Unable to locate driver for built in ethernet controller.

Question

Hi:    Need some help on this one...    I have a Dimension 4100 that I repaired for a friend.  Hard drive had been formatted before I received the machine.  I restored the OS (Windows ME).  I have also restored all the necessary drivers that I could.  The only driver that I have been unable to restore or even to locate the proper one is for the PCI ethernet controller.  I believe the controller is built in to the motherboard.   According to the Dell manual, the original driver was an Intel 10/100 Ethernet Controller driver.  From that info I assume the controller is by Intel.  Using the Dell resource CD I unzipped the drivers for Intel.  (Around 19 files.)   None of them work.  I then tried the 3Com driver set on the resource CD, again, none worked.  No other drivers for ethernet controller are on the resource CD.  I also searched the Dell downloads by using the service tag of the machine and came up with the same driver sets that were on the resource CD.   I then decided to use Everest Home Edition to see if I could positively identify the ethernet controller. Everest identified the ethernet controller as:  'Bridgecom Fast Ethernet Adapter'.   I'm not even sure who makes that one.  Does anyone have any idea on how to get the proper driver located and loaded for the built in ethernet controller.  I hate to have to purchase an add in NIC just to get it working.   Thanks for any assistance and regards.'

mombodog · Answer

PCI means just that a PCI card not on board   Go here and get this cool utility that will identify and get the driver you need   http://www.zhangduo.com/udi.html

chscag · Answer

Thanks for the URL.  I downloaded the program you suggested and will save it for the next time I run into the same situation.

chscag · Answer

Hi:   Well, I solved this one myself with a bit of detective work:   I used a different system identification program which provided a better look at the installed hardware.  This is what it told me:   The built in network adapter is an 'ADMtek AN983 FastNIC PCI 10/100 Fast Ethernet Adapter'   I went to www.driveguide.com and downloaded the drivers for the above.  They installed without a hitch.   The Dell manual that came with this particular machine states the drivers that were originally installed are all Intel.  Apparently all models of the Dimension 4100 are not the same.  What I don't understand is that when I searched the Dell site using the service tag, it indicated a different set of drivers.  Likewise for the resource CD.   I guess all is well that ends well.   Seasons Greetings.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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