Windows XP - Missing Ethernet Connections

[TKM]

My Lenovo X31 laptop with XP Prosessional + SP2 and SP3 has has lost its
Ethernet connection icons which usually show up as the 1394 Connection and
the Local Area Connections in the Network Connections folder. I can't
figure out how to get them back. The wireless connection icon is there and
the wireless works fine.

Plugging in an Ethernet cable gets a green indicator light and a couple of
flashes from the amber activity light; but no connection.

Reinstalling the adapters doesn't work and a check of the Device Manager
shows no problems with the adapters or controllers -- says they are "working
properly".

I have a feeling that a Windows component has gone missing and has to be
restored, but which one and how?

TKM

 

[Leonard Grey]

Control Panel > Network Connections > right-click on the icon > select
Properties > 'Show icon in notification area when connected'

 

[TKM]

Control Panel > Network Connections > right-click on the icon > select
Properties > 'Show icon in notification area when connected'

That brings up the wireless connection all right with lots of good
information; but it doesn't replace the missing Ethernet icons, so I still
can't establish an Ethernet connection.

Thanks,

TKM