I recently reinstalled windows(Windows XP Pro SP2). After i had set everything up i tried connecting to a home network. after putting in the cable i looked at network connections and there was none. I checked device manager and there were three "?" icons one said "audio driver" another "sm bus" and "ethernet controller".
 
I figured the ethernet controller was to blame. it said that the driver was missing. the first thing i do is look at my manufacturers(compaq) site on another comp and couldnt find any drivers that said "ethernet".
 
so i pop open my case and look for logos and the actual port had a "foxconn" printed on it. so i go to thier site on a wild goose chase. i then scour the internet for a suitable driver but cant fing anything.
 
i then recall that my comp had a network adapter in the past. i go back to the compaq site and they have a driver for a nVidia nForce network adapter. thinking i finally found it i transfer the driver to my comp and install it. the install went smoothly but did nothing. i again look at the device manager and the adapter wasnt listed. i remember it being on the list before i reinstalled.
 
i crack open my pc again and sure enough there is a chip with the nvidia logo that says nForce mcp.
 
 i dont know what to do, ive worked on this for 10 days. i dont want to put anymore money into my 5 year old system because im saving up for new.

do you have the mobo driver cd, if so reinstall the drivers from there.

The mobo manufacturer is compaq. I don't have a cd and they don't have the drivers on thier site.

well, unless you can find a generic one from windows i don't know what else to try,  the problem is of course it's age,  i am not sure how wel compaq support their products, of course i do not think compaq make the mobo, it mentions foxconnn so maybe they made it who knows.  
 
have you tried looking here or other places that might have drivers?

Whats the model of the compaq motherboard?  Could google the model # and "NIC drivers" should pull up something...

After you make sure all drivers are installed,unplug your modem and router and turn off computer.Then in this order plug in and turn on the modem then the router then the computer.

I am amazed that you did not get a motherboard CD or recovery CD.  
Have you tried http://www.compaq.co.uk/cpq_support.html
 
 
      Mike.

i forever hate compaq b/c of this system. i cant find a model for the mobo and i lost the recovery cds ages ago.

What is the Model# for your Compaq?

The model # should be printed near the compaq logo on the motherboard...

http://h20270.www2.hp.com/ediags/g [...] c=en&cc=us

Down load Driver Detective or a similar product and scan your system. It will show you the name and the site where to get your driver.

compaq presario 6016US

Drivers are here............
 
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc [...] 1&lang=en#
 

ive already tried to use that but it has no effect. its almost as if the computer doesnt recognize the network adapter. it is not listed as hardware in everwhere i looked on windows.

Check in BIOS that onboard Network  is enabled.
 
       Mike.

Well, It's only $8 with shipping for a new card.
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6833180025

Its enabled still dont work

Sounds like the adapter died, my EPOX 9NPA digested the Gig lan and now runs on a nic card