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Question

Shotty Broadlink Ethernet

Mar 4, 2016 11:36PM PST

Hey all,

I've been having an issue with my ethernet connection. I'm on a Dell desktop at university (so I'm using the school's network). I have a D-Link Wifi USB adapter, which allows me to connect to Wifi without any difficulties, however since I like to stream movies and games, it's best if I could use a wired connection for speed. I have an ethernet cable and it's worked in the past, but recently, it's been dodging in and out and I can't figure out why.

When I start the computer (without the D-Link Wifi adapter connected) the taskbar shows the wired connection symbol with a red x over it. Troubleshooter doesn't give me anything, and I can't connect to the internet. When I look at Device Manager, Broadcom Netlink (TM) Gigabit Ethernet is grayed out, and when I click on Properties, it tells me that this hardware device is not connected to the computer (Code 45). The thing is, about 1/10 times, when I start up the computer, the wired connection works perfectly fine, for a couple of days, and then I wake up to a red x again and can't get it to kick back on...any thoughts of how I can fix it?
Thanks!!!

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
(NT) Did you try a new ethernet cable?
Mar 5, 2016 8:09AM PST
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(NT) I did, nothing changed
Mar 6, 2016 1:03PM PST
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Time to add or replace that network card.
Mar 6, 2016 1:13PM PST

I can't guess if it's disabled in QuickSet or the BIOS so for less than 10 bucks here I can pop in some network card or even some USB network dongle.

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Answer
Ethernet
Mar 5, 2016 9:51AM PST

Power down.
Unplug the ethernet cable.
Power up and boot.

If device mgr now see's this device uninstall the device.
Reboot.
Windows should now find new hardware and reload the drivers.
Test.

Just and aside.
A short time ago msft wanted to feed me new drivers for my broadcom ethernet.
Since everything is working fine I declined the offer.

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No change
Mar 6, 2016 1:03PM PST

I did all of that, didn't change anything. I was able to uninstall, but device manager didn't recognize the device and windows didn't find new hardware and reload the drivers.