Unable to reinstall Internet Adapter/Drivers

[internope]

Hi all,

Several months ago I was having issue with my computer and a friend suggested I delete my ethernet network driver in Network Connections, with the hope that it would resintall upon reset. Unfortunately it didn’t reinstall and I’ve been unable to resintall it manually. I’ve been using a USB Wi-Fi adapter since then but I’m hoping to finally fix the issue

My mobo is an MSI X470 Gaming Plus and I have downloaded the latest Realtek PCI-E Ethernet Driver from their website, but when trying to install it I get a message pop up saying “The Realtek Network Controller was not found” and nothing gets installed.

I googled “Realtek Network Controller” which led me to the Realtek website, where I downloaded the Realtek PCIe FE / GBE / 2.5G / Gaming Ethernet Family Controller Software and the Realtek PCI GBE Ethernet Family Controller Software, but when installing either of them I get the same “The Realtek Network Controller was not found” message pop up.

The MSI X470 Gaming Plus uses a Realtek® 8111H Gigabit LAN controller, and if I’m reading correctly then the Realtek PCIe FE / GBE / 2.5G / Gaming Ethernet Family Controller Software should be what I need. Website here Oops!

I’ve tried following a few troubleshoot things online but nothing seems to be working. I’ve even reinstalled windows and I’m still unable to connect via LAN. Showing hidden devices in Device Manager didn’t help either as the adapter is gone completely and not showing.

Any help would be amazing, thanks.

[Bruce]

from all the things you have tried, I’m left with the opinion your NIC has died.
not all that common, but it does happen, especially after a storm where there has been lightning strikes in the area.
a power surge comes through the modem thanks to the copper landline and for whatever reason, fries the NIC. also seen it fry the house, motherboard, and/or the modem - all depends on how the planets were aligned!

get yourself a 3rd party, add-on NIC card, like this; TP-LINK 32-bit Gigabit PCIe Network Adapter (TG-3468) - Umart.com.au

[internope]

from all the things you have tried, I’m left with the opinion your NIC has died.
not all that common, but it does happen, especially after a storm where there has been lightning strikes in the area.
a power surge comes through the modem thanks to the copper landline and for whatever reason, fries the NIC. also seen it fry the house, motherboard, and/or the modem - all depends on how the planets were aligned!

get yourself a 3rd party, add-on NIC card, like this; TP-LINK 32-bit Gigabit PCIe Network Adapter (TG-3468) - Umart.com.au

I was afraid of that. If that’s the case then I guess I should be thankful that that seems to be the only thing that has been broken, the rest of the PC is working great.

Thanks for the help! At least new adapters aren’t expensive

[Bruce]

At least new adapters aren’t expensive

exactly, much cheaper and quicker to just get one and move on.
I used to live in an area where the hills had quartz running through them, and apparently that stuff loves attracting lightning.
if we ever had a storm, the next morning I would always be guaranteed of getting a few calls “my modem isn’t working”.
always kept at least two spare NICs in the cupboard.

[Bruce]

@internope - any progress on the new NIC?

[Bruce]

no revisit for a week.
thread abandoned.