How to Know if an Ethernet Jack Is Fried

A fried Ethernet jack on a device won't respond to other devices when it's supposed to be used. Additionally, the computer may report errors with the device or be unable to find it. The possible symptoms of a fried Ethernet jack involve the activity lights staying dark when a cable is plugged in, the connection constantly drops out and the connection not working at all.


Swap Parts

A bad router or router port could be the culprit.
The Ethernet adapter might not be the failing network component when showing hardware failure symptoms. Before addressing the Ethernet jack, try swapping the Ethernet cable for one you know is working. If the cable isn't the issue, try connecting the device another working Ethernet-compatible device like a cable modem, a DSL modem, a router or a hub. For example, the device may be connected to a router and then an outgoing modem, so connecting the device directly to the modem can rule out the router. You can also try connecting another device to the same port the device with the questionably-working Ethernet jack is using. If the other devices work, there is an issue with the Ethernet jack or adapter.

Bad or Missing Drivers

This computer uses a peripheral Ethernet adapter which may need special drivers.
If the Ethernet jack isn't responding, the drivers may have become corrupted, uninstalled or need to be updated. Drivers are the programs that run hardware components. To check this on a PC, press "Ctrl+R" to launch the run menu, type "devmgmt.msc" and select "OK." The Ethernet adapter, if recognized, will appear under the "Network adapters" tree." If the adapter has a yellow circle with an exclamation point icon next to it, there is a problem with the device. Double left-click on the Ethernet adapter from the list to bring up the properties tab. The "Device status" area will explain what is wrong with the device and how to fix it, which usually involves reinstalling or updating the device drivers. Devices other than computers may have to do a firmware reset to fix the missing driver software.

Not in System Devices

Peripheral cards need to be firmly secured in the slots to work.
A computer with a non-working Ethernet jack may be unable to recognize the device. To check for an unrecognized device press "Ctrl+R" to launch the run menu, type "devmgmt.msc" and select "OK." Check under the "Network adapters" tree for the Ethernet adapter, if it isn't there, check under "Other devices." The Ethernet adapter may appear under the "Other devices" tree without a name or as an unrecognized device--which can be resolved by installing the drivers. If the Ethernet adapter doesn't appear anywhere on the device manager, it is either not properly connected to the computer or has failed. On-board Ethernet jacks can't be replaced. If the adapter is a peripheral card, try pulling it out and reinserting it or using a different slot.

Replace the Ethernet Port

Broken Ethernet parts can usually be replaced.
Replace a problematic Ethernet jack by adding a new Ethernet adapter to the device. Desktop computers can use PCI and PCI Express Ethernet adapters as replacements. Both desktops and laptops can use USB Ethernet adapters as replacements. Other devices may work with USB adapters, but support varies by device.



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