I need help FINDING my LAN connection! Argh!?

Question

First of all, let me say that I am rather proficient when it comes to networking and the like. I set up my own network at home with a wireless Linksys router, but I have discovered a new problem.

I bought a new Dell XPS laptop a few weeks ago... it works great. I have been using the wireless network card, and have not needed to use the LAN connection. However, today I brought my laptop to work, and plugged it into my network at the office (we do not have wireless), and discovered that I do not have a LAN connection in my 'Network Connections' menu. I have the 'Wireless Connection' and the '1394 connection', but no 'Local Area Connection'. In all my years of toying with computers, I have never seen that connection NOT there!

I am 90% certain it was there when I bought the computer, as I had to hook up with CAT-5 when setting everything up. So where the heck did my LAN connection go? ARRGGGGHHHH.

Any suggestions would be nice. Network setup wizard didn't help.

Answer 1

Can you test the cable connection at home at all?

Then you would know if you had a problem with the hardware.

When you're using the LAN at work, are you using an existing connection? As the port you are plugging into may not be connected.

see how you go.

Answer 2

Problem sounds familliar. You were on a wireless, then went Hardline and got no #########, from the DHCP, was the Wireless Card still in it and set up as Active? That is my first guess. Second guess would be the NA/IT at your Office has a Security or Closed Loop SSL doohicky, wich is kinda neat as it offers your company sorta private inter-office comminications that arent blasted all over the internet.
Other than those 2 scenarios, I have no idea.

Answer 3

New connection wizard :)

Answer 4

Try call Dell they can take over your PC and fix it for free
DELL ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!