SYMPTOMS
Network card (NIC) detection fails during installation, with related errors reported by the installer or being written into the install log.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If the error(s) reference the \"System.Management...\" or similar libraries/errors, WMI may not be functioning properly. In such cases it is imperative to go first to KB article \"WMI problems and fixes\" and follow the directions there.
CAUSE
This error can be caused by several different issues.
- A NIC is not present
If present, the NIC device driver is not loaded, is reporting errors, or may be the wrong version or in need of update
If a NIC and proper device driver are both present, it may be that WMI is not functioning properly on the machine
RESOLUTION
Read this article and related materials completely before proceeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Device drivers are third party software provided in support of hardware and/or Windows itself. Improperly updating a device driver may interfere with device operation and, in extreme cases, may result in an unstable or unusable installation of Windows on the machine in question.
First, verify that Windows is fully updated. Having Windows in need of Update can block functionality of various hardware components, their device drivers, or installed software programs.
Second, verify that a NIC (or an on-motherboard network interface chipset) are physically present.
Then verify that the machine has a NIC (driver) installed and that it is functional.
- Start the Computer Management Console
Click the Devices or Device Manager icon in the left pane
Locate the Network Adapters icon in the right pane
If there is a plus sign next to the Network Adapters icon, click that
For each NIC listed, verify that a specific Device Driver is listed and is not flagged as having errors
If any of the NICs displayed per above are showing errors or are highlighted in yellow, then either the NIC itself is malfunctioning or the proper device driver is not loaded.
For each such NIC please update the device drivers as appropriate.
If after all the above and if all NICs are showing \"good\" status in the Computer Management console, please proceed to the KB article \"WMI problems and fixes\" and follow the directions there.
MORE INFORMATION
If after all the above the installer still fails to detect a NIC, or for further assistance please contact Technical Support.
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APPLIES TOInstall Installer Installation Error Network card NIC Detection WMI