Ethernet driver?

HugoRune_2

Hi
I have had to format a pc of mine, and I now cant connect to the internet, the bod I spoke to on the helpline seem to be saying I am lacking an ethernet driver. Anyone know how I can tell which one I need and where I might get one from? Its a compaq presario with windows xp if that helps.

Cheers

albertross_2

You can usually find it on the manufacturers internet site, if not, start, run, devmgmt.msc

find the yellow question marks, properties, and google the instance id for a clue.

HugoRune_2

thanks, the only ones with question marks that i dont know are in "other devices" and are called "other pci bridge device" and "pci device", is it one of them? The helpline seems to be concentrating on network adapters which has "1394 net adapter" in it and no question mark

fox2319

As oer albatross but just to clarify that it's the manufacturer of the motherboard. Usually you get a driver disk with new motherboards but if you don't have the info to hand then download sisoft sandra (or similar) and it should be able to tell you.

albertross_2

You need driver for all the question marks to get the pc functioning properly. Have you looked on the compaq/hp website?

The instance id's look like

PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2586&SUBSYS_3C22234D&REV_02\dihoidhoddh

Donnie

Use this programme to find out the names of your missing drivers: Unknown Device Identifier

Have you tried updating the Drivers via Windows?

HugoRune_2

phew, I've managed to get it going via usb, thanks for your suggestions, I'll have a go at the ethernet approach when I feel more adventurous!

oldagetraveller

My daughter had this same problem but we found that some plant pot who'd fitted as new power supply had been messing around with the BIOS and it just needed enabling in there. (I suspect it was done on purpose so she had to go back and spend more money? the floppy drive and sound were disabled too) Has that been checked. Usually pressing delete during boot up will access the BIOS and look for ethernet or LAN but make a note of how things were before changing anything!!(that's what I did anyway).