Ethernet problem Inspiron 660s

Question

Apparently my Ethernet has stopped working. I have only used wifi since getting computer so I don't know if it ever worked. I have been having trouble with wifi and need to hard wire. Device manager in Win 8 does not show Ethernet but it works for other devices in the house.

My question is what pci card do I install?

I can't find info anywhere. This is for an Inspiron 660s

DELL-Todd S · Answer

Hi,

First, the Inspiron 660s has an integrated Realtec PCIe network adapter in it. In Device Manager, under the Network adapters category I'm assuming you don't see any reference to "Realtek"?

A couple things you might want to try first

1. Install the network driver from our Dell support site. (key in service tag, click on Drivers & Downloads, filter to your operating system)

2. Make sure the integrated network card is enabled in your System Setup (BIOS). (Advanced Tab > Onboard Device Configuration > Onboard LAN Controller> Enable )

The Inspiron 660s has one available PCIe x1 card slot on the system board, so if you decide to get a network card that is what you would look for. Unless you decide to get a USB to Ethernet adapter and just use the USB connector. That is, honestly, the easiest way, if the integrated NIC isn't working.

Please click on my Dell Todd username and send me a private message with the Dell Service Tag of your Inspiron 660s. Please keep all discussions and troubleshooting here on this public thread so that others with the same issues / questions can see what is discussed.

Thank you,

Todd

DELL-Todd S · Answer

You posted to my question about Ethernet not on my computer. I tried downloading driver to no avail. The Dell system check came up not finishing because it couldn't find network card. In the system configuration section when I go down to Network and push button nothing shows under arrow. I'm guessing for some reason the port was never hooked up? My place of work purchased 2 of these. One was for me and one for a fellow worker. I asked him today if his was working and he said he has been hardwired in since purchase.

I have worked on this since Friday with research and testing. I even had AT&T come out and install a new modem/router. I am stumped.

Hello,

The Inspiron 660s has an integrated network card, meaning it's built into the motherboard, so it's always been hooked up. It's possible that the network card on that motherboard has failed.

When you have the network cable inserted into the network card are you seeing the lights on either corner of the interface light up? Those are activity lights and can tell you whether data is streaming through the network card or not.

If the card has failed you can purchase a USB to Ethernet adapter and use that as a way to hard wire into your system from the router.

Todd

mcbu · Answer

Thanks for your help. There are no lights and I don't believe it's failed, I've never used it. I'm not to sure about the USB to ethernet. I'll probably go with a card. I will see if the port is soldered to the MB. The only network card is the wifi card.

mcbu · Answer

Ok, this problem is getting worse . I have tried loading a driver for the MB lan but I get an error the computer is in deep sleep mode. I can find no info on how to address this issue. I have pulled memory sticks for over 1/2 hr, that didn't work.

Also I now have a problem with browsers retaining settings. I have tried IE, Firefox and Chrome all to no avail!

So I am assuming it is a hardware issue. I have tried a USB Wi-Fi network adapter and have the same results.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Ethernet problem Inspiron 660s

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