Here are some additional thoughts I have. (this is from dictation, so some of the grammar may be strange.)
another approach is to use a different Ethernet card. I don't mean to tell you you have to dig into your computer and pull out the Ethernet card. In fact, on your computer the Ethernet card is actually built into the motherboard unless I'm mistaken. instead, go to a local store such as Walmart or Best Buy and see if you can find a cheap USB to Ethernet adapter.somebody's now have come way down in price and they are just as good as the higher-priced models. They are generic Ethernet to USB connectors and you can plug it into any unused USB port and Windows should recognize it as a type of Ethernet adapter and will give you the option of setting up your network to work off of that adapter instead of the built-in network card. I've seen these Apter ties to Walmart for less than $15.
This is not the same thing as a Wi-Fi adapter. It is a true blue Ethernet adapter that works on a USB port. nice little gadget have in your toolbox for testing out any computer that shows the same problems in the future.
Yes, I know some members will chide me for not dealing directly with the driver problem. However, I think spending 10 or $15 on a solution is better than spending on days trying to figure out why you have the wrong driver. I'm very sure that Windows will recognize the USB Ethernet adapter. otherwise Walmart would be getting a lot of returns and they would tell the manufacturer and that wouldn't go around very long. To put it another way, I believe in being pragmatic. Just find a solution and move on.
But if you find that replacing the driver and letting it reinstall solve the problem, so be it. Is it works, don't try to fix it.
