I've already followed the steps for reinstalling the TCP/IP protocol driver. The problem I am experiencing is probably pretty specific, but I am hoping there is a general solution to fix. It seems like I need to reinstall the entire networking subsystem. If I can't do that then I am probably reinstalling the whole operating system.
Here are my symptoms:
- VirtualBox cannot find any networking hardware - so I cannot setup a host adapter or bridged adapter. I uninstalled/reinstalled/repaired VirtualBox a few times, then realized it wasn't the problem.
- The network status icon in the system tray always shows disconnected (even though I am connected via wireless - and the internet works.)
- The Network Connections listing in Control Panel is empty (the place where the adapters should be listed.)
- Connections on the Network and Sharing Center is blank.
- Device manager lists my wireles networks adapter with the status "This device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device. (Code 31)"
- Updating the driver for my networks adapter says "The best driver software for your device is already installed." even if I uninstall the drivers first.
- See update on Netmon below.
I was having some networking issues with VirtualBox after updating to the new version. I noticed I had LogMeIn Hamachi installed, which included a virtual adapter. I wasn't using it, so I uninstalled it. Then reinstalled VirtualBox. At this point the networking seemed worse. It was in the process of debugging that when I discovered the other symptoms.
When I researched the problems with VirtualBox everything I read said that doing a repair would fix it. I did a repair, I even uninstalled it and reinstalled it. Still the same behavior.
There used to be a lot of adapters listed in the Network Connections screen, not just the wireless adapter. I am connected right now though, so the network works, but Windows 7 is reporting that it does not.
Vital stats:
- I am running Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit.
- There is no 3rd party wireless software.
- I didn't notice anything in the event log.
Update: Another symptom is my "Network Connections" (Netmon) service, which "manages the network connections folder" tends to hang (max out one core) and not restart when I tell it to. I'm guessing that is the most telling symptom there.