OK. That helps.
Dell Inspiron Mini 1210 with realtek rtl8101
That model got some bad PR.
Did it work good at some earlier time? What might have changed.
Not being able to get on the Internet means you can't get the right driver either. But it is hard to believe the driver just failed by itself.
My approach to fixing this kind of problem may seem odd, but it the the best way to identify the problem. I recommend you buy another network adapter and get it to work. Really, the is the method often used by top technicians.
You can get a USB network adapter for about $20 from on-line stores. For simple Internet surfing, speed is not important.
But before you try that. The Dell web site should have the right download for the :
Realtek RTL8101 Family PCI-E Fast Ethernet NIC (NDIS 6.0) Driver
Realtek RTL8101 Family Dell.comIf you have trouble, read this:
Realtek 1801 drive does not install in VistaMy guess is you will find the Realtek is dead. But I am often wrong.
PS. The drive for HP may work.