Apparently my PC's ethernet port may be missing...

[NigellasGuest]

....according to the messaage that keeps coming up when trying to connect to the internet on our ancient Dell PC.

BUT I'm pretty certain there's nothing wrong with the ethernet part - it's a yellow wire which is in the back of the computer and goes to the router.

Can anyone kindly point me in the right direction? (p.s., laptops connecting to internet no problem)!

What's the actual error message you're seeing? And what version of windows are you using?

using Windows XP. Can't remember exact error message as have now switched it all off, but We have decided to buy a disc to reinstall drivers, for £8 off ebay. Hoping that will sort it!

You can get all of Dell's drivers, for free, off the Dell website.

oh thanks Snorbs!

I did go down that route. but gave up... It just seems tricky, because obviously as I cant get on the internet from the Dell PC with the problem (because I can't connect to the internet in the first place), I have to go to the Dell website from my laptop. Then, I end up in some kind of thing where the Dell website tries to connect to me, but of course I'm not contacting them from the right computer..
does that make sense?

I know what you mean. It can be a bit fiddly.

The easiest way for the future is to have a look on your computer for the service tag. All Dells have a five or six digit code on a sticky label somewhere. If you put that code into Dell's support site, it will instantly know exactly what computer it is you want help for. It's one of Dell's better ideas.

thank you! I will look on the computor for the service tag. I didn't realise it was on a sticky label - I assumed it was on some piece of paper that got lost about 8 years ago!

If it's a Dell computer that was aimed at the home market then the service tag will likely be on the back or underneath. If it was originally one aimed at the business market then it will be on the side.

This could be one of two things, yes - either a driver problem as suggested, and no, don't pay for the drivers if you haven't yet, they'll be free online; or a physical problem with either the ethernet cable or the port (the bit where the wire attaches to the pc). Cables are obviously easily replaced, ports are trickier but it's not impossible.

Naoko we have checked and checked the ethernet cable and ports at both ends and even tried all the ports, because the router has 4. I also feel it's a bit of a coincidence for the cable/port to suddenly be defective immediately after wiping everything and reinstalling microsoft windows IYSWIM? as was working fine before. The error message did tell me that it's a problem with the ethernet equipment... after fiddling around and getting into "device manager" (I think ) I came to the conclusion it's the driver.
Am going to look for the service tag and have a go at the Dell support site. Will report back! and thanks both of you for the help - it's making me more confident..... until the PC actually combusts due to my meddling

Yep, that does sound right then! Wasn't trying to suggest it wasn't a driver problem, just making sure you knew about the other possibilities, but if you've done that you've already excluded it :) Good luck with the dell website!

Ah, the reinstall is key info. Try googling for Ethernet port controller/ driver missing after reinstalling windows, as it looks to be a common problem connected with the order in which drivers are reinstated.
Hope you get it fixed soon...