Forum :: Lounge :: Integrated Ethernet Tech Support

I have an Integrated Intel 10/100 LAN and Ethernet Adapter within my Inspiron 530 desktop computer.

It seems it was damaged in some form or way because drivers refuse to accept that it exists and device manager picks up no such device either.

It previously worked but now it seems it is damaged as not even a "Failed to Function" yellow LED will appear.

Is there anyway that it is simply possible that power is not properly getting to the device?

Although this is not a tech support forum (and since DELL refuses to assist me), would any of you know any information. I'm more of a Software and Memory/Imaging Hardware guy rather than a USB/Serial Port guy.

The lack of the green/yellow LED lights tell me that either you have a problem with the PCI slot (unlikely) or the ethernet card (most likely). Another possibility is that for some reason the ethernet card could have been slightly pulled from the PCI slot either causing no connection to be made, or damaged the ethernet card. Here's a test, move the ethernet card to a different slot. If that fails then you probably should plan on dropping $20 for a new card.

Apollo posted: (19th Oct 2010 05:02 am)

The lack of the green/yellow LED lights tell me that either you have a problem with the PCI slot (unlikely) or the ethernet card (most likely). Another possibility is that for some reason the ethernet card could have been slightly pulled from the PCI slot either causing no connection to be made,or damaged the ethernet card. Here's a test, move the ethernet card to a different slot. If that fails then you probably should plan on dropping $20 for a new card.

It's an INEGRATED device, its connected directly to the motherboard. Thank you for trying though <:)

Any other ideas?

If you can't get the device to detect or prompt for a driver, then there's a good chance the Ethernet Controller IC on the motherboard has failed. You can either replace the motherboard entirely, or you can install an Ethernet card into one of the available expansion bays.

You will need to find out what kind of card your system takes before you buy one. If it's fairly recent I would expect the system to have PCI-Express slots. If it's an older system, then it may have standard PCI. May be worth taking it in with you when you buy the card and have them double check.

As for Dell's lack of technical support, that's fairly poor on their part. I work for Apple and we still service and assist in repairing machines that are up to 7 years old at this stage, 3 years free of charge if it's under warranty, but we'd never flat out refuse to help a customer seeking information. Sounds like Dell may be worth avoiding in the future.

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sblord posted: (19th Oct 2010 06:26 am)

If you can't get the device to detect or prompt for a driver, then there's a good chance the Ethernet Controller IC on the motherboard has failed. You can either replace the motherboard entirely, or you can install an Ethernet card into one of the available expansion bays.

You will need to find out what kind of card your system takes before you buy one. If it's fairly recent I would expect the system to have PCI-Express slots. If it's an older system, then it may have standard PCI. May be worth taking it in with you when you buy the card and have them doublecheck.

As for Dell's lack of technical support, that's fairly poor on their part. I work for Apple and we still service and assist in repairing machines that are up to 7 years old at this stage, 3 years free of charge if it's under warranty, but we'd never flat out refuse to help a customer seekinginformation. Sounds like Dell may be worth avoiding in the future.

It's probably out of warranty so they won't help without payment. That's typical with most companies. They actually offer a 4 year warranty and service plan.

Right, I overlooked the fact it was integrated as most are these days. Just buy a card and plug it in. $20 bucks later your problem is solved. The cord probably was tugged causing a short in the ethernet jack, or it could have just been defective from the get go. Anyway, replace it yourself and save the repair bill.

Scott posted: (19th Oct 2010 06:28 am)

It's probably out of warranty so they won't help without payment. That's typical with most companies. They actually offer a 4 year warranty and service plan.

That's true, but it's pretty poor of them to just turn him away without any explanation to the problem, period. Maybe it's just our store but I know if someone brings their old machine to us we still at least look at it, do some basic diagnosis and then if we have no success then we have to start charging for more in-depth diagnosis and parts replacement. Even Apple's phone support hotline, although they told me they couldn't provide me with over the phone support since my warranty had expired, were friendly and gave me some valid options as to having my machine serviced. They even ended up covering the bill for a replacement power supply before the old one failed, so there was no downtime. It's all about customer service. 

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Thank you for your help. It seems I'm required to purchase a PCI-E Ethernet card then. DELL has never been helpful to me for the most part with any issue.

@Apollo - Off-Topic Question: What's Your Favourite Booze?

Back on Topic, $20 Is not an Issue, but I atleast had to try my best in attempts to find REAL support. It seems the EO community really can Fix anything :)

Thank you again to those who posted here.

P.S. I'mm Suprised Scott didn't Access this Post and Leave an lol worthy comment somewhere...