How to enable or disable a network adapter in Windows. Connecting and setting up a network adapter
One of the problems that a user may encounter after reinstalling Windows is the lack of a driver for the network adapter (network driver) for a wired or wireless network.
And if you don’t have a driver disk at hand, you will have to look for the driver and download it using another device that has Internet access.
In this article we will look at an algorithm that will allow you to avoid troubles that may arise after installing the OS.
What is a driver? This is a program with which the computer operating system interacts with the device hardware (motherboard, video card, network card, printer, scanner, MFP, etc.).
Drivers are developed by companies that produce computer components and peripherals that interact with PCs (for example, office equipment).
Often, modern operating systems (including Windows 7) already have a certain set of drivers that allow you to work with the main components of your computer; we will consider the case when such programs are missing.
The peculiarity of the situation when the network driver is not installed is that it is not possible to use programs to automatically install drivers, since they all use an Internet connection for their work, and since the network driver is not installed, there is no access to the Internet.
The user usually encounters installing network adapter drivers in the following cases:
1. After purchasing a new computer and not having an OS installed on it.
2. After installing the operating system.
3. After a network adapter driver failure.
To solve the problems that arise in the first case, you need to look for the disks that come with your computer. The driver disk for the motherboard contains what we need.
Over the past few years, a trend has clearly emerged that involves the abandonment of the use of optical disc drives not only among manufacturers of laptops, but also desktop PCs.
Users who independently choose the components from which their computer will be assembled also refuse to install a DVD drive.
Advice! We recommend downloading all the necessary drivers (not just the network one) to a separate directory on your hard drive and/or flash drive. This will avoid situations where, after installing the operating system, you will need to look for a drive or PC (tablet, phone) to download drivers from disk or the Internet.
Installing the network driver
The driver installation procedure can be divided into 2 stages: hardware identification and driver installation.
In order to identify manufacturers and specific models of equipment, a coding system for models and brands of computer components was developed.
Typically, the code for a network adapter has the following form: PCI/VEN_xxxx&DEV_xxxx&SUBSYS_xxxxxx, where VEN_xxxx is the equipment manufacturer identifier (Vendor ID), DEV_xxxx is the equipment model code (Device ID).
Step 1. Equipment identification
In order to find out the code, click Start, enter “Device Manager” in the search field and go to the corresponding menu.
Next, you need to find the “Network adapters” or “Other devices” submenu and right-click on one of the submenu items, for example, in our case it will be “Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller”.
Step 2. Install/update the network adapter driver
After we have found out the equipment identifier, we should copy its name (right-click - copy) and enter it into the browser search field. After downloading the necessary program, you can begin installing it.
Similar actions will occur if you update the network driver.
To install/update the network adapter driver, you need to go to “Device Manager” as described earlier. Select the required item and in the context menu, which is accessible by right-clicking, select “Update drivers...”.
Select “Search for drivers on this computer.”
We go to the directory into which we recently downloaded everything we need, using the “Browse” button, click “Next” and wait for the driver installation process to complete.
There is also an opinion that if you update (reinstall) a network driver, you must first remove the old one, after which you should install a new one.
Important! To remove an already installed driver, you need to go to “Device Manager”, select the network adapter, right-click and select “Delete” in the context menu. After this, the system will warn you that the device driver will be removed, we agree by clicking “OK”.
Driver Updater from Carambis
If you have a need to search for universal programs that can function on different operating systems: I mean utilities for creating group policies, programs for cleaning the system from viruses and, of course, software for working with OS drivers - the best solution would be to use the Carambis program Driver Updater.
Thanks to Driver Updater, you can not only get the software you need, but also save big. After all, one subscription purchase allows you to connect two computers at once.
As for the work process, the utility copes well with the assigned tasks. Now you no longer need to fix errors in connected hardware components on each computer.
Setting up automatic search and installation of updates now automatically updates all devices.
But, if you need to speed up your computer, we recommend using another utility from the same manufacturer - Carambis Cleaner.
Its capabilities:
- Comprehensive optimization of the operating system;
- The ability to delete components and temporary files that are no longer used and are not needed for the operation of the OS;
- Delete all OS error reports;
- Quick registry cleaning;
- Ability to delete files that the user selects;
- Uninstall installed programs in the main program window with a few clicks.
Remember, files that have been deleted by the program cannot be restored (unlike the usual deletion procedure using built-in OS functions). Run diagnostics on your computer several times a month to keep your system in good working order.
How to Install Network Adapter Driver Without Internet Access
Driver for network adapter - detailed installation instructions
A network card or network adapter is needed to create a local network, with which you can connect several computers to each other, as well as to connect your computer to the Internet. Sometimes the card starts to work incorrectly, but you can restore it yourself using standard Windows 7 tools.
When to configure an adapter manually
You need to update drivers or change card settings if you have problems connecting to the local network or connecting to the Internet. Please note that such problems are not always caused by the network adapter, but sometimes it is because of it that errors occur that block access to the network.
How to find out the adapter model
The first thing to do is check whether the card is connected to the computer and whether it is recognized by it. The adapter is included with all laptops and computers by default, so if you didn’t assemble your device piece by piece yourself, you shouldn’t think about its absence. But there are times when the wires going to it become disconnected or come off.
A network card (or network adapter) is a device that allows a computer to communicate with other devices. On modern PCs and laptops, the components of this device are integrated into the motherboard.
You will need to open the computer case and check this only if the network card is not displayed in the “Device Manager”:
Card activation
If the network card is connected but not enabled, it must be enabled manually. There are several ways to do this. If the card is not damaged, turning it on will not cause errors.
Via "Device Manager"
The previous section described how to view the card model through the “Device Manager”. Find the adapter you need and right-click on it and select the “Enable” function. If the card is successfully turned on, the down arrow icon will disappear from its icon.
Click on the “Enable” button in the “Device Manager” Using the Control Panel
- Using the Start menu or any other method, launch the Control Panel on your computer.
Open the “Control Panel” - Go to Network and Sharing Center.
Go to the “Network and Sharing Center” - Click on the sub-item “Change adapter settings”.
Click on the sub-item “Change adapter settings” - A list will open, which will most likely contain several cards. One serves as a connection to the wireless network, and the other serves as a connection to the wireless network. There may be additional adapters in the list. Select the one you need and right-click on it and select the “Enable” function. Wait until activation is complete: the red cross icon on the card icon should disappear.
Click on the “Enable” button to activate the adapter
Via BIOS
If the card cannot be activated using the previous two methods, then perhaps this can be done through the BIOS settings.
- Entering the BIOS is done using the Delete key, which must be pressed while turning on the computer. Perhaps the key that activates the BIOS will be different: this will be indicated in the hint that appears in one of the corners of the screen when the logo appears. If you find out the model of your motherboard, you can find on the Internet the button responsible for entering the BIOS.
Enter the BIOS by pressing the Delete key - The design and location of BIOS items and sections may differ depending on its version and motherboard model, but the following algorithm of actions is approximately the same for all versions. Go to the "Advanced" tab.
Open the “Advanced” tab - Go to the “Onboard Devices Configuration” subsection.
Open the subsection “Onboard Devices Configuration” - To enable the card, set the “Onboard Lan” line to “Enabled”. "Disabled" means the card is disabled.
Set the “Enabled” parameter for the “Onboard Lan” line
Video: how to enable a network card in Windows 7
You can disable an extra card using the same methods that allowed you to enable it: through the “Device Manager”, “Control Panel” and BIOS. Only in the last step of the method through the “Device Manager” you need to click the “Disable” or “Delete” button, in the “Control Panel” click the “Disable” button, and in the BIOS change the value from “Enabled” to “Disabled”.
Disable the card through the “Control Panel” Updating and installing drivers
Drivers are necessary to ensure that the card does not conflict with other components and fully performs all its functions. Usually they are installed automatically when you first connect the computer adapter, but sometimes the drivers fail or become outdated. In both cases, you need to reinstall them yourself. This is done through the “Device Manager”.
Automatic update
The positive side of this method is that you will not need to search for drivers manually, the negative side is that you will need an Internet connection, which may not be available if the network card does not work. But if you have the opportunity to connect to the network, you can update the drivers in the following way:
Manual update
The advantage of this method is that you can download the card drivers manually from another computer that has Internet access, and then transfer them to yours and install them. It is recommended to download card drivers strictly from the official website of the company that created it.
What to do if drivers are not installed
If at any stage errors occur that prevent you from installing drivers, you must remove the adapter from Device Manager and restart the computer.
Removing the card from the “Task Manager” After the reboot, open the list of connected devices again, and in it there is the “Other devices” sub-item. It will contain the “Network Controller”, which is your card. Install drivers on it using one of the methods described above.
The network controller is located in the “Other devices” sub-item Video: how to update the network driver
View map options
If you want to find out the physical address, IPv4 parameters, gateway address and other possible information about the adapter, then follow these steps:
Additional method
You can also find out the card parameters through the “Command Line” using the “ipconfig /all” command. “Command Prompt” can be found by going to “Start” - “Accessories” - “Command Prompt”. Running this command brings up information about all physical and virtual adapters recognized by the computer.
Run the command “ipconfig /all” to obtain information How to change card settings
The previous paragraph described how to view information about the network adapter. But you can not only see it, but also change it by following these steps:
Video: how to configure a network card
Updating the network card
The only way to update a network card is to install more recent drivers on it, in which the developers have corrected some previously made errors. New drivers are installed directly on top of the already installed ones. If you cannot install on top, you should remove the device, restart the computer and repeat the procedure. How to do this is described in the section “Updating and installing drivers.”
Can I use two cards?
Two network cards can work simultaneously and relieve each other if one of them is aimed at working with Internet traffic, and the second is aimed at working with a local network. To do this, you need to correctly set the IP, DNS and router parameters for both adapters.
Resetting the adapter
You can reset the adapter settings, namely TCP/IP and DNS, using standard Windows tools or using a third-party program from Microsoft. Conditions under which a reset must be performed:
- Internet connection speed is low or unstable;
- files are downloaded broken, this happens due to the same instability of the Internet;
- When connected, the Internet works fully, but after a few minutes problems begin;
- Manually changing the adapter settings led to other problems with the Internet.
Standard method
Launch “Command Prompt” by going to “Start” - “Accessories” - “Command Prompt”, and enter the commands “netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt”, “netsh int tcp reset” and “netsh winsock reset” which will perform a factory reset. Done, the registry branches and system files will see changes, and you may need to restart the computer.
Execute the commands “netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt”, “netsh int tcp reset” and “netsh winsock reset” in the “Command Line” Through a third party program
You can download the NetShell program from Microsoft, which does not require installation, from their official website. Once you launch it, follow the instructions that appear on the screen to reset all changed settings.
Download the program to automatically reset the card settings Solving adapter related errors
During setup or use of the adapter, the errors described below may occur, which will prevent you from using the Internet or local network. Most of them can be fixed without replacing the card.
The card does not have valid IP settings
You may encounter a similar error when setting IP parameters or scanning a network module using standard Windows tools designed to automatically resolve errors.
Manually obtaining settings
If you have not changed the settings of the adapter, that is, it obtains an IP address automatically, then manually requesting an IP address may fix the problem:
Reset
Resetting settings to default values is the most reliable way. How to do this in several ways is described in the section “Resetting the adapter settings”.
Manual adapter configuration
If the previous methods did not help, you should try setting the settings yourself:
Error "This device cannot start"
This error appears in the “Device Manager” not only with the adapter, but also with other connected devices, and has code 10. To fix it, you need to update the card drivers. How to do this is described in the “Updating and installing drivers” section.
The adapter does not work, does not install, or does not appear
If the adapter does not work, does not install or is not displayed, then the reasons may be the following:
Changed map settings disappear
If, after you close the window with the changed settings or restart the computer, all the changes you made disappear as if you never made them, then there are two ways to solve this problem: set the settings by running commands and change the incorrect values in the registry.
Making changes via the Command Line
Launch “Command Prompt” with administrator rights and sequentially execute the following two commands: “route delete 10.0.0.0” and “route -p add 0.0.0.0 mask 0.0.0.0 X”, in the second command “X” is the IP of your router, which usually looks like "192.168.0.1", but in your case it may have a different meaning.
Changing registry settings
A network adapter is needed to connect to the Internet and other computers. If it does not work or is not displayed, check its connection to the computer with wires, and then the status of its drivers and settings. Don't forget to make sure that the network card is enabled in the BIOS.
Good afternoon friends! I am very pleased to welcome you to our educational Internet portal http://site. We continue our conversation about setting up a home network. The topic is broad, but interesting and very important.
Today we will be engaged in network education or network settings. In order to be able to set up a home network yourself, you need to gain a minimum understanding of how a local area network works.
The Network Connections page appears. This page lists all your network adapters. If your device has more than one adapter, additional adapters will appear on this page. The Properties dialog box for the network adapter appears. This dialog box contains seven tabs that allow you to configure the adapter.
Antivirus, firewall, third-party programs and drivers
To view the settings for a specific property, select the property name from the drop-down list. This option is typically used with peer-to-peer networks, but you can use it even if your network has dedicated servers.
- Events.
- List of recent events that were logged for the device.
- Power management.
- Allows you to configure power management settings for your device.
- He must always be present.
We will talk about the terminology of local networks, setting up network adapters, and also take a detailed look at connecting two or more computers to a network.
When setting up an Internet connection, pay attention to the IP address input field: if your provider has provided you with an IP address, then enter it in the appropriate field, but if it was not provided to you, then simply select “Obtain an IP address automatically.
Sometimes it happens that a network adapter connected to a computer’s USB port is not detected by the operating system and, accordingly, cannot work correctly. In such a situation, we can advise you to do the following.
1. Right-click on the My Computer icon located on the Desktop and select Properties from the context menu that appears. In Windows 9x/ME, go to the Devices tab; in Network Cable Windows NT/2000/XP, launch Device Manager by going to the Hardware tab and clicking on the Device Manager button. 2. Find the USB bus controller in the equipment list:
- if the USB bus controller is not in the list, install and configure it using the Hardware Setup Wizard;
- If the USB bus controller is present in the list, but works with errors or causes conflicts with other devices, install the appropriate drivers for it, which are usually included in the package
Good afternoon, dear readers and guests of the blog site, we continue our troubleshooting of operating systems of the Windows family and this is the next network error" To configure TCP/IP, you must install and configure the network adapter". You can meet it both in Windows 7 and in the freshly installed Windows 10 fall creators update. In any case, it will be solved the same everywhere, since Microsoft has a large number of errors, it simply migrates from old systems to new ones, It’s just the way it is and there’s nothing you can do about it.
Reason for error
To be honest, I never heard a clear description of the reason from Microsoft, its official answer boiled down to the fact that you allegedly changed one network adapter to another, the first one was not really removed from the system and is in Windows equipment, which is why you are catching in the network adapter settings there is an error "To configure TCP/IP, you must install and configure the network adapter." As a result, your local network does not work, you cannot get an IP address from your DHCP server and you will no longer be able to work on such a computer. In my case, I didn’t change anything, since my motherboard has two built-in network cards, sorry Microsoft.
It looks like this in the properties of the network adapter.
In the notification area, the network adapter icon is marked with a warning sign.
Methods for solving the error
The easiest way is to reset the TCP/IP network settings, I have already talked about this in these publications:
I advise you to read it, it will take you a couple of minutes.
If this method does not suit you, then you need to open the “Device Manager” snap-in; the universal method for opening it is to press the Win and R key combination and enter devmgmt.msc. (look for the link on the left)
In Windows Device Manager, we find the section with network adapters and among the list of equipment we find ours,
If suddenly it’s not there, then it’s most likely hidden; you can find hidden devices using this method. On the View tab, find the option "Show hidden devices"
Now update the configuration, and your Windows 10 or other operating system will automatically detect all current hardware and the error “To configure TCP/IP, you must install and configure the network adapter” will disappear. Now you can use your computer freely.
I showed you the solution, but I would also like to dwell on some optimization points:
- Check your computer for viruses
It seems like simple advice, but many people do not do basic things when using their operating system.
Below we will consider in detail the process of changing network parameters (IP parameters) in. In particular, we will tell you how to set up automatic acquisition of an IP address, or how to set the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway and DNS server manually.
So, let’s set up a network connection in Windows 7. To do this, on the taskbar, click on the “ Start", then you select the item " Control Panel».
On the main page of the system control panel, select “ Network and Internet».
Then the item “ Network and Sharing Center».
Here, among other things, you can change the network security settings by clicking on the link for the current network settings in the “ View active networks", create a new connection, change the computer sharing settings, etc. Now let's move on to the " Change adapter settings", located in the action menu.
Here we will see all the network adapters (network cards) available in the system. If the list of adapters is empty, but you are sure that network cards are present in the computer configuration, you most likely need to install drivers for the network adapter. As a rule, drivers can be installed from the CD that came with the purchased device (motherboard, network card, Wi-Fi adapter).
After the network adapter appears in the system and, accordingly, in the network connections window, right-click on it and select “ Properties».
In the connection properties window, in the list of components, select the component “ Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and press the button located below " Properties" The properties of this protocol for this network connection will open. Here you can determine how to obtain an IP address, and, accordingly, parameters for accessing the network.
You can leave the IP address to be obtained automatically, or you can specify the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway and DNS server manually. You can obtain these settings from the administrator of the network to which your computer is connected or from your Internet service provider. Having decided on the connection parameters, close all windows with the “ OK».
These changes are applied immediately. Restarting the computer or any other additional actions is not required.
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