I am having trouble with my ethernet connection on my laptop.?

Question

I don't think my ethernet connection on my computer is working. Is it possible that it is diabled for some reason, and if so how do I enable it? Is it possible that just because I have an ethernet port on my computer, that it isnt necessarily ethernet capable? I am trying to hook up a belkin router and tech support says the ethernet port is the problem. I think he is right. Can anyone help me with this problem?

Answer 1

First of all, make sure that it is an ethernet port and not a modem port. They look the same, but ethernet is a little bigger.

Yes, it can be disabled. Right click my network places and select properties. If you see something called local area connection, this is your ethernet. View details and you will see if it is enabled or not.

Also try to click on "setup a home or small office network" on the left. Select other, then that you connect through a router. Restart and see if you are on the net. If you are cabled up to the router, and your ip address starts with 192.168 then you ARE talking to the router.

Answer 2

In your device manager, do you have a Question mark for the item under network adapter? If you do, reinstall the drivers that came with your network card. If you don't have a network card and your Ethernet port is part of your motherboard, reinstall the drivers for your motherboard. What you can also do is download the latest drivers from the manufacturer's web site.

Another suggestion, try a different CAT-5 network cable. there's a possibility that your cable could be damaged.

Last, forgive me if may insult you on this next one, but make sure you aren't trying to insert your network cable into the modem port. They do look similar.

good luck.

Answer 3

open up device manager and see if the network port is present....if it is you may need to uninstall and reinstall the driver for it...it could have been corrupt...if it is not there, you will need to install the driver