embarassed to ask

[faek]

Ok, I'm sure there's a super basic answer, but I'm not as skilled when it comes to setting up a connection.. so here goes:

Basically, I just built a computer and am setting up the connection right now [LAN]. Under network connections, it only displays my firewire connection, and a wireless connection I setup [driver on mobo cd]. I'm not going to use wireless yet, nor can I, so a basic cable connection at the moment is fine. So how do I set it up? I'm thinking it just requires installing a driver or something, but am unsure right now. I have a LAN cable going into a port on my motherboard, the lights indicate a linked connection [at 100 Mbps].

Also, under "network connections" there's two categories of connections, 'Connection Manager' and 'LAN or high-speed internet'. The LAN category only shows my firewire port and wireless connection which I'm not using.
Under Connection Manager, there's a greyed out icon: "MSN" - unavailable - device missing. Again, I'm an admitted noob when it comes to connections here.. so might that be it? Sorry if I didn't provide enough of the right information, thanks for helping.

 

[talldude123]

Refer to your drivers CD or go to your motherboard's website and download the driver for your ethernet card.

In Control Panel -> System -> Hardware -> Device Manager, do you see an "Ethernet Controller" with a "!" next to it? That is your ethernet card. I'm guessing that is what's showing up if it's not shown in Network Connections.

 

[faek]

Ok, so ethernet card isn't even shown... I haven't bought one yet. But I thought it was still possible to connect, I mean, I didn't have one on my last PC [but suppose there could've been some other software/hardware to compensate?]. So yea, I don't have one yet.. I guess I'm hoping that's the answer

Is there no other way? [I have NO problem buying a card this minute, I'm just trying to learn here as well ]

 

[faek]

ok, but I don't need an ethernet card since it's integrated right? on the asus cd that came w/ the mobo [M2N32-SLI Deluxe], there's just a driver for the wifi, so i'm still stuck on how to get those lan ports recognized [by windows?]. argh

 

[faek]

solved

Ok got thru it... i needed to install an nvidia driver from the asus cd.. i thought that driver was to assist the chipset in communicating w/ other nvidia products, so didn't have it installed. Oh well, learned something and it's behind me now. Sweet