Computer gurus!

eric-holmes · Jun 21, 2011

After a thunderstorm I have been unable to connect to the Internet. Problem: I think that either my Ethernet port or the NIC is bad. When I plug in an Ethernet cable (I have tried several) the lights in the Ethernet port don't light up and it won't connect to a modem. I know the modem is good because my laptop will connect. Suggestions?

molested_cow · Jun 21, 2011

Not entirely an expert here.
Go buy a new router/splitter ( if that's what you are referring to) from bestbuy and try it out. If it works then your router is cooked. If it also doesn't work, may be it's your cable, which you can swap around to test. After you are done testing, you can then consider whether you want to keep the new router or return it.

eric-holmes · Jun 21, 2011

I've tried three routers and several different cables.

NikonME · Jun 21, 2011

The network card is generally what takes the damage. Luckily they are dirt cheap. Just pull yours out and hit the local computer shop in town. Someplaces have a test unit they can toss your card into to verify it's bad.

molested_cow · Jun 21, 2011

Oh I see what you meant. Sorry I haven't touched a desktop for ages... couldn't relate.

Yeah it pretty obvious that the network card is busted. Strange that the modem is fine and the card is cooked.... Glad that the rest of your computer remained fine!

eric-holmes · Jun 22, 2011

Is exchanging a network card a fairly simple process?

Drake · Jun 22, 2011

eric-holmes said:
Is exchanging a network card a fairly simple process?

I don't think you're going to exchange it. Most of the modern PCs, well, all of them, have the network card integrated on their motherboard. So it's not possible to take them out, but you can always buy an additional one. If it's a desktop computer, you'll just have to open your case and insert the new card into the right slot. Don't worry, it will fit only to the right one. The card will be dirt cheap. If it's a laptop, then you can also get an expansion card with an ethernet port, but I have no idea how much it is gonna cost you.

NikonME · Jun 22, 2011

Look at the back of your PC. Is the network port near the bottom, on a horizonal bit of metal or is it more towards the top, left with the usb ports?

Some network cards are built into the motherboard and these will have things like usb ports, sound, video and network all clustered together at the top left. (You can typically disable the onboard card and install an addon network card in an emply slot.)

Some network cards are 'addon' cards, which can be removed and replaced. I will assume this is what you have.

Looking at the front of the tower, turn the front to face right so you are looking at the left side of the tower. One the very back of the left side of most models there will be two screws. Pull those two screws with a phillips screwdriver. The side cover will typically slide towards the front and come right off. On some the side cover will swing open and come right off.

** Note that some Compaqs, HPs, Dells and others will get a little fancy and do away with the screws. You will need to look up the model you have if that is the case. Google will help.

Once you have the side cover off. You will need to identify the network card. It's pretty easy if you look for the RJ45/network plug on the back. There is one screw that holds this in. Remove that phillips screw and firmly slide the card out. Easy as pie.

Installation of a new card is in reverse. When you start the PC up, it will likely detect new hardware and install the new driver automatically. If not, you can now use the disc that came with the card.

NikonME · Jun 22, 2011

Drake said:
eric-holmes said:

Is exchanging a network card a fairly simple process?

Click to expand...

I don't think you're going to exchange it. Most of the modern PCs, well, all of them, have the network card integrated on their motherboard. So it's not possible to take them out, but you can always buy an additional one. If it's a desktop computer, you'll just have to open your case and insert the new card into the right slot. Don't worry, it will fit only to the right one. The card will be dirt cheap. If it's a laptop, then you can also get an expansion card with an ethernet port, but I have no idea how much it is gonna cost you.

You replied while I was still typing out my post.. lol

Most budget PCs have everything intergrated. For example.. BrandX's $399 desktop may have everything intergrated. BrandX's $599 desktop may have more memory, bigger harddrive and non-intergrated LAN. BrandX's $799 desktop may have even more memory, harddrive space, non-intergrated LAN and non-intergrated video. They intergrate for economy minded people, but they also offer non-intergrated for people (like me) who will not buy a completely intergrated pc. You are correct that some people buy intergrated pcs, but not all of them. There are still many out there that are not intergrated.

ghache · Jun 22, 2011

eric-holmes said:
Is exchanging a network card a fairly simple process?

Verify is the network card is not on the motherboard. if your network port is on the motherboard you might want to RMA your board if its under warranty or just add another nic card

eric-holmes · Jun 22, 2011

Thanks for the help guys. I'm in class right now so there isn't much I can reply about but I found a link to my exact desktop. Maybe this will help some of the questions about the motherboard.

ASUS Essentio CG5275-AR003 Core i5-650 Dual-Core 3.2GHz 8GB 1TB DVD±RW DL Windows 7 Home Premium w/HDMI ASUS CG5275-AR003 Essentio CG5275-AR003

http://www.geeks.com/largePic_All.asp?InvtId=CG5275-AR003-PB-R&Pic=CG5275-AR003-PB-R-box.jpg

eric-holmes · Jun 22, 2011

Also, are there different cards? Like different speeds? I definetly want a fast one if it matters.

molested_cow · Jun 22, 2011

I think your board has integrated network card. You should just get a new one to try it. Not sure which is the fastest now, but whatever is in the store should be the fastest. There's no point for them to carry old stock.