BleepingComputer.com: Network Adaptor Connector XPS420 problem

I have an Dell XPS420 Vista 32bit . A couple of months ago, my internet connection via the network adaptor connector on my tower/computer stopped working. I am positive it is not the Cat5 cord causing the problem. I was able to use the USB connectors on my modem and the tower/computer to re-route and connectivity to the internet is fine. However, I would like to fix the network adaptor connector problem. When I plug the Cat5 connector into it, it lights up and behaves like all is well, yet no internet. When I run the diagnostic tools, i get one of two error messages: "The network adaptor Intel®82566dc-2 gigabit network connection is experiencing driver or hardware related issues." OR " The network adaptor "Local Area Connection" is not correctly configured to use the IP protocol." When I check the configuration, it appears that all of the appropriate boxes are checked. I have tried re-setting the modem, switching plugs around, etc. Drivers have been updated. Any suggestions you may have are welcomed.

This post has been edited by Gene_L: 26 May 2011 - 02:14 PM

Have you had any power issues recently?

Negative, no power issues.

Its time to replace the card or add one.

Forgive my ignorance, when you say "card", do you mean the Network Interface Card or the network adaptor connector port itself? Thanks.

The network Interface Card, if it is integrated then you will need to disable it in the BIOS first then add another card in an available PCI Slot. I would recommend going with Intel.

Possibly my last question: given that I can connect to the internet via the USB connections, you still think my Network Interface Card is bad? Is the NIC only related to the network adaptor connector/plug-in? Thanks for your patience.

Yes the USB is a slower method of access, and to me should be used as a back up.

OK, thanks so much for your assistance !

You are welcome

Just a wrap-up of my issue if others have the same problem: Upon opening the tower/computer, the NIC (adapter) was indeed "integrated". I purchased a NIC card at Best Buy for $25 and installed that separate from the integrated NIC. I went into my computer's "System Setup" via F2 key during startup and disabled the "integrated NIC". I installed the new drivers (cd came with the card), then plugged my internet cord into the new NIC slot, and BINGO, everything works !
If I need to do something else, please advise.
Continued Thanks.

You can call this issue resolved. As it works.