Loss of Networking on Inspiron 560 after Windows Update

Hi jaggerd,

Please let me know what the status of the network adapter is when the cursor is placed on the network icon in the system tray.

Also right click on the ‘Network Adapter’ from the system tray and click and ‘Open Network and Sharing Center’. In the screen which opens up, click on ‘Change Adapter Setting’.  Please reply the status of the ‘Local Area Connection’ in this window.

 I suggest that you refresh the network driver in the device manager. To go to ‘Device Manager’ click on ‘Start’ type ‘Device Manager’ in the search box and click on the ‘Device Manager’ folder from the list. Now, find the 'Network Adapters' section and click on the little plus-sign to the left. Right click the network driver listed, uninstall and restart the system.

I suggest that you also check if the system is able to go online in safe mode.  To go to ‘Safe Mode’ restart the system and at the Dell logo tap the F8 key every two seconds. In the ‘Advanced Boot options’ window using arrow keys, select ‘Safe Mode with Networking’ and hit enter.

Please reply to this post for further assistance.

Hi Sujatha K,

Thanks for the quick response.

Status of the network adapter is : Not connected - No connections are available

Status of the ‘Local Area Connection' : IPv4 Connectivity : Not connected, IPv6 Connectivity : Not connected, Media State : Enabled

Refreshed the network driver in the device manager : Status same as above

Checked if the system is able to go online in safe mode : Status same as above

Regards, Dave

Hi jaggerd,

I appreciate for the detailed status provided with regards to the network card

I recommend you to go to the ‘Device Manager’ click on the little plus-sign to the left of ’Network Adapter’. Right click on the Ethernet card and then click ‘Properties’ from the drop down list. In the properties windows click ‘Advanced’ tab and select ‘Link Speed and duplex’ from the drop down list and change the value to ‘10 MB full’. If this does not work, change the value to ‘10 MB half’ and check.

Revert for further assistance,

Hi Sujatha K,

changed network adapter settings as advised, disabling, enabling and rebooting but still without networking.

Regards, Dave

Hi jaggerd,

I suggest that you do system restore to the previous date. Once the system is able to go online I recommend you to disable the Windows update. To do ‘System Restore’ click on ‘Start à All Programs à Accessories à System Tools program group. Click on ‘System Restore’ program icon. Click on Next ­­à on the Restore system files and setting window. Choose the restore point previous to the Windows update date. Click Nextà Finish on the ‘Confirm your system restore’ point to begin system restore. Click ‘Yes’ to the ‘Once started, System Restore cannot be interrupted. Do you want to continue’ dialog box. System Restore will now restore Windows 7 to the state that was recorded in the restore point selected.
Note: The System Restore process could take several minutes as you see the "Please wait while your Windows files and settings are being restored" message. Your computer will then reboot as normal when complete. Immediately after logging in to Windows 7 after the reboot, you should see a message that System Restore completed successfully.
Click Close.

Check to see if you are able to go online now. I suggest that you disable the last windows update which was causing the system not go online. To disable these update, open ‘Windows Update’ by clicking the ‘Star’ button. In the search box, type ‘Update’, and then, in the list of results, click Windows Update. In the left pane, click Check for updates, and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer. You see a message telling you that important updates are available, or telling you to review important updates. Click on Review the updates which will give a list of updates. Right click on each one of them disable the update.

I had the same advice issue but when I went to device manager like you suggested I never had a network short to click on. I keep trying to restore to a previous update but it won't complete.

Yes  - I have the same problem and I rolled back the drivers and it didn't do anything