windows 8 and failed networking drivers

totty1972

Honorable
Oct 7, 2014
2
0
10,510
Hi there guys/gals,

1st time posting here so i'll try to keep it as brief as possible with as much info as possible.

System windows 8
amd fx 6200 cpu
16 gb ram
msi 990fx gd55 MOBO
750w akasa venom psu
HD 7850 2gb ddr5
256 ssd crucial

I was in the process of replacing my old gpu for a new one the other day, i restarted my pc and nothing came on the screen. I have since found out i bought a faulty gpu. I replace the old gpu and restart again. Everything comes back on as it should. Except i have no internet. As the router is right by my pc i check with another cable that i know is working. Still no connection.
Network driver adapter isn't found. I jumped into control panel, programs and turn windows features on and off. It was here i discovered net framework 3.5 wasn't activated. Kept trying to restart the driver but couldn't connect to the internet so i was stuck in catch 22. I tried everything from tethering my mobile to it for internet connection but it kept failing at the updates.
I decided to do a fresh install of windows 8 to see if i had a corrupt driver. Win 8 installed and nothing has changed. At the moment the net framework is ticked for 3.5 so i assumed i'd be connected but still no joy. I've tried repairing the network driver but it keeps coming back with "the realtek network controller was not found. If deep sleep mode is enabled please plug the cable". According to some forums, they recommend powering down and leaving the ram out for a while. I did this just before going to bed and when i reinstalled ram and restarted the next day nothing had changed.
Having re installed win 8 a few times now and making sure what drivers i have installed for the motherboard are all up to date i am still in the same boat. I can't connect to the internet.

I'm thinking of biting the bullet and just going for an upgrade i can't really afford at the moment. If anyone can help i'd be so greatful. I actually wonder if i may have broken the ethernet port when i was cleaning my pc before trying the new gpu or maybe it fried a part of the motherboard when i plugged the gpu in.
Again, any help would be appreciated.