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Ethernet Controller Found! Why was it missing? Dell Inspiron & Advanced Port Replicator

I have a Dell Inspiron 8100 and a Dell Advanced Port Replicator (7345U) running Windows XP Professional.

I was using the laptop while docked to the Port Replicator.  All functioning fine including the NIC on the port replicator.  

I shutdown the laptop and ejected it from the port replicator.

I brought the laptop to the secretary's office and connected a network cable directly to the laptop.  All working fine.

I place the laptop back into the port replicator in my office.  Power up.  Windows XP says new hardware found:  Ethernet Controller.  It wants to load software for the Ethernet Controller.  Software not found.   What's up with that?


 



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jimdorman

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Jimmymcp02,  

I tried your suggestion.  The laptop says "The existing BIOS is the same version as the you are trying to install.  Setup will exit now".  
Have you enabled the Docking in bios yet? Also, you should download the driver for Dell Advanced Port Replicator (7345U) from Dell website.
Yes the docking was already enabled.  The bios is the latest Dell offers.  I have searched Dell's web site and cannot find any driver for the 7345U.
I think the NIC driver is corruption. What is your service tag number for docking station?
here is what you can do...

right click on my computer then click on properties then go to hardware then hardware profile now delete the dcok profile 1 and restart.....
The Service Tag # is 5YHLW01
I deleted the docked profile.  Powererd on the laptop.  Windows xp:  New Hardware Found.  Ethernet Controller.  
The service tag is for your laptop, not Dell Advanced Port Replicator (7345U) though.
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I reset the bios according to jimmymcp02 and restarted the computer.

Windows XP says new hardware found:  Ethernet Controller.  It wants to load software for the Ethernet Controller:  Software not found.  


sorry mate you should drop a pointer question on the hardware section to get your issue resolved faster.....

ill still researching.