So... out of nowhere, my desktop ethernet stopped connecting. My phone and laptop are working fine with the internet... so i tried to connect wirelessly on desktop but it says limited access and can't connect to anything. so this makes me think a possible virus or something.
i removed the ethernet adapter from device manager and then reinstalled it. i have done the windows troubleshoot stuff and it keeps saying nothing is fixed.

what else can i try to do? I am lost with this now...

Recently have a windows/driver update?

i dont think so. its set so i choose when to update.
it is windows 7 though

The best thing to try would be to use a cable and see if the internet works then... even if it's only temporary.

Make and model of motherboard would be nice. Or make/model of ethernet/wireless card if you use one of them.

the ethernet cable ive been using was fine till just recently. i dont have a wireless card inside the computer, just a netgear usb adapter for wifi that i never use unless this happens, but it also isnt working. it connects but then says "limited access" with 4 out of 5 bars.
i have a asrock z77 extreme 4 motherboard.

just reset router again and renamed all the wifi names and setup new password, still same issue. i would think it may be the ethernet cable itself, but since the wifi usb dongle isnt working as well, this is concerning.

I would try reinstalling the Broadcom Lan driver and using a different cable.... just as a troubleshooting aid. Your driver... https://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z77%20Extreme4/#Download
Assuming you are still on Win 7... I turned all off but the ones by the RED dot.

thanks! putting those files on external ssd from laptop and about to unzip and install on desktop

edit:
also id assume these drivers have nothing to do with the wireless usb dongle i have by netgear... with it saying "limited access"? but my phone and laptop connect wirelessly fine.
well... i tried the driver and no luck, still no connection. no idea what else to try?

ive run malwarebytes, tdsskiller, and superantispyware... but i also couldnt update their files since no internet lol. but i just ran them all a few days ago anyway

This post was edited by noob_whacker on Sep 4 2019 01:13pm

As far as the USB dongle... since it IS a USB device it may be not working for other reasons.

If the driver and a different cable don't solve it...then I would say it's possibly the LAN chip itself, on the motherboard. You could rule that out if you happen to have a NIC card laying around somewhere.

For the possibility of a virus, you could reinstall Windows.


There is ofc the possibility that it's the router, but I know next to nothing about them... I don't even use one.





/e You could also try a Linux Live CD... that would also eliminate a virus or Windows as possible causes.

https://tutorials.ubuntu.com/tutorial/try-ubuntu-before-you-install


If you can get internet on the Live CD then you know the motherboard is OK.






/ee If I had an issue like you're having, I would just have my ISP make a house call. They ofc, could check and replace (if necessary) the router or the cable. If your ISP is anything like mine, they can run a "line test" remotely, that will check the router and the cable as well.

This post was edited by Ghot on Sep 4 2019 01:35pm

i just plugged the ethernet cord into my laptop and its connecting perfectly... directly from desktop to laptop...
if i reinstall windows, i loose all the info from hdd right? and all programs? thats a drastic step id like to avoid :[

i may try the NIC.... saying NIC card is redundant? jk thanks for the help though, like RIP in peace, redundant, just funny

so.... i dont know if the NIC will fix it because even the usb adapter isnt working.

The NIC card has the advantage of running thru the pciex1 slot (not USB) and having it's own LAN chip. I'm still thinking it's a router problem though. Maybe try using the router ONLY for the desktop by itself, with no other devices using it?

P.S. I know NIC card is redundant, but I just can't bring myself to type NI card.


/e And see if your ISP can run a line test.

This post was edited by Ghot on Sep 4 2019 01:44pm