Disabled Device in Device Manager

[Guest]

In my Control Panel|System|Hardware|Device Manager under Network Adapters,
the item "Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet" is shown as disabled. When I
look at Control Panel|Network Comnnections, I see that there is a "Local Area
Connection" which is disabled; the device for this is also "Broadcom
NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet". I can imagine that this connection would be
used for local highspeed systems available in airports, cafes, etc. If so,
should I enable the devise under Devise Manager?
Thanks

 

[Malke]

In my Control Panel|System|Hardware|Device Manager under Network Adapters,
the item "Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet" is shown as disabled. When
I look at Control Panel|Network Comnnections, I see that there is a "Local
Area Connection" which is disabled; the device for this is also "Broadcom
NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet". I can imagine that this connection would be
used for local highspeed systems available in airports, cafes, etc. If
so, should I enable the devise under Devise Manager?
Thanks

This device is your ethernet adapter, not your wireless adapter. I don't
know why it is disabled, but if you only connect wirelessly then it won't
hurt to leave it that way. If you ever want to connect somewhere wired,
then carry an extra ethernet cable (they make nice retractable ones for
laptop use) and remember to enable this adapter.

Malke

 

[Guest]

Thanks Malke. Perfect answer.
Peedee

This device is your ethernet adapter, not your wireless adapter. I don't
know why it is disabled, but if you only connect wirelessly then it won't
hurt to leave it that way. If you ever want to connect somewhere wired,
then carry an extra ethernet cable (they make nice retractable ones for
laptop use) and remember to enable this adapter.

Malke
--
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic"

 

[Guest]

Malke, I did forget to ask you. Is there any reason not to enable this item
at this time, in case I need it in the future and forget that the device is
disabled?
Peedee

 

[Malke]

Malke, I did forget to ask you. Is there any reason not to enable this
item
at this time, in case I need it in the future and forget that the device
is disabled?
Peedee

Well, when you try to connect wired and can't and you look at the network
adapter and see it's disabled, you'll go "oh yeah!" and enable it. ;-)

There isn't any way for me to guess why it's disabled without seeing your
computer and knowing any of its history. If you want to enable it, go ahead
and if all is well, then there you are.

Malke

 

[Guest]

Thanks Malke. Since everything else relating to my network is working well,
maybe I'll just leave this item alone!
Thanks, Peedee