Windows 10: I recently changed hardware on this device. (I only added an Intel network adaptor)

Hello.


My onboard Ethernet controller just died. I added an Intel NIC, and told Windows to reinstall Windows 10 Pro. I disabled the old onboard Killer NIC.


Now I'm unable to activate. I have 2 digital Windows 10 versions tied to my account. It says 1/10 licences used.

I see my desktop listed, but it won't reactivate.


I run the activation troubleshooter,


Troubleshooting was completed


You can activate this device by going to the store and purchasing a genuine copy of Windows

or

I recently changed hardware on this device. <-- I click this hyperlink.


The next dialogue window prompts me to reactivate, and detects the desktop I'm using correctly. I tick "This is the device I'm using at the moment" and click "Activate".

Unable to activate Windows​

We can’t reactivate Windows on this device. Try again later.​

You can also activate this device by going to the Store and purchasing a genuine copy of Windows​

Do I seriously have to buy a third copy of Windows because I installed a network adaptor? The Indian gentleman I spoke to when I rang support suggested this was my only option. I was only given a Windows 10 Pro digitally linked to my Microsoft account.


I think the "I recently changed hardware on this device" is broken. All I did was add an Intel NIC, I'm not buying a new OS because of that.

:)

 

The Intel 82579LM Gigabit Network Connection Adapter is experiencing driver or hardware related problems

Hi,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community. Your interest in Windows 10 is much appreciated.

I suggest you to follow the below methods and check if it helps.

Method 1: I suggest you to run the hardware troubleshooter as below and check if it helps.

• Type in search bar as control panel.
• Then select troubleshooting.
• Click on hardware and sound option.
• Then click on “hardware and devices “and follow the on screen instructions.

Method 2: I suggest you to uninstall the network drivers as below steps.

• Press Windows+X and select “Device manager”.
• Then expand the Network adapters.
• Right click on the driver and uninstall it.

And then go to the manufacturers website download the network drivers, install it and check if the issue persists.

Hope this information was helpful and do let us know if you need further assistance. We will be glad to assist.

 

Network adaptor

Hi,

Welcome to Microsoft Community and thank you for your interest in Windows 10.

You may follow the steps provided below and check if it helps to resolve the issue

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter to check and fix issues with Internet connection. I would suggest you to run this troubleshooter to check if the issue is with your internet.

Refer these steps:

• Press Windows key +X, select Control panel
• Change the view by option on the top right to Large icons
• Click on troubleshooting and click on the view all option on the left panel
• Run the Internet Connection troubleshooter

Method 2: Try updating the latest Network Adapter drivers from the manufacturer's website and check if the issue persists.

• 
  Follow the steps to update the Network Adapter drivers:
  
• 
  Press Windows key + X key and click Device Manager.
  
• 
  Expand Network Adapter.
  
• 
  Right-click on the Ethernet and click on Update driver software.
  
• 
  Restart the computer and check.
  

For games I suggest you to disable the proxy settings and then try to download the games.

Hope this information was helpful and do let us know if you need further assistance. We will be glad to assist.

 

Change the way new devices are added to the Devices and Drives list


Hopefully this is in the correct place, but I am sure a mod will move it if it is not so with that being said:

By default, anytime a new devices is added to the system (a phone connected via USB for example) the icon for that device is placed in the first position in the Devices and Drives list under This PC.

This behavior is really annoying because it pushes all the other icons that were already in the list to the next position in the list which totally messes with my muscle memory when navigating within the folder.

A simple fix for this issue is to make it so that any device added to the system is added to the END of the list as is shown in the attached image and the way it was done in previous versions of Windows. This way, all icons stay in their default position in the list and all is well in the universe.

The question of course is how to achieve the desired result either by some registry hack or by changing some hidden menu setting from explorer or some other method entirely.

This is where you fine folks come in with your infinite wisdom to save the day and I thank you for your time and replies in advance.




(The default view before any device is added to the system ... homeostasis achieved)




(After a device has been added to the system.... Annoying +1)





(Desired result .... Peace on Earth)