Windows 10: Why can't windows connect to the internet OR use my speakers / headphone?

I'm frustrated and need some assistance.


I recently installed Windows 10 on a Dell GX620 which originally came with Windows XP Professional. It is a dual boot system with Linux 19.2 {Tessa}, which has been on the machine since Linux 14 along with XP Pro, Vista and Windows 7. I deleted the existing Windows partition and created another one for Windows 10.

After installation, it was working fine so I installed some of my tools, Ztree , Dragon Naturally Speaking and Livescribe Desktop. Then I checked and of course there were several updates needed. I started the updates and left the computer. When I got back, I saw that it had rebooted into Linux, a common occurrence when updating a Windows installation. I rebooted into Windows 10.


It showed one of the updates hadn't started and the other was apparently stuck at 76% or thereabouts. There were no power failures or anyone else even in the room of the computer so I have no idea why it rebooted although that is something Windows has done since Windows 95. No biggie, I'll just restart the updates.


Apparently, the reason it was stuck at 76% is that not only did Windows "update" my sound card out of existence but it did the same with my network card. Of course it can't get to the internet to complete the updates nor can I even log into my home network. I also tried a Logitech headset with no success. If I run diagnostics on the sound card or network card Windows says both are working fine. Really? I did all the troubleshooting allowed and nothing makes a difference.


No biggie, I'll just use my extra long network cable from the cable modem/router directly into the card rather than a Wi-Fi dongle. It recognizes the Ethernet cable but when I click to view available networks, nothing happens. No biggie, I dragged the computer into the "server room" and used a total of five different network cables with no success. I also tried five different Wi-Fi dongles with no success.


Each and every one of the cables AND dongles work properly in Linux.

I started working on computers in the late 70's, installing and configuring Unix systems. Since the days of Windows 3.1 (1992), I've had dual boot systems with no problems. (Windows is generally unaware of the Linux installation.) So, it's not the hardware, it's not the Wi-Fi dongles or Ethernet cables. It isn't the fact that it's a dual boot system. I know I can't reinstall as Windows will tell me it's already been installed and eventually disable it.

Any suggestions other than deleting it and just dumping Windows as an OS?


Thanks for any help you might have!

:)

 

Speakers and headphones work at the same time

Hi.

Let us isolate your concern by answering these few questions.

• Have you tried connecting your headphones directly to your desktop?
• Does your speaker work normally when connected to your desktop?

You may try the following steps to help resolve your concern:

• Unplug or Disconnect your speaker from the desktop.
• Connect your headphone directly to the desktop.

If the headphone works properly when directly connected to the desktop, we suggest that you contact your speaker manufacturer for assistance.

Let us know how it goes.

 

No Speakers or Headphones detected

Hi,

This issue may have been caused by a corrupted Audio driver or defective audio port.

To better understand this concern please answer the following questions:

• Are you still able to play music using a built-in speakers?
• Have you tried using other headphones or external speakers?

We also suggest that you run audio troubleshooter by following these steps:

• Type "troubleshooting" on the search box.
• Select Troubleshooting on the result.
• Click View all.
• Choose Playing Audio then follow the instructions.

If you need further assistance, don't hesitate to post back.

 

Speakers playing when headphones are plugged in


I have an HP laptop with windows 10. When my headphones are plugged in, the speakers are still playing. When I go to sounds, the only device listed is the speakers. How can I silence the speakers when the headphones are plugged in.