How To: Fix Realtek Ethernet Adapter (No Internet Connection) after Windows Driver Update

By Kris Bunda On 08/13/2011 · Leave a Comment · In Rants

Windows Networking Driver Update, I know I shouldn’t click thee…

This has happened to me several times. I’ve got a computer running Windows with a Realtek brand Networking Adapter (the ethernet port where you plug your internet cable into), and I’ll install a Windows Optional Update (a driver for the adapter), and then my computer can’t connect to the network anymore.

The Windows Update screen looks something like this, although this screenshot does not show a Realtek Networking Controller Driver

Fortunately, I have multiple computers, so if one isn’t able to surf the web for troubleshooting purposes, another is. So if this happened to your one and only internet access point, you’ve probably found this wonderful blog by using a neighbor or friend’s connection.

The Fix

Download the “Windows Diagnostic Program” utility from Realtek’s driver download page, unzip, and install.
Then run the tests and play around with it. I’m not sure which feature fixes the problem, because the few times I’ve had to use it it doesn’t seem to be doing anything, then I suddenly notice my little networking icon doesn’t have the red “x” on it anymore and it’s connected to the network.

Go here to download the Windows Diagnostic Program.

Realtek Software and Driver page - Download Utility to Fix Issue

Realtek Networking - Windows Driver Update - Download Utility to Fix Issue

The Realtek utility program is pretty stripped down, so you’re not going to get lost in it. Just go through, expand the navigation tree (the little “+” next the the highlighted “General” next to the light bulb icon), and start pushing buttons like “test” and “refresh” and hopefully it works for you after 5 or 10 minutes. Here’s a screenshot of what the utility should resemble on your computer.