Missing local area connection on new Windows XP install

[Moosehuffer]

Troubleshooting starter

1. Overview of the problem
   
   On Windows XP, I don't see the "Local Area Connection" in the network settings. I just see dumb old 1394.
   
2. Full description of the problem and symptoms
   My old computer got ransacked by a virus, so I decided to use the opportunity to upgrade my HD from the old 120GB to a new 640GB. It arrived yesterday and I did a fresh install of windows XP Professional. I had a service pack (SP #3 I think?) on a thumb drive and installed that, as well. After a reset, I tried going online but noticed that no Local Area Connection existed in the connections list. I'm not certain if anything was there before installing SP3.
   
   The Ethernet card is onboard. The Motherboard is an EPOX 9NPA Ultra.
   
   When I run 'IPCONFIG' it just say "Windows IP Configuration" and NOTHING else.
   
   
3. Did it work normally at one time, or has the problem always existed?
   
   The Connection was present and function Two days ago (monday) with the OLD hard drive and a windows XP installation that had been running fine for about 3+ years.
   
   
4. I already tried these steps:
   I went into device manager to look to see if my card was present. I'm not entirely sure where to look for it. Under 'Network Adapters' I believe the only thing present was the 1394.
   
   I checked running services. Most of the online help suggested to make sure services like RPC, Network Connections, TCP/IP were started. They were running fine.
   
   I fiddled with the Windows XP "new connection wizard" but this thing is for the grandparents, I've got nowhere with it.
   
   
   
   
5. My software:
   • Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3.
   • Antivirus - None
   • Firewall - Windows BuiltIn
   • Feel free to add more software details that you think might be relevant to the issue - total fresh install of the OS.
   
   
   
6. My hardware
   • Homebuilt computer, about 3 years old
     
   • EPOX 9NPA Ultra
   • CPU model - AMD 2.2 gig (I think)
   • Video card - I think nvidia 5700.
   • RAM modules - not sure the brand, about 2 gigs though.
   
   
7. Other information that might be relevant
   Reading online, I think ultimately this is a driver issue with the onboard ethernet card. I have no idea how to go about fixing this. I think the MoBo came with a disk, but I'm not certain I still have it. Given that installing drivers would help, how do I go about doing
   this?? Where do I even get the drivers? Is it as easy as running an executable in windows?
   
   If anyone can think of a reason this is happening that could is not due to drivers, I'd be happy to listen.
   
   Thanks!

 

[bruceb]

You need this driver for the NIC on board

http://www.epox.com/usa/articl...8&showsupportlinks=YES

All the drivers you need should have been on a cd when you bought the motherboard.
All the drivers for the Motherboard chipset need to be installed or many things will not work.
Also do not hook up to the net with this pc before you install an antivirus program.

 

[Moosehuffer]

Excellent.

I'm at work now and not near the computer, but some questions:

If I lost the CD that came with the motherboard, would I be able to access all the needed drivers online? Similarly to the one you posted?? Does this involve dl'ing dozens of individual files, or is there a all-in-one file?

Is installing the drivers just a simple double-click and follow instructions, or is it more technical?

Thanks!

 

[bruceb]

You can get them all from the basic link I sent ... Just select which ones you need.