In Search of Lost Network Adapter

Computer: Dell Inspiron 1100

Date of Acquisition: April 2004 (used, ship date 10/9/2003)

OS: XP Home Edition

Problem: Device Manager window no longer lists an Ethernet Controller type
of Network Adapter and we can no longer connect to the Internet via CAT5
Ethernet cable/network connector.
Background: We have 'summer' and 'winter' residences, with CAT5 connectivity
at the former and wireless (Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller) at
the latter. Through two connectivity 'cycles' there has been no problem
until recently. Upon having problems with our wireless router at our current
location, we tried to connect via CAT5 cable. It was then that the Network
Adapter turned up missing. We have a second CAT5-connected computer.

According to Time Warner Cable tech support, our driver had been 'dropped'
and something about a 'NIC Card' being lost. I searched the hard drive and
found 8 occurrences of the file nic1394.sys, one being hidden.

We would appreciate any help in reestablishing our Ethernet network adapter.

Thanks,
Mizzou Fan