I have just got a new ISP and have connected the router via the ethernet port but according to the device manager, there are no drivers installed so of course, I cannot get on line.
Is this something I can download myself or do I have to get a card?
System is XP and I have only used the modem for internet use previously. As the port was there I assumed it would be straightforward - obviously not!!!
Appreciate any help anyone could give - thanks.

Hi Nessa and welcome.

No drivers for what? You will not have drivers for the router. Do you see any drivers for your "Network Device" in Device Manager? Do you see any yellow or red error flags?

What happens when you try to connect? What exactly does it say?

Now days, most folks use the Ethernet port on the motherboard. Note this device must be enabled in the BIOS Setup Menu, and you get the drivers from the motherboard makers website.

And just to be sure I know what you are talking about, a router is a network device that goes between your "gateway" and the computer or computers on your network. The "gateway" is typically a cable, DSL, or dial-up modem. Some newer home network devices combine the gateway, router, and usually a 4-port 10/100 Ethernet switch. Some also include a wireless access port or WAP. Even if all these devices are inside one box, they are technically, separate network devices and must be configured independently.

So your computer should be plugged into the router in one of the regular Ethernet ports. The router should be connected to your modem using the "WAN" or "UPLINK" port on the router. You should be able to access the router's internal menu by entering the router's IP address into your browser's address bar. The IP address, unless you changed it, will be in your manual - which can be downloaded from the router maker's site. It is typically something along the lines of 192.168.1.1 with the password, unless you changed it, also in the book. You should change that immediately, by the way.

Clear as mud, huh? Let's us know how you are setup based on what I wrote above, and we'll go from there.

Thanks for replying.
When I go into Device Manager - the Ethernet Controller has the dreaded yellow question mark. On clicking that, it says 'The drivers for this device are not installed (code 28). Also says manufacturer unknown.
It's a Mesh computer that we've had for a while, not sure of the model but I'm sure the paperwork and discs are around somewhere.
Any good? The router is fine, all plugged in and nowhere to go. Previously we only used modem for connections.

Hi Nessa ,

Now, I believed you will need to get the Lan card driver working with you XP first.

Plesae right click on the Lan ethernet card icon with a question mark, then select update driver, let the system serach for the driver automatically, since xp normally have the most Lan driver avaliable, if not, you can visit DriverGuide.com (printer drivers, cdrom drivers, modem drivers, sound drivers, mouse drivers, monitor drivers, etc.) - DriverGuide.com or WinDrivers.com: Your One-Stop Source For Device Drivers, Anti-Virus Updates and Security Patches as well to get the driver for your ethnet Lan card.

Hope this helps your Lan card error.
If you have problem setting up your router, you can follow the moderator's guide above or reply.
Have a nice day.
Pctestcard

Thanks for your suggestions.
The icon on Device Manager says Ethernet Controller, not card. Does this make a difference at all? Under properties it states that there are no drivers installed and the manufacturer is unknown so does that mean there is nothing installed at all?
Do I have to buy an Ethernet Card to get going?
Sorry for all the questions, this is all new to me.
Thanks,

The icon on Device Manager says Ethernet Controller, not card.

Tell us about your system - computer or motherboard make and model number.

The controller is not what you want, you need a "Network adapter". If you do not see one, then you do not have one installed, or it is not enabled, if on board, or it is damaged.

Hi,
The board is : ASUSTeK A7N8X-VM
Computer is Mesh Matrix.
Thanks,

Hi,

Here is the link I found confirming the mainboard does come with a network adapter:
ASUS A7N8X-VM Product Information

Actually, Network Adapter, Ethernet controller, LAN card pretty much describes the same device on the PC that allows the connection to the internet through a network cable.

Now, let's say it is a network adapter, and your mainboard does have a network adapter.

Please visit this link for your mainboard Network adapter driver:
ASUSTeK Computer Inc.-Support-

Please type in your mainboard model name: A7N8X-VM at the upper left corner dialogue box and select "all" category, then click on the mainboard model number again: A7N8X-VM and select the appropriate OS, then select "IDE".

According to the IDE section, "A7N8X-VM WinXP all in one driver for A7N8X-VM only."
Here I assumed that your OS is XP.

So try download this driver and run again on your PC and hope you can get your onboard Nvidia MCP Network Adapter to work.

I do have the other link in Driverguide to get the driver direct but that is a paid service, so I do not want you to try the driver for a fee, you know what I am saying if there is other source you can get a free to try.

Seems to me the Asus Web site keep constantly updating, you can reply if you have any question.
Hope we can help you out there!
Good luck.

Hi,
Well, something there has done the trick - it works and I am online again!!!
Thanks SO much for your help and patience - you've been great.
Vanessa

Great! Glad it works and thanks for the followup!

BTW, what does Device Manager show now?