Windows 10: Refurbished computer with fresh Windows 10 install not detecting ethernet cable

Hello, I recently bought my mom a refurbished Dell Optiplex 5050. Theres no wifi, which I thought maybe I misread the listing so i went for ethernet and the computer is not dectecting that either. I've tried resetting things through the command prompt as it it says on the Dell website, reset the network settings and disabled and re enabled the adapter in device settings.I tried the troubleshooter and it says that the cable isn't plugged in, which it is. I looked inside the PC as well to see if any connections are missing on the motherboard, but im not as familiar with dell proprietary mother

:)

 

Computer not recognizing Ethernet cable

Hi Vijay, I appreciate your help.

I will try each step even if I've already done it, just to make sure, and post my results.

A. When I troubleshoot internet connections, it tells me “Plug an ethernet cable into this computer” and says my cable might be broken or disconnected. However of course i have tried a different working cable with no luck.

when I troubleshoot network adapter, it says “plug an Ethernet cable into the network adapter ‘Ethernet’” which of course has already been done so it is not recognizing it.

B. I tried every suggestion/step listed (except for the wifi troubleshooting since my computer doesn't have wifi) and none of them worked.

C. When I run the windows update troubleshooter, it tells me “download and install pending updates” (Maybe it is not up to date because I tried reinstalling windows 10 to see if that would fix the internet, but it did not. I updated it like last week or
something like that) but of course I can't download the updates without internet. If I click “apply this fix” it tells me to plug in an Ethernet cable. But i believe windows 10 was up to date before this issue even began because I updated it just a week ago.

D. I do not understand this step. The guide is confusing to me. It also appears that I have to download tools in order to do this repair. I cannot download anything because my computer cannot connect to the internet. I don't have a USB flashdrive. I did
try reinstalling Windows 10 though and it did not help.

 

Unable to detect Ethernet cable

All of a sudden my Windows 7 computer cannot detect my ethernet cable. I’ve checked the cable, switched cables, changed router ports and nothing has worked. I need real help here. I’m trying to switch to a new Windows 10 computer and need to access One
Drive.

 

Computer Is Not Detecting Ethernet Cable/Saying Its Unplugged

Hi Michael,

This could have happened due to several reasons like outdated driver or issue with your Ethernet cable. To resolve your issue, we suggest that you follow the steps provided on this link:

Fix network connection issues in Windows 10.

Regards.