Hello:

I had to recover my hard drive. I used the DVD/CD that came with the computer. When it was finished I discovered that some drivers had not been downloaded in the "unknown" area. I fixed the ones that I had DVD/CD's for but discovered that the ethernet controller did not download. I can't get onto the Internet to figure out why because of this problem.

The specifications to my computer are below if that will help but be advised that I now have a graphics card which is an Nvidia graphics card (much faster for my work) and a bigger fan (don't know if this matters).

Please help me to fix this problem. Be simple and very how-to with your instructions. I may sound like I know what I'm doing and in many respects I am but when it comes to the insides of the computer, I'd sink to bottom of the pool.

Thank you very much,

gloria

Specifications:

CPU: Intel 830, 3.0GHz w/HT
Memory: 1 GB DDR2-533, PC2-4200 (2 - 512 GB module)
Hard Drive: 200 GB SATA Hard Drive, 7200rpm, 8 MB cache
Other Drives:
16X DVD-ROM w/customized bezel
16X DVD Double Layer Dual Burner w/customized bezel
Memory Card Drive for CF Type I/Type II, MD, MS, MS Pro, MS Duo, MS-ROM, SD, MMC I/MMC II, SM, and xD memory card
Motherboard: ECS 945G-M3, Intel 945G chipset
Accessories:
Optical mouse w/ scroll wheel
Multimedia Keyboard
Creative 2.1 Speaker System
Microphone
Port Connectors: 2 x PS/2, 1 x Serial, 1 x Parallel, 1 x VGA, 1 set audio ports, 6 x USB 2.0 (2 front, 4 back), 2 x Firewire (1 front, 1 back)
Power Supply: 400 Watt
Operating System: Windows XP MCE 2005 Edition
Devices:
56K Modem
10/100/1000 LAN
Integrated Sound
Software:
Corel Office Suite 12
Arcsoft Showbiz DVD 2
Nero Burning Software
Norton AntiVirus 2005 (free 90-day trial)
Ulead PhotoImpact 8SE
Recovery DVD
Phoenix Pro Hard Drive recovery

Strange that the restore CD did not re-image your drivers for your NIC card. Okay, what you need to know is the make of the NIC (Network Interface Card, which is your 10/100/1000 LAN entry in your specs you listed). This is a literal card that either is integrated with your mainboard, OR possibly a separate card that plugs into one of the slots on the mainboard. Either way doesn't matter, because it requires drivers to operate.

Enter Device Manager; look for an entry, "Network Adapters" listed. If you find it, is your card listed? I have attached a pic of my listing, notice that under the Network Adapter header are two (2) entrys. The D-Link is my wireless NIC that I am using, and the NVIDIA entry is the integrated NIC that is part of the mainboard that I turned off. What does your entry say?

If you cannot find any "Network Adapter" header, or if there is nothing listed underneath it, your drivers are missing and the system doesn't see it. That is where you must start. You must find the drivers for that device and install them. Those can usually be found on the manufacturer's website. If your compute is still under warranty, this may be covered. You can also try to restore the drive a second time to see if it will find the drivers.

Click to view attachment

Thank you Mr. Ranch hand:

I have looked at the device manager as you have shown on my computer. It does not show Network Adapters. It shows other devices of which there are two. One is my ethernet controller and the other is an internal audio sound device. Don't know what that is.

So it doesn't recognize that I even have an adapter.

This is the second time I have tried to re-install the recovery disk. You stated for me to find out what kind of network adapter it is. I don't know how to do that. I don't even know how to remove the cover. I'm not good with insides to a computer. Also, how would I go to that manufacturers website if I can't get on the Internet?

Thank you very much for your help.

gloria

The ethernet controller is your network card/interface. However, I can't understand why it would also list your sound card in the Network Adapter section. The "internal audio device" is the integrated sound card that is on your mainboard, that is how you get sound through your speakers, but it shouldn't be showing up in the network section.

Okay, try this: On your desktop, Right click on My Network Places icon, then click Properties. Write down everything that is listed there, and if it registers "connected" or "disconnected". Post that information back here. If you know how to take a screenshot and post it here, that would be great. Otherwise, just write it down.

The second one down ON THIS PAGE should be the right one for 2k and XP. Vista is also listed on this one. The 3rd driver down is NIC for Vista only.