Windows 7 no net connection - hardware drivers? - uncommon circumstances

[JLL]

Hi There,

My apologies if this is a repeat post...I hunted the forum but couldn't find a solution for my problem.

Left a job two weeks ago, for confidentiality the employer had to "wipe" my laptop and re-install Windows 7 Pro from the CD. Since getting the computer back, the computer won't recognize that the internet exists.

Device manager lists 6 devices that do not have drivers installed, listed under "other devices", including:
- base system device
- ethernet controller
- network controller
- PCI Simple Communications controller
- unknown device (X2)

...not sure how to fix that without internet access, or if this is even the root problem.

On the plus side, I have two laptops. The non-work laptop does have internet access, it just lacks the functionality I need to do my job.

Suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

 

[patcooke]

Suggest you use a pc with net access to access the site of the manufacturer of the non-functioing pc and search for drivers for the ethernet controller - installing that should enable your connectivity to then search automatically for drivers for the remaining devices.

 

[JLL]

Thanks Pat. I've now found drivers for the HP laptop.

Link Removed

How do I ID the hardware to make sure I get the right driver? Trial & error?

 

[patcooke]

Best way is to goto to the manufacturer website and enter the model of the pc and the op sys. I'd avoid driver "wizards and automatic updates where possible.

 

[JLL]

All set! Thanks so much Pat!!

 

[patcooke]

Well done. Trust you've got a nice backup strategy in place so if/when your system goes belly up you don't have to go through all the hassle again

 

[JLL]

Yessir. Originals with recovery points, and regularly updated redundant external hard-drives. Not messing around. Thanks for the tip!