Network Adapter Stops Functioning After You Update Device Driver

If you use the Update Device Driver Wizard in Device Manager to update the device driver for a net-class network adapter, the network adapter may stop functioning.

This behavior can occur if the driver that is updated is not the correct driver for the network adapter.

To resolve this issue, use Device Manager to remove the incorrect driver. To do so, follow these steps:

1. On the desktop, right-click My Computer, click Properties, and then click the Hardware tab.
2. Click Device Manager and double-click Network Adapters.
3. Click the network adapter that stopped functioning, and then click Remove.
   
   NOTE: If the network adapter is not listed under Device Manager, restart the computer. When the computer restarts, it detects the malfunctioning network adapter.
4. Click OK, and then restart the computer.
5. Use the Microsoft Windows CD-ROM or the removable media provided by the network adapter manufacturer to load the correct driver for the network adapter.

When you attempt to update an incorrect driver, three possible scenarios may occur:

• The wizard attempts to load the incorrect driver, but fails. The wizard then removes the network adapter from Device Manager without prompting you to restart the computer.
• You receive a warning message that states that the wizard is installing an incorrect driver. If the wizard continues to install the driver, the network adapter is disabled in Device Manager after you restart the computer.
• The wizard loads the incorrect driver without any warning. When you restart the computer, the network adapter is disabled in Device Manager.