[SOLVED] Ethernet cable no longer recognised after Windows boot problems

[Gene Parmesan]

My desktop PC has abruptly stopped recognising the Ethernet cable that connects it to the router (the PC doesn't have wifi capability), and therefore no longer connects to the internet. This happened after I switched it on and Windows did not boot as normal - instead, I got a blank screen with an instruction to hit F2 or DEL. At first, neither worked - after some googling I unplugged all USB peripherals, plugged the keyboard back in, and successfully got the computer to enter a ‘repair mode’ (or similar). I then hit an option to return the computer to a saved state (there was a message stating that this would not affect personal data). The computer now boots up as normal, except it doesn’t recognise that the Ethernet cable is plugged in.

The router is connecting other household devices via wifi without any problem. It seems unlikely that a hardware fault would just develop instantly and coincidentally with this other problem.

There is no light at all on the Ethernet jack where it plugs into the computer’s port.

Here’s some information about the computer:

Windows 7 Professional Version 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1 Build 7601
x64-based PC
Intel Core i5-4570
Motherboard is ASUSTeK B85M-G


In Device Manager, under Network Adapters I see:
Kaspersky Security Data Escort Adapter
Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller

Windows claims the drivers for these are up to date (update driver software —> Search automatically for updated driver software)

After looking at forum suggestions, I went into the BIOS Utility Advanced Mode —> Onboard Devices Configuration
It lists:
Realtek LAN Controller - Enabled
Realtek PXE Option ROM - Enabled

I've tried turning the computer and the router off and on again, and was bitterly disappointed when neither worked.

Grateful for any help or suggestions.

 

[SkyNetRising]

Try reinstalling chipset drivers and lan drivers.

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If it doesn't help ...
Did you have any lightning storms in your area recently?
Might be, your ethernet port got fried.

Get a PCIE ethernet adapter.

 

[Ralston18]

This:

"My desktop PC has abruptly stopped recognising the Ethernet cable that connects it to the router "

and

"There is no light at all on the Ethernet jack where it plugs into the computer’s port. "

Are you able to swap in another known working Ethernet cable?

Look in Reliability History/ Monitor: Any error codes, etc. that correspond to the date/time that connectivity was lost?

PSU: make, model, wattage, age, condition?

 

[Gene Parmesan]

Thanks both of you for the replies.

Try reinstalling chipset drivers and lan drivers.

If it doesn't help ...
Did you have any lightning storms in your area recently?
Might be, your ethernet port got fried.

Get a PCIE ethernet adapter.

I installed the chipset and LAN drivers, but this doesn't seem to have made a difference. No lightning storms or power outages recently.

If the port somewhow got fried, how do I pick a suitable PCIE ethernet adapter? The article I read made it seem like you had to know the size of your motherboard slot and a host of other info I have no idea about (the PC was bought as a pre-assembled unit, and I've never opened it up).

Would an Ethernet to USB adapter be an option?

Are you able to swap in another known working Ethernet cable?

I'll try that next.

Look in Reliability History/ Monitor: Any error coades, etc. that correspond to the date/time that connectivity was lost?

As I mentioned, I was unable to boot up the computer as normal prior to when connectivity was lost: on that day the Reliability Monitor shows a critical event "Windows failed to start and we are unable to determine the cause of the problem" followed by a series of successful driver installations (I presume as a result of restoring Windows?)

PSU: make, model, wattage, age, condition?

This I'm not sure about. It's a PC made by the company Chillblast, which no longer lists the model on their website; for the current model it just lists the PSU as "Chillblast 600W 80+ PSU" which is probably of no use.
According to the BIOS version/date, the computer is 8 and a half years old, and I don't think the PSU has been replaced.

I'll try another Ethernet cable and report back.

 

[SkyNetRising]

If the port somewhow got fried, how do I pick a suitable PCIE ethernet adapter? The article I read made it seem like you had to know the size of your motherboard slot and a host of other info
Would an Ethernet to USB adapter be an option?

Any PCIE ethernet adapter will be fine. Costs like $15-$20. Just make sure it's PCIE (PCI express) and not PCI. Your motherboard doesn't have any PCI slots.

USB ethernet adapter works too. Wouldn't be preferred choice though.

 

[Gene Parmesan]

Any PCIE ethernet adapter will be fine. Costs like $15-$20. Just make sure it's PCIE (PCI express) and not PCI. Your motherboard doesn't have any PCI slots.

Thanks. I've ordered one and will find or borrow another cable as well in the meantime.

 

[Gene Parmesan]

Thanks. I've ordered one and will find or borrow another cable as well in the meantime.

Installed the new adapter today, updated the driver, everything works again - thanks again for the advice.

Unfortunately the metal slot cover was too large and when fitted into the case, wouldn’t allow the card to be slotted into the motherboard. So I unscrewed it, meaning there’s a vertical gap in the case, but I’m hoping that won’t be a problem.