Network adapter problems - Advice please?

Werdnal

I have recently signed up for broadband, and yesterday was trying to install my new router, but have hit a snag. All wires and connections are OK, but half-way through the set up, I am prompted with a message that "no network adapter is detected".

I have looked in Devices Manager and found under "other devices" a PCI Ethernet controller which is flagged with a ? icon, and therefore appears to have no drivers installed, which I assume is causing my problem.

I have a Win98SE backup disk I was given as a copy when my PC had some work done, but on attempting to find and install drivers, it draws a blank. I had a new hard drive fitted earlier this year and did ask engineer to re-install everything, but guess driver for this card was missed.

My questions are - How do I identify what driver I need and where can I get a copy. I know there are a variety of Driver Guide type sites, but until I know what card I have, I guess I cannot find the correct driver.

Any advice much appreciated, as I am now having to pay both dial-up and broadband subs to maintain my old connection until I can get my new one running - not what Money Saving is all about!!!!

cdbrown

Best bet would to be to open up the pc case and see if you can read off the card the manufacturer and any codes. Remove the card if it's easier to read and note down any writing.

If you have the manufacturer then you go to their website and they will have the drivers for all their cards - most of them are generic drivers which cover a range of cards. Make sure to get the driver to suit win98se.

espresso

Have you tried highlighting this device and then Properties?

PCWizard should give you the info.

Werdnal

Thanks, I thought that might be my best option, but I have tried to remove my PC cover before, and it seems to have some magic invisible fixings which prevent me from shifting it!

I'll have to have another go and see if a bit of brute force and ignorance will get there.

Its a Dell Optiplex GX110 if anyone can give any ideas how to break in!

I have tried finding properties of this device, and it just states "manufacturer unknown" and doesn't give me much more info.

cdbrown

Reread your post - not sure how to get into the case.
For the network card - Normally there's one screw which holds the end plate against the case's back plate and the end connector (which plugs into the motherboard) is always a very tight fit. See if you can find any info without pulling it out first. If you are going to pull it out, please make sure to turn off the pc and unplug from the mains.

cdbrown

Went to Dell site to see what info - they have drivers for the NIC (network interface card)
Click me

Werdnal

Thanks cdbrown, I've had a look at your link. Also found details of how to remove my cover and how to analyse system setup screen which might help me identify item withouth having to remove it.

Thanks a lot for all replies - hope to make some progress now!!!!

albertross_2

probably a 3com 3c905 compatible , or 3cxxx

Werdnal

Managed to find a compatible driver through Dell, and its seems to have solved the problem. My router is now merrily flashing away and I've actually received a phone call whilst online - such an novelty compared to the dark ages of my dial-up connection!

Thanks to all who replied.