My Notebook does not recognise/show LAN connections what can I do?

Question

My compaq laptop does not show the High Speed connections/LAN or ethernet ports in the Network Connections. So I can't use my DSL modem is there something i can do without reinstalling the OS? Please Help

The ethernet port only shows the ambar light and not the green light. When I start my computer it says error "PCI on Motherboard" and when XP starts it says new hardward found "PCI Device " but since i cant get online it says it cannot find the driver for the PCI device. Also, it has built in Wi-Fi but it wont turn on when i press the button. I had this problem a few months back and i did a system restore to and it came back fine but when i tried a system restore this time it didn't work.

Answer 1

Well theres a crapload of things it could be. I suggest going to my computer and right clicking it, click properties, go to hardware and click device manager. check and see if your ethernet port is under network connections or if its under the yellow question mark.
If its a question mark it hasnt been installed yet and you need to go to the compaq website and search your computer for your personal drivers.
If it says its already installed then you should go to network connections and click create a new connection on the left side. Follow the wizard it has everything you need. (Once you have installed the driver it should already connect to the net but if not do this step afterward) Need anything more then feel free to E-mail me or update the question further and i will assist you more.

REPLY-If it says error PCI on motherboard make sure the card isnt loose, that will def cause the problem. If not read below.

Did you go to device manager? When you go there, uninstall the ethernet pci card. Then go to start and control panel. Make sure your in classic view(on the left side itll say switch to classic view if your not in it) then click add new hardware. Follow the wizard. If this card cannot be installed you have to find the drivers online somewhere, use the computer you are on and transfer them via disk or usb or floppy. Make sure you get the wi-fi capable driver otherwise it may not work.

Answer 2

Make sure you are using a straight CAT5 cable, some modem people sometime gives out crossover instead.
Also make sure the network card is enabled and getting IP automatically