The Wired Network Adapter Still Cannot Connect

1. Inspect the Ethernet cable for visible damage, such as cuts or fraying.

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2. Check for ports for visible damage, such as bent pins.

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3. Try a known-good network cable and ensure both ends of your Ethernet cable are securely plugged in to your computer and the router or modem. Ensure that the status LED indicator is lit to confirm the connection.

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4. Touch and hold or right-click the network icon in the notification area of your taskbar (located in the lower right corner), and then touch or click Troubleshoot problems and follow the instructions.

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5. Run the Dell Network Adapter Diagnostics (when you have some Internet connection on the affected computer).

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6. Make sure the latest driver is installed, for more information See Dell Knowledge Base article How to Download and Install Dell Drivers.

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7. Run the Dell SupportAssist Optimize Network application.
   1. In the search box, type supportassist.

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   2. Touch or click SupportAssist.
      Note: When SupportAssist does not appear in the list of application, you have to download it, either on the computer that has the issue (if possible) or to a USB memory key on another device that can reach the Internet. For more information about how to obtain and install SupportAssist, browse to the SupportAssist for PCs and tablets page. You may need to provide the Service Tag or Express Service Code of your Dell computer or select your computer model from a list.

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   3. Touch or click Optimize My System.

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   4. Touch or click Optimize Network.

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   5. Touch or click Run Now.

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   6. After the Optimize Network is finished (the status bar reads 100%) touch, or click the History tab.

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   7. Touch or click the latest listing of Optimize Network (Manual) to review the results.

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8. See the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article for Windows 10 and Windows 10 Fix Ethernet connection problems in Windows

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9. See the following articles corresponding to the browser installed on your computer.
   • For Internet Explorer: Internet Explorer help.
   • For Firefox: Firefox does not work - Common fixes to get you back up and running.
   • For Chrome: Fix connection errors.

If your computer has an active hardware warranty, you may also contact Dell Technical Support for assistance.

See these Dell Knowledge Base articles for related information:

• Network Controller (network adapter) Troubleshooting and Usage
• How to Troubleshoot and Resolve any Wired network adapter issues with a Dell Latitude Computer