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Question

Can't get ethernet on my Studio XPS 8100

Jul 11, 2013 1:18AM PDT

Hi everyone. I recently backed up my files and reinstalled Windows 7 on my Studio XPS 8100. However, it can't connect to the internet. It's wired by an ethernet connection, and troubleshooting says I don't have the ethernet driver.

Using the utilities and drivers CD that came with my computer, I can't get the modem driver installed. A warning pops up that says "device MODEM was not found". I then went on the website and downloaded the internet driver, specifically the four available here under "modem/communications". None of them worked.

I already knew it wasn't a router problem, because the wifi still worked for my laptop. So I proceeded to dual boot ubuntu, and ironically from Ubuntu I can connect to the internet without a problem.

Where do I go from here to get the driver to work on my Windows?

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Download Network drivers
Jul 11, 2013 3:43AM PDT

Hi wordsandwordsand,

If Network drivers are not installed, there will a bang in Device Manager on Network Controllers. You would need to download and install the Broadcom BCM57780 LOM, v.12.2.2.2, A00 under Network options from same link you mentioned in your post.

Hope this helps.

Thanks and Regards,
Appu S

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Did not work
Jul 12, 2013 4:51AM PDT

Appu_S, That driver was one of the ones I tried to install (several times). After the installer was extracted from the .exe file, nothing happened. Redownloaded the file several times, but it never worked.

To answer your question, R. Profit, this computer is a solid 2.5 years old. Perhaps you had a point

What do I do from here?

Again, thanks.

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Try this
Jul 12, 2013 9:35AM PDT

Hi wordsandwordsand,

If the installer does not execute, try the following steps:

- Click 'Computer' and drive letter 'C'
- Locate folder 'dell' and double click it
- Locate folder 'Drivers' and double click it
- Locate folder 'R245425'
- Locate folder Win 64 folder if Window 7 64 bit version is installed. Open the folder and try to run the set up file.

Thanks and Regards,
Appu S

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Answer
I see the Dell rep has replied
Jul 11, 2013 3:46AM PDT

But they may have omitted that install order matters as well as possible BIOS settings.

For example a system at the office mandates we install a motherboard driver package BEFORE the LAN driver.
And in another system the BIOS must have the onboard LAN enabled.

You bring up a good point. That is, is the PC a dinosaur? That is, why must you go through all this work today when Linux just installs and works? What's up with all this driver hunting?
Bob

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My point.
Jul 12, 2013 4:59AM PDT

Is that Microsoft and the industry has had decades to clear up this area. If there is an elephant in the room, you've found it.

I can only give you a guide as to install order. And then I run into PCs with network cards that were not original equipment and the owner has to replace that card again as they don't know what make and model it was.

Again my question is simply this -> After decades, why didn't the industry fix this?
Bob

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Install order.
Jul 12, 2013 6:14AM PDT

Well that's unfortunate. What's the install order?

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The maker reveals that. But
Jul 12, 2013 7:00AM PDT

But for years it's the OS, then motherboard drivers, if XP and a HD Audio the MSUAA, then the audio, video, lan and other drivers.

In the case of Dell, you may find the WiFi to be inoperative no matter what driver you choose. While I know why this is, let's just say you must install Dell's QuickSet app (which is not a driver.)
Bob

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Still
Jul 12, 2013 9:06AM PDT

Altering the installation order didn't work. See here.

What should I do?

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Does this machine have a MODEM?
Jul 12, 2013 10:09AM PDT

And the discussion is or was about the Ethernet card.

Back to this MODEM, many folk I know removed the modem card long ago so it should fail to install.

Some owners don't know the difference from a MODEM to a Network Interface Card and for those folk I suggest they get some local help.
Bob

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problem solved
Jul 17, 2013 2:56AM PDT

One of my friends had a CD with Windows 8, and it came with its drivers installed.