How to Fix an Ethernet Controller

Troubleshoot and resolve an Ethernet PCI controller card that has stopped functioning.

Computers typically include one or more PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) or PCI Express slots that can be used to install add-on cards such as Ethernet controller cards. In most cases, Ethernet controller cards perform well once they are installed; however, if the lights on the Ethernet controller network do not blink, or the Ethernet controller icon does not appear in Windows network connections, use Windows hardware configuration utilities along with basic hardware troubleshooting measures to resolve the issue.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Windows 7 computer with an Ethernet network adapter installed
• Microsoft Windows computer with Internet access and active USB ports
• Credentials of an account with Administrator access to the Windows 7 computer
• USB key/drive
• Philips screwdriver

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" or "Globe" button on the Windows 7 computer desktop and right-click "Computer" and then click "Manage" in the menu that appears. Click "Device Manager" in the window that appears. If the Ethernet network adapter in the device list has a yellow exclamation sign beside it, right-click on the Ethernet network adapter and click "Uninstall." Reboot the computer and let Windows reinstall the Ethernet network adapter driver. Test the Ethernet network adapter, and if the issue is not resolved, proceed to the next step.

2. Use a computer that has access to the Internet to download the most current driver for the Ethernet network adapter from the website of the Ethernet network adapter manufacturer or the website of the computer manufacturer. Save the driver file to a USB key/drive. Unplug the USB key/drive and plug the USB key/drive into the Windows 7 computer with the Ethernet controller that is malfunctioning. Click "Start" then click "Computer" and double-click on the USB key/drive icon in the Computer window. Double-click on the driver installation file displayed in the USB key/drive window and follow the prompts to install the driver. Reboot the computer and test the Ethernet network adapter by trying to access the Internet. If the issue is not resolved, proceed to the next step.

3. Power down the computer. Remove the screws that secure the service panel on the computer chassis. Unlatch and remove the service panel. Locate the Ethernet controller (it will have a network cable attached to the outside of the Ethernet controller card). Remove any screws that secure the Ethernet controller. Unlatch any brackets holding the Ethernet controller in place. Grasp the front of the Ethernet controller nearest to the network connector socket and pull up slowly to loosen the controller from the motherboard slot. Grasp the back end of the Ethernet controller and slowly pull up and remove the controller from the slot.

4. Seat the Ethernet controller into an adjacent motherboard slot by placing the copper edge into the slot and pressing down firmly on the back of the controller and then on the front and then in the middle of the controller to ensure that the controller is seated all the way into the motherboard slot. Replace all brackets that hold down the controller and secure the controller to the chassis with the screw or screws.

5. Place the service panel back on the computer chassis and slide into place. Snap the service panel latches in place. Secure the service panel with screws if included. Boot the computer and then let Windows reinstall the Ethernet controller drivers. Test to verify that the Ethernet controller is now working.

References

• Help with PCs:Install Modem/Network Card/Sound Card -- Installing a PCI Card
• IBM:Troubleshooting Ethernet Network Connectivity Issues