to know is its description ie realtek xxxxx

    Roy
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 14
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    I think you misunderstood. I upgraded to 7 Pro from 8.1 about a year ago. It has worked great for almost a yr. 10 days ago I was unable to go online, I discovered the Ethernet controller to be disabled. I turned it on and thought no more about it. On the 4th, it happened again. This time it was not disabled, but no longer listed in DM. I searched this forum, someone else suggested to reload the BIOS, again that worked. At this point I uninstalled the suspect software. Since the 4th I've had to reload the BIOS 2 or 3 times. Until Sunday, NADA. Imagine my surprise when I clicked on the redX in the Internet box and saw the login from the deleted software company. Since then I've trying to find answers in fact even to frame the proper question to get an answer. For what its worth I use Mozilla and Duckduckgo. American Pharoah, bless his little heart seems to have pointed me in the right direction. Even his example was in the same area as my missing controller. Easy driver hasrequested screen shots of the areas in question, im just awaiting a response. Hope this clears it up a bit. Best, Jim W
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 7,107
    W7 home premium 32bit/W7HP 64bit/w10 tp insider ring
       #7

    Easy Driver will post a link somewhat like mine.

    The link i posted goes directly to the W7 Ethernet driver for that comp.

    IF your old DELETED software still appears then you will also have to REMOVE the Network listing for it as well,
    I would also look in Computer >> C >> programes/programs(x86) see if that software is listed, if so DELETE.

    to check driver please go DM >> unknown device >> properties >> Details >> Hardware ID's
    post the xx&VEN xxxx&DEV detail.

    Roy
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 14
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #8

    @AmericanPharoah, @Torchwood and the 1423 other viewers. Guess which computer I'm responding on. I was able to download a Realtech driver from the Acer site. D.M. still lists it as an unknown device but at least it is back on line. I'll dig further and get the correct one.
    See the attachment:
    Thanks again to all..........
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Missing Ethernet Controller-unk-dev-ss.png  
      My Computer


 

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