[tjmcs]

Think lightening got to my PC ethernet adapter. Device manager calls it a Realtek PCIe GBE family controller. Can not find model number. PC is a Dell Inspiron 3847. Will any PCIe ethernet adapter work? If not, how do I find one that will? 

 

Lightening also got the wireless adapter. Will replace it later.

 

Thank you.

 

tjmcs

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Before replacing any component three things should always be done first, confirm that the component/s needs to be replaced, if yes, establish what caused the component to fail and was anything else affected, you then need to check if it is safe to replace any component, seen it many a time where someone has swapped in a new component only for the new part to suffer the same fate.

 

What makes you think that lightening took out the Ethernet and NIC device.

 

What has been done troubleshooting wise.

 

What operating system are you running and when was it installed.

 

Fwiw, lightening is not selective and it is most unlikely that your communication devices have been singled out by any lightening strike, a 100% dead PC would be more likely.

[phillpower2]

Before replacing any component three things should always be done first, confirm that the component/s needs to be replaced, if yes, establish what caused the component to fail and was anything else affected, you then need to check if it is safe to replace any component, seen it many a time where someone has swapped in a new component only for the new part to suffer the same fate.

 

What makes you think that lightening took out the Ethernet and NIC device.

 

What has been done troubleshooting wise.

 

What operating system are you running and when was it installed.

 

Fwiw, lightening is not selective and it is most unlikely that your communication devices have been singled out by any lightening strike, a 100% dead PC would be more likely.

[tjmcs]

Think it was lightening because lost ethernet and wifi internet connections shortly after thunderstorm. Had another computer loose internet several years ago. Took it into a repair shop. They said ethernet card was fried. Replaced and computer was fixed. 

 

Troubleshooting; ran a full virus scan, Superantispyware. Plugged a known working ethernet cable from modem into ethernet port on affected computer. Same message(?), No Internet Access. Gets stuck on identifying. Wifi says connected, no internet. Devise Manager says both are working.

 

OS is Win10. Original set up. It is probably 8 years plus old if not more.

Edited by tjmcs, 30 March 2025 - 06:42 PM.

[phillpower2]

Best Answer

No Internet Access. Gets stuck on identifying. Wifi says connected, no internet. Devise Manager says both are working.

 

 

If either device were fried Device Manager would not be able to detect them to say that they were working so there is hope.

 

Try uninstalling the Ethernet device in Device Manager then restart the PC to see if the device gets reinstalled.

 

Can you lay your hands on a USB WiFi dongle such as the example here

[tjmcs]

Will try uninstalling/reinstalling. Will have to order dongle.

[phillpower2]

Will have to order dongle.

 

 

They are a must have in a techs toolbox and a good back for every end user but I did mean see if you can borrow rather than purchase one. 

[tjmcs]

Uninstalled both the Ethernet and Wifi through Device Manager and restarted computer. Both devices reloaded and I now have connection to both. Both are running at speed they are supposed to.

 

Thank you.

[phillpower2]

Great news and thanks for the follow up 

 

You are welcome