Network Adapters Hidden?

[rocketeer]

My home office has 2 computers, both running Windows XP. My husband's computer is the main one, with mine connecting to the Internet through his. We've never had a problem with our network--we do the cable connection deal, and we have an Etherfast Cable/DSL router. I tried to open my browser on Friday, and it gave me the Cannot Open Page error. I checked my Network Connections and there's nothing there. Nothing. I tried the Set Up a Small Home Office Network wizard, and I got that I didn't have the hardware installed. When I click on My Computer/Properties/Hardware/Device Manager, there is no Network Adapters line. When I go into View/Show Hidden Devices, there they are. Clicking on Properties for the adapters shows that they are working properly and the location is unknown. And I can't disable or uninstall them. Does anyone have any idea what I should do? I've looked everywhere and can't come up with anything. I would appreciate any help!

[homecomputeraid]

Any other issues besides the Network Adapters? Any other hardware exhibiting any problems?

It could be that your NIC has gone bad. You could physically remove it, boot without it, turn the computer back off, physically install it, and see if it's recognized then. If it still won't reinstall, you might test with the NIC from the other PC, or buy a new one.

Make sure you protect the NIC's from static by grounding yourself to a metal part of the case. NIC's are VERY sensitive to static. You should also have an anti-static bag to put it in while you have it out. If you have any of those silvery colored plastic bags from some other computer components you may have installed, that's what I'm referring to. Don't set it on a carpet or other cloth surface.

Do you have up to date Antivirus software, and spyware removal software?

Sincerely,