Thunderstorm power outage, now no network adapter found.

Okay family,

A little help here, please.  Last night we had some wicked thunderstorms and a couple of power outages.  Today, my desktop is not connecting to the internet and I'm getting a message that no network adapter is found.  Now, my router is obviously working and my cable modem is working in as much as I'm connected wirelessly on my laptop typing this missive.  Is it possible that even though desktop was powered down during surges/outages my network adapter got hosed? 

Some things I've tried:  Disconnected modem from router and connected direct to ethernet port.  Modem powers up but PC Activity light (normally orange) does not light.  Plugging modem back into wireless router and then PC Activity light lights as normal.  Still reading no network adapter on desktop.  Laptops, ipods, kindles etc in household all have connectivity.

Network adapter fried?

Its either fried or the driver was corrupted. It would be a stretch that ONLY that would be fried tho. If you have the disc for the motherboard you could try re-installing the network adapter drivers, or find the motherboard on the manufacturers website and get them there. The other option would be to get a new network adapter card for a free slot. Click Here

» Edited on: 2012-08-06 20:09:32

Yeah, so when I went to configure/change adapter settings... there are no drivers listed, just a big empty window. I'll try drivers or new adapter. Cheers!

Is it possible that even though desktop was powered down during surges/outages my network adapter got hosed? Yes it is possible that even though the desktop was powered down. Surge can occur. I advise you to buy a surge protector extension. A fried network on motherboard could create havoc in the future. In my experience, 2 of my motherboard got hit by lightning and both of them, network adapter on the motherboard fried. Everything else was fine, 3 month to 6 month after that everything starts to fail. 1 of my motherboard have backup BIOS, the BIOS starts to fail and needs to use another BIOS. Then the ram slot starts to fail. Then the audio starts to fail. Until all I can do was on the computer and use a sound card and a network card on the PCI-E So yea, surge protector is a good buy. everything in my home is connect to it now. Modem/Router/Audio/Monitor/CPU/Printer/TV ... You name it everything.... Well, except for kitchen stuffs.... Only technology stuff

It seems really odd that something could fry your network port and yet leave everything else in the path to the outside alone (modem, router, etc.). However, no lights usually means dead port. Perhaps it's coincidental? I've never seen lightning strike between router and PC. I'd suggest grabbing a cheap PCI external network card and using it. I don't suppose the board is still under warranty?

electricity CAN travel through an Ethernet cable if it's not run through a surge protector. I see it happen all the time. Hooray backdoor surges! As a matter of fact people use PoE (power over Ethernet) to run power through Ethernet cables for stuff like security cameras. Obviously, not all devices are meant to handle it. ;) You're best bet is to just get a cheap PCI Ethernet card and toss it in. Takes all of 2 minutes. Unplug computer Open case Put card in white slot (usually white at least) Plug computer back in and power it on Install driver You can usually get cheap realtek based network cards for about $10. I wouldn't mess with a USB based network adapter unless you're not comfortable working inside your computer.

» Edited on: 2012-08-14 17:53:37