1. Check Your Cables
The first step in troubleshooting any network card errors is to make sure all cable connections are secure and properly in place. This includes both ends of the Ethernet cable, as well as any coaxial cables or fiber optic cables that may have been installed. Check the ports on the computer, router, modem, and any other devices connected to the network. Make sure the cables fit firmly in each port and that none of them are loose. If a cable connection appears to be damaged or corroded, replace it with a new one.
2. Check Your Router Settings
If the cable connections appear to be in order, the next step is to check your router settings. Log in to the web interface of your router and see if there are any settings that need to be adjusted. Particularly, look for any settings related to packet filtering or firewalls, as these can interfere with your network card’s performance. Additionally, make sure that DHCP is enabled so that your computer automatically receives an IP address from your network.
3. Update Your Network Card Drivers
Network cards sometimes require drivers in order to function properly. If the device has not been used in a while, the drivers may be outdated or corrupt. To update your network card drivers, you can use the Windows Device Manager or download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website. Just follow the prompts to complete the installation.
4. Disable Other Networking Devices
If other networking devices are connected to your computer, such as a USB Wi-Fi adapter, try disabling them temporarily to see if that resolves the issue. To do this, open the Windows Device Manager and locate the devices in question. Then right-click on each one and select “Disable” from the context menu. Additionally, you can try unplugging any external adapters and restarting the computer.
5. Reset Your Network Card
In some cases, resetting your network card may help to resolve any lingering issues. To do this, right-click on the network card in the Windows Device Manager and select “Uninstall” from the context menu. Then, reboot your computer and the network card will be automatically reinstalled.
6. Check Your Antivirus Software
Some antivirus programs have a feature that can detect and block malicious traffic on a network. While this can be useful in some cases, it can also interfere with your network card’s performance. To see if this is the case, you can try temporarily disabling your antivirus software. You can then test to see if this resolves the issue.
7. Check Your Firewall Settings
Lastly, if you’re using a firewall on your computer, make sure that it’s not blocking any traffic from or to your network card. In the Windows Firewall settings, you can configure which programs and ports are allowed to communicate through the firewall. If necessary, you can add specific rules for your network card or disable the firewall altogether for testing purposes.