Vista - Ethernet/Network Adapters disappear after using Windows to repair problem!

Hello!

This is my first post; be gentle, please.

After excessive testing & diagnosing, I've concluded that the following causes my "network connections" to be deleted, and I get a Code-19 (corrupted/missing driver) for my Network Adapters happens if I use WINDOWS help!

Here is what happens:

For one reason or another, I lose connectivity. I have a fickle ISP and I'm always resetting my cable modem, etc.

1.) I double-click the tray icon for "network," then go to Network & Sharing Center.

2.) Under Network (my actual connection,) I click "view status," then click "Properties."

3.) A "Diagnose" button is available. As soon as I push it, I'm usually given several options: Reset the adapter, Get new IP settings, etc.

4.) If I choose "reset the adapter," my network connections dissapear, I get the Code 19 (missing/corrupted drivers), then I have to restore them manually through Device Manager.

NOTE: If I "browse my computer for drivers," I have some on here that work. It would help to know the difference between:
1.) Generic Marvell Yukon 88E8056 based Ethernet Controller
2.) Generic Marvell Yukon Chipset* based Ethernet Controller
3.) Marvell Yukon 88E8056 PCI-E* Gigabit Ethernet Controller (Marvell)
4.) Marvell Yukon 88E8056 PCI-E* Gigabit Ethernet Controller (Marvell) duplicate?
5.) Marvell Yukon 88E8056 PCI-E* Gigabit Ethernet Controller (Microsoft)

------------------------

Given the problem and what causes it (repair, ironically,) I would like to ask the following: What's the difference between PCI-E & Chipset based drivers? I can't seem to find the terms online. Also, how does one know which is the best driver to pick from? Should I end up reformatting if I can't fix this, is there a way to SAVE A COPY or BACKUP the drivers in that list that seem to already be on my computer?

Note: SOMETIMES when the problem happens, an Asus EIO Driver & Marvell xx61 RAID Controller disappear with the same Code 19, too, but that hasn't been happening lately.

I know this is a tall drink of water. I've been trying very hard, though, and have been at it for 2 weeks. I'm going nuts.

Vista x64, 1TB HDD, 8GB RAM, Vista Ultimate x64, Asus P5Q Premium motherboard, Thermaltake Shark case.

well the 3,4, and 5 are for plug in pci-e ethernet adapter's. The other two are for onboard ethernet adapter's. Have you checked your asus driver disk to make sure you have the right ethernet driver's being used?? That would be a good place to start. Not having the right driver's can cause weird stuff. Let us know something as soon as possible!


After a lil research you have the marvell gigabit adapter for that mobo. I would link it, but asus is funny about there d/l's they do them all in pop up windows. Use your driver disk, or go to there site and d/l the lastest. Hope that helps you out.

Krazyl,

THANK YOU, first & foremost, for the "let us know right away" comment. That really makes me feel welcome and accepted here, and also that you're all willing to help. Thanks again.

I downloaded it from my disc (this computer was built piece by piece) and attached the driver, for lack of better phrasing, to the adapter in Device Manager.

However, when I restart my computer,
1.) I still get the Code-19 (corrupted registry/driver) error for all 4 adapters. (I have 4 ports on my PC.)

2.) My CD/DVD drive gets a Code-19, which I fix instantly by downloading & "modifying" (installation option) GEARAspiWDM.sys and GEARAspi.dll. No restart required and it's safer & easier than going into the registry and deleting the upper & lower filters, which is how most users solve the missing DVD drive in "My Computer" error.

3.) Another driver gets the same error: Under "Storage Controllers" in Device Manager, my "Marvell 61xx RAID Controller" gets Code-19'ed. Grr! I wonder if these 3 problems are connected?

- Is there something in the Event Log to notate/explain this? I'm not sure where to look in it.

- Not just by restarting, but ALSO by "diagnosing" (Network & Sharing Center) problems with my connection, once I reinstall the driver (FROM DISC EVEN), causes the Network Adapters to be deleted again or, better-said, Code-19'ed.

It seems I can't escape this issue. Microsoft was useless when I contacted them via chat.

Thanks, also, for the explanation of PCI-E vs. Chipset, etc. I appreciate that. I'm not sure what RAID is or how it affects my computer, but I find it interesting that it's tied-into this. I'm used to the CD/DVD drive issue b/c I use iTunes and it's notorious for f*cking up Vista (32 & 64) CD/DVD drivers.

I appreciate your continued help. I hope we can figure this issue out.

With gratitude,
Erik

v877051

Hi and welcome. Just jumped in to tell you about raid. Raid stands for a redundant Array Inexpensive Drives. In short a group of HD's are put together to ensure data is not lost. Raid's are notoriously finiky about drivers. If you dont have a set up like that uninstall the drivers. If you do dis-connect it untill you are completely configured.

Hope this helps

Again welcome

Ken

Ken, thank you so much for not only the explanation, but the courteous reply.

If I'm understanding you correctly, I should disable my RAID Controller in Device Manager or Uninstall it UNTIL I get the Network Adapters situation fixed? Is that right?

Once again, thanks, man!

Hey anytime. If you are going to use the raid you have to find a vista driver for the controller.
If I were you (and I have been in the raid dog house a bunch) I would fix the networking and all the other stuff. Then do a backup, then install the raid controller and driver. If it pukes on you you have a backup to restore you to a working state. I haven't read this thread yet (just jumped in to tell you abt raid) so IM not sure if you told us abt the model of raid controller, 32 or 64bit, clean install, etc

Hope this helps

Ken

Did you try getting a registry cleaner and getting rid of unused and junk registry entry's? And when did you actually start having these problems??? Did you change out something install something new??? Or have you had them since you built the pc??

Ken & Krazyl,

I did both.

IT DID IT.

Thank you, both, for your help on this. FYI to all, I used a MILD (very gentle, non-invasive) registry cleaner (CCleaner); nothing like AMUST or RegistryWizard, as they've proven, in the past, to be dangerous. As it stands, the registry is truly a self-sustaining entity. But, in my case, yes, I did the cleaner. I firmly believe it was the double-combo of both of your guys' replies (Krazyl + Ken).

You 2 are the best.

Warmest regards,
Erik

Erik

Im glad you got it working

Ken