Check the light on the back plate of the LAN card to see whether the computer is recognizing the network adapter card. If the lights are active, it indicates that the connection is alive. If not, check the adapter in another computer. Verify the LAN cabling to ensure that it is the correct type and that the connector is properly attached. A LAN cable tester would be an excellent device to have in this situation.
Here are few common symptoms and their solutions:
Windows reports an error after you double-click Network Neighborhood:
Make sure you're using the drivers that are specified by the card's manufacturer.
Make sure the driver is loaded and the protocols are also installed. Verify the Device Properties list for trouble indicators (an "X" or "!" symbol).
Test the Network Interface Card (NIC ) adapter with the diagnostic utilities that often comes with the driver installation.
