Ethernet controller drivers?

[Paul.A.Bowden]

As will probably be very obvious, I'm not very computer-literate, so I
do apologise if this question is really dim.
I've just purchased a Netgear DG834G wireless router ADSL modem router
and had no luck connecting to the internet. The Netgear helpdesk tells
me that the problem lies with my ethernet controller and, in fact,
there is a yellow question mark next to it in Device Manager. It
appears that there are no drivers installed. I don't have any CD or
anything recognisable, to me, as having them on it. Any suggestions
would be really welcome. I use winXP Home and have, up to now, had no
problems with my broadband connection, in case that's relevant.
With thanks and best wishes
Paul Bowden
Lincolnshire
UK

 

[Sharon F]

As will probably be very obvious, I'm not very computer-literate, so I
do apologise if this question is really dim.
I've just purchased a Netgear DG834G wireless router ADSL modem router
and had no luck connecting to the internet. The Netgear helpdesk tells
me that the problem lies with my ethernet controller and, in fact,
there is a yellow question mark next to it in Device Manager. It
appears that there are no drivers installed. I don't have any CD or
anything recognisable, to me, as having them on it. Any suggestions
would be really welcome. I use winXP Home and have, up to now, had no
problems with my broadband connection, in case that's relevant.
With thanks and best wishes
Paul Bowden
Lincolnshire
UK

If this is an "onboard" network controller, you may need to enable it in
BIOS for it to start working.

 

[Paul.A.Bowden]

How do I do that? (I told you I wasn't computer-literate!)
Thanks for your help
Paul

 

[Sharon F]

How do I do that? (I told you I wasn't computer-literate!)
Thanks for your help
Paul

Hi, Paul. How to access the BIOS menus differs one system to the next. When
you first start the system and *before* Windows starts to load, watch the
screen carefully. There's usually text somewhere that tells what key or
keys to press. Examples: "To enter setup press F10" or "To enter setup
press DEL."

Press the key(s) while that message is on the screen. A new screen and a
slew of menus will appear. Be careful in here, this is your system's base
configuration and you don't want to make changes if you don't know the
ramifications they include.

For this next part, the menus can vary so can only give general directions.
On my system, the network controller settings are under "Integrated
Peripherals" where it's described as "LAN Controller."

I had to pull out my system manual to locate that setting (didn't want to
restart computer to go looking in the BIOS menus).

Your system manual should have details about these settings too. If no
manual is available, look on your hard drive for a copy or check the
computer manufacturer's website for one that you can download. You may even
be able to look up "Lan Controller" or similar at the site to find
directions.

Before messing around with all of this, you may want to check the specs for
your computer to see if the NIC is built in to the motherboard (a chip) or
if it uses a card. If it uses a card, then don't mess with BIOS settings.
Instead head to the website of the PC manufacturer (or NIC manufacturer)
and download some drivers for the card. There should be directions at the
site about how to install the downloaded drivers.

 

[Paul.A.Bowden]

I'm really grateful to you for all your time. Am going to explore
these suggestions - but very carefully! - later today. Thanks again.
Paul