Ethernet problem after removing Malware

[Neil Jones]

I removed (or did the best I could to remove) a Malware problem but now I'm unable to install an Ethernet driver so I can use my cable modem. Since the Ethernet card is built into the motherboard (Asus) I figured the Ethernet part of the motherboard was blown so I purchased a Ethernet card. Same problem. Maybe the Malware problem still exists? Suggestions to resolve this please. Before purchasing the Ethernet card I tried reinstalling the driver that comes with the ASUS motherboard and that didn't work.

 

[VirtualLarry]

The malware-induced problem is probably not at the level of the ethernet driver, most malware doesn't mess with hardware drivers. It's probably at the level of the TCP/IP stack, or even browser settings.

Try the guides for resetting your TCP/IP stack, HOSTS file, and reset your web browser settings back to default (there's a button for that in IE, under the advanced tab under Tools, Internet Options). If using Firefox, try creating a new Profile.

 

[Neil Jones]

Do you have a link for these guides so I can read them and try doing what you suggested?

 

[classy]

When you say you can't install the driver, what do you mean. You get an install error? Is the ethernet showing in device manager?

 

[pete1229]

Niel, this is an option when all else fails and allot of people might not agree with this but one sure way to remove ALL traces of a malware infection albeit severe, is to wipe your system drive. You will need of coarse several things before attempting such a drastic process, and should only be done if you have all these in place. 1) A backup of all your personal data including documents. music, pictures and videos if any. 2) A bootable copy or the original installation disk of your operating system with the product key (windows). And all the driver disks for your peripherals, printer, monitor etc. plus any software installation disks for programs you have installed, MS Office, photo editing. antivirus etc,,

You'll also need access to a second PC with an external enclosure to mount your system drive in to be able to wipe it using a program like EASUS Partition Master (the home edition is free to download). Once wiped, you can be assured that all traces of the malware no longer exists on the drive. AGAIN, I know this is a very severe solution to the problem. And allot of people will comment that this is overkill. Its, time consuming but well worth it once everything is reinstalled and your system is up and running again like new.

 

[Neil Jones]

When you say you can't install the driver, what do you mean. You get an install error? Is the ethernet showing in device manager?

Yes it shows but Network adapters has got lots of yellow circles with exclamation points in them.

Example:

Atheros AR8121/AR8113/AR8114 PCI-E Ethernet Controller

"Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware. The driver may be corrupted or missing."

I've uninstalled this driver many times and reinstalled the driver many times and I still get this message and lots of other warning type messages listed under Network adapters.

 

[Neil Jones]

Pete once I fix this I'd like to use something like Acronis TrueImage to back everything up so when I have another Malware problem I can easily deal with it. Lots of stuff installed on this computer that I'd rather not have to spend days reinstalling if I don't have to. I have not used Acronis TrueImage before and I have to learn it.