Dimension 4600 Ethernet Problem

Question

My Dimension 4600 gives me the message:  Local Area Connection Network Cable Unplugged.  I purchased this computer in January 2004 and I have always received this message.  It hasn’t been a problem as I used the USB instead of the Ethernet connection.  However, now I am trying to go wireless and it wants the Ethernet.  The devise manager says the Ethernet card is working fine.  I installed a different Ethernet card and it does not recognize any new hardware for it at all.  Any suggestions on how I can get this to work so I can go wireless (I do not have a wireless card in the computer) would be appreciated.

volcano11 · Answer

You cannot go wireless unless you have a wireless card.   You are getting the message because the ethernet network adapter is not plugged into anything.  You will always get that message if the onboard ethernet adapter is not plugged into anything.  If you want to connect to a wireless network, you will need to purchase and install a wireless network adapter.   Steve

bobol · Answer

Thank you for your quick response.  I am actually only trying to go wireless for a laptop my son gave me.  I don’t really need for my desktop to be wireless.  Can I do that, have the laptop wireless and have a regular connection for the desktop?  I can get the desktop to connect only using the USB port, but the laptop won’t connect that way (it does have a wireless card).  I can get the laptop to connect if I connect wireless with the Ethernet cable but then the desktop won’t connect!  I am trying to find a way for both to be connected at the same time.  Thanks again for your assistance.

volcano11 · Answer

You need a wireless router.  You will then connect an ethernet cable from your broadband modem to the wireless router's WAN port and an ethternet cable from your built in ethernet adapter on the 4600 to one of the 4 LAN ports on the router.  The laptop will then connect to the router by a wireless connection.   Steve

bobol · Answer

I have done all that but my desktop will not recognize my ethernet.  It shows as working under device manager but it says local area connection a network a cable is unplugged under network connections.  I installed a new ethernet card today but my computer doesn't recognize any new hardware.  The cables and router are also brand new and the laptop does respond to the wireless network but my desktop does not respond.  Is my only option making my desktop wireless also by using a wireless card in it?  I don't really need for the desktop to be wireless, only the laptop.  Thanks again for your assistance.

volcano11 · Answer

Try the following- First go to the following site and download the drivers for your ethernet adapter and get them into a folder on the 4600.         Next, go into Device Manager, expand the listing for network adapters, select the integrated Intel network adapter and uninstall it.   Reboot the computer and after it restarts, cancel the new hardware wizard if it runs.   Then, run the file you downloaded to reinstall the drivers for the integrated network adapter and see if the network adapter works.   Steve

volcano11 · Answer

Try running the diagnostics on the network adapter.   Steve

bobol · Answer

This did not make any changes to my computer or solve my problem.

bobol · Answer

The diagnostics passed.

volcano11 · Answer

Are you absolutely 100% sure you are using the proper cable to connect your ethernet adapter to your router?  Do the link lights on the router's LAN port and the link light next to the ethernet port on your 4600 both light up when the cable is plugged in at both ends and both devices are powered on?  If you attempt to connect the 4600 directly to your broadband modem (it would be helpful to know if it is cable or dsl), do the link lights light up and does the 'network cable unplugged' message go away?   Steve

bobol · Answer

I bought a new cable and also have used the cable that came with the ethernet card that I installed but the computer does not recognize.  The router lights are on but the one on my desktop does not come on (and never has).  If I connect directly to the modem with the ethernet cable it does not work.  It only works with the usb cable.  I have never been able to get the cable unplugged message to go away.    I appreciate your time on this problem.  As I stated earlier, I was just trying to go wireless and use a laptop and a desktop but I can forget all that and just go back to my desktop only.  It may be much more trouble than it is worth!!

volcano11 · Answer

You said that you tried to install a different ethernet network adapter, but it wasn't recognized.   Exactly what happened when you tried to install this adapter?  Did you try to manually install the drivers for this second network adapter?   Steve

bobol · Answer

The Quick Installation guide states that the drivers will be automatically installed.  When I put in the floppy that came with it I am not given an option for windows XP although it states it is for XP on the box and in the quick installation guide.

volcano11 · Answer

If you physically install the card in the PCI slot (I'm assuming it's a PCI card) then restart your computer,  does the New Hardware Wizard run?  If not, try going to Control Panel > Add New Hardware and see if detects the new network adapter.   Steve

bobol · Answer

Yes I did physically install the card and have restarted the computer.  It does not detect new hardware or run the wizard nor does it list the hardware in 'add new hardware'.

volcano11 · Answer

Open Device Manager and expand the listing for Network Adapters.  What devices are listed there?   Steve

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Dimension 4600 Ethernet Problem

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