Hello, and Thank You for your help, I’m an n00b, so I’m sorry for the dumb questions! I have several! 1. The network adapter, which is built in to the motherboard, has failed, the computer works fine, other then the fact that I can’t access the Internet via LAN. Do I need a new motherboard or can I simply install a PCI NIC Card? 2. As I was looking for a NIC Card, I noticed that there is PCI 2.1 Bus and PCI 2.2 Bus, I have a Dell Dimension 5100, do I have 2.1 or 2.2 or how can I check? 3. My current network adapter which has failed is an Intel ( R) Pro/100 VE which is 10/100 mbps, can I upgrade to a higher mbps? Thank You for your Help
Out of curiosity, how did you come to the conclusion that the network card failed? In answer to your questions: 1) You can install a new network card. You do not need a new motherboard. 2) I am not 100% sure, but I'd assume that your DELL computer will be compatible with both standards 3) Yes, you can install a Gigabit NIC if you require
I was told from another forum, who was unable to answer the questions that I posed here. I will repost what I did to conform this idea, in case you have any other ideas: These are all the steps that I have done, no have restored my internet connection 1. Find and eliminated all malware 2. Connected Laptop to router to ensure that it works, it does 3. Connected problem computer directly to modem 4. Connected Laptop to modem to ensure it works, it does 5. Purchased a new CAT5e cable 6. Did steps 2-4 again 7. Purchased a Cat6 cable 8. Did steps 2-4 again 9. Downloaded and used winsockfix 10. Rebooted in Safe mode with networking 11. Via laptop downloaded newest driver, transferred to problem computer via flash drive and installed the driver 12. In the same manner as step 11 downloaded and installed “Update for Windows XP Service Pack 2 (KB884020)” 13. Disconnected DSL modem from all three cables a. Via Network connections disabled LAN connection b. Reset the DCHP Client c. Shut downed computer d. Reconnected all three cable of DSL modem e. Allowed internet light and DSL light to come on fully f. Restarted computer and reactivated LAN connection 14. By means of Device Manager reduced link speed to 10 Mbps/ Half Duplex a. NOTE: At this point limited internet access is available, I am able to download virus definitions, however I am still unable to go on to internet explorer b. NOTE: When on anything higher then 10 Mbps/ Full Duplex the Ethernet light that correlates with the problem computer blinks, as if it is trying to connect or find the NIC. When at or less then 10 Mbps/ Full Duplex, that same light becomes solid c. NOTE: It is not a problem with the router or modem, this problem does not arise when connect via Ethernet to my laptop d. NOTE: Before OS loads the same light blinks, when OS loads and persuadably before the modified speed limit is applied, then the light becomes solid. Before this problem arose the light would become solid as soon as the power button on the computer was turned on. 15. Uninstalled the the network adapter, restarted computer and reinstalled network adapter, then reinstalled newest drivers. Thank You Very Much
yeah, but you will be better disabling the onboard NIC in the BIOS (to avoid confusion i dont think it matters no, a standar 10 / 100 is more than fast enough, one of my 10 /100 cards is over 10 years old
