network adapter missing

[Kieran28]

I recently bought a new CPU (core i7-3770k) which required an update to the BIOS. That caused some problems (documented in some of my other recent posts) and I decided to do a clean install of my OS (W7Ultimate). Since then the system has been mildly problematic. I have not yet installed the new cpu, because I don't want to introduce another variable into the mix, wanted to get it working great then change the cpu.

So, I was just about there, when the other day the system wouldn't connect to the LAN. I tried trouble shooting the wiring, the router, the modem. Plugged in another computer (work laptop) and the LAN worked fine. So it was something with my desktop. I tried a couple of steps suggested on Windows.com to no avail. Most of them had me trying to disable and re-enable the network adapter, but here's the problem: the network adapter isn't there! When I go to device manager, the entire group for Network adapters is missing! I've tried rolling back my chipset drivers and my LAN drivers, neither of which did anything. Attached is a screenshot from my last attempt at trying to re-install the LAN drivers.

I'm at a loss. Any suggestions here? Buy a new motherboard? Could this be a virus? I use MSE, and it has found nothing.

Thanks for any help...

 

[GokAy]

Is the LAN interface enabled in BIOS?

 

[Kieran28]

Is the LAN interface enabled in BIOS?

Yes, it was and is enabled.

 

[GokAy]

First try loading defaults in BIOS (first screen or exit menu).
If that doesn't work, unplug the case from power, remove the CMOS battery and reset CMOS. (Check motherboard manual).

 

[Kieran28]

First try loading defaults in BIOS (first screen or exit menu).
If that doesn't work, unplug the case from power, remove the CMOS battery and reset CMOS. (Check motherboard manual).

Thanks, GokAy. I'll try these when I get home this evening (PDT).

 

[Kieran28]

Loading "fail-safe defaults" in the BIOS didn't help. Re-setting the BIOS (battery removal) did help. The system required a couple re-boots, but then the network came back. The problem now is that the speed is very slow (~9 mbps to my home NAS, hardwired CAT5e via my router).

I didn't have another computer to connect to the LAN and compare, but my Surface Pro3 got around 20mbps over wifi.

I'll look into that as a separate issue though; first check to see if the line is good, etc., with another computer. If not I'll post back to this thread.
Thanks!

 

[GokAy]

Check in Device Manager - Network Adapters - Properties of your adapter - Advanced - "Speed & Duplex" is set to Auto Negotiation
If it is already, try 100Mbps Full Duplex or 1.0Gbps (depending on your router).

Also try another cable and check the link speed from LAN status.

 

[Kieran28]

Check in Device Manager - Network Adapters - Properties of your adapter - Advanced - "Speed & Duplex" is set to Auto Negotiation
If it is already, try 100Mbps Full Duplex or 1.0Gbps (depending on your router).

Cool, I'll try that. Thanks!

Also try another cable and check the link speed from LAN status.
View attachment 364003

What is "link speed from LAN status"?

 

[GokAy]

It is the speed of the LAN connection.

If it is not obvious, open "Network and Connection Center" (right click notification area icon) - click on Local Area Connection. Check speed (see my screenshot).

 

[Kieran28]

OK thanks, I'll check on those things tonight.

FYI, I'm not expecting 1000mbps, as this is a long run from router to office through attic and walls, etc., plus a switch (albeit a gigabit one). But I had been getting close to 100-ish mbps on my LAN and maxing out my internet connection for external stuff. So the current ~9mbps is suspicious.

 

[Kieran28]

Well, I did some trouble-shooting. I started with my laptop next to the router; however first I had to reset the router as for some reason the line I chose to plug into locked up:
wifi speed: 160mbps check
wired speed: 350-400mpbs check
Went up to the office:
wifi speed ~130mbps check
wired speed ~200mbps check
So, I'm thinking the problem is with the LAN chip in my desktop PC. I plug the LAN line back into the desktop, and boot up. Network is there, and speed? Around 250mbps. ***? Dunno don't care. All seems to be well now. Maybe one more reset of the router did the trick, I don't know.

Now to figure out why the thing won't sleep properly...

 

[GokAy]

See Power Options and Sleep Mode Problems for sleep

 

[Kieran28]

See Power Options and Sleep Mode Problems for sleep

Thanks. Yes, I had been working my way through some of those options when this network problem occurred.

Cheers!