Ethernet cable won't detect when plugged into computer.

Helpmeplease13 · Jun 24, 2014

A storm came through and knocked out the power, now my computer won't detect ethernet cable and I'm unable to connect to the Internet. I'm typing this on my phone. Any help would be appreciated.

SchizTech · Jun 24, 2014

First, reset your internet router. Find the router at the other end of the network cable, and unplug it or turn it off with the switch if it has one, then restart it after 30 seconds. If it has a reset button somewhere on that you can also press that.

Helpmeplease13 · Jun 24, 2014

First, reset your internet router. Find the router at the other end of the network cable, and unplug it or turn it off with the switch if it has one, then restart it after 30 seconds. If it has a reset button somewhere on that you can also press that.

I tried that but it still says ethernet cable isn't connected.

SchizTech · Jun 24, 2014

What do you see in the device manager, under "network adapters?" In Windows 7 or Vista, right-click Computer in the Start menu, to go Properties and select "device manager" on the left hand pane. In Win 8, right-click in the bottom right hand corner and select "device manager" in the menu.

Helpmeplease13 · Jun 24, 2014

I see all the devices, drivers, monitor, keyboard etc.

SchizTech · Jun 24, 2014

Right, what specifically is shown under the "network adapters" category? Click the arrow to expand that category. Also, is there anything with an error (exclamation point) under "other devices?"

Helpmeplease13 · Jun 24, 2014

Realtek Pete February Family Controller. I opened that and the device status says it's running properly.

Helpmeplease13 · Jun 24, 2014

Realtek PCIe Family Controller* autocorrect changed it to Pete.

Helpmeplease13 · Jun 24, 2014

Realtek PCIe Fe Family Controller. No typos in that one. The driver is running properly.

SchizTech · Jun 24, 2014

Alright, what happens if you disable and re-enable the network controller? That option is in the right-click menu on the device

Helpmeplease13 · Jun 24, 2014

Still doesn't connect or detect the ethernet cable.

SchizTech · Jun 24, 2014

What exactly are you seeing when you mouse over or click on the network icon in the system tray? What is the message you see?

Helpmeplease13 · Jun 24, 2014

Not connected - No connections are available.

SchizTech · Jun 24, 2014

Well it is possible the power outage damaged the network controller. If that is the case you can install a PCI or PCI-express network card like

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704060

Helpmeplease13 · Jun 24, 2014

The Internet worked for 5 minutes after the outage. Then stopped so I reset the modem and it worked again then shortly stopped. Does this change anything?

SchizTech · Jun 24, 2014

Intermittent connection could still be due to a damaged network controller. As a troubleshooting step you could create an Ubuntu boot disk, and boot that into Live CD mode (that is, select "try ubuntu" rather than "install ubuntu" when the choice comes up such that it loads the Ubuntu system from the DVD without modifying the system). However you would need another system with a working internet connection to download the image from Ubuntu.com before you can burn it to a blank DVD.

SchizTech · Jun 24, 2014

If the same problems happen in Ubuntu that rules out a Windows software error

Helpmeplease13 · Jun 24, 2014

I'm going to order that part from Newegg and replace it and hopefully that'll fix it.

SchizTech · Jun 24, 2014

Helpmeplease13 :

It should work. Network cards like that aren't too expensive at least.

Just make sure you have a compatible slot first (newer systems should have PCI-express ports that fit the card I linked but if its a bit older it might use regular PCI)

Helpmeplease13 · Jun 24, 2014

The computer is less than a year old so the one you linked should be good right?

SchizTech · Jun 24, 2014

Yes, it would have PCI-e slots. Make sure the PC is turned off when you open it and insert the card, then start up and run the install disk that comes with the card to install the driver.

Helpmeplease13 · Jun 25, 2014

SchizTech :

My motherboard doesn't have any PCI slots, all there is is a box type thing that has the ethernet and USB ports. Would a USB plugin with an ethernet female port work instead of a new adapter?

Helpmeplease13 · Jun 25, 2014

SchizTech :

My motherboard doesn't have any PCI slots, all there is is a box type thing that has the ethernet and USB ports. Would a USB plugin with an ethernet female port work instead of a new adapter?

SchizTech · Jun 25, 2014

No, the slots are inside the PC. You have to take the side cover off to get to it. There will also be covers of some sort in the slots in back of the case corresponding to each PCI or PCI express slot, which you remove to insert a card.

SchizTech · Jun 25, 2014

However, if you don't feel up to doing that, a USB adapter will work.

Ethernet cable won't detect when plugged into computer.

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