Error Message: "Ethernet cable not connected or broken"

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a user experiencing an error message on their laptop indicating that an "Ethernet cable is not properly plugged in or might be broken." Participants explore potential causes and solutions related to network connectivity, specifically focusing on Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections. The context includes urgency due to an upcoming exam and restrictions from a city lockdown.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests restarting the computer as a first step, but the original poster (OP) indicates this did not resolve the issue.
  • Another participant inquires about the availability of Ethernet service in the OP's area and suggests testing another device to confirm connectivity.
  • A participant describes their own setup involving both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, noting that a Wi-Fi issue would not typically trigger the same error message.
  • There are questions about whether the Ethernet cable is physically connected and functional, with suggestions to check the cable and try a substitute if available.
  • Some participants speculate that the lockdown might have affected internet service, potentially leading to the error message.
  • One participant mentions that the error message could indicate a problem with the Wi-Fi card rather than the Ethernet cable itself, highlighting the complexity of diagnosing the issue remotely.
  • There is a humorous remark about the situation, comparing it to an excuse for not completing homework.
  • Another participant notes the specific context of unrest in Dhaka, suggesting that it may contribute to reduced internet service.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the cause of the error message and potential solutions. There is no consensus on the exact issue or resolution, as various factors such as hardware, service availability, and user setup are considered.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights uncertainties regarding the OP's specific network setup, the condition of the Ethernet cable, and the impact of external factors like the city lockdown on internet service.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals experiencing similar network connectivity issues, particularly those unfamiliar with computer troubleshooting, may find the varied perspectives and suggestions helpful.

tellmesomething
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Hello. I am not at all well versed with computers. My laptop was working fine yesterday. Today I opened it and its telling me that " An ethernet cable is not properly plugged in or might be broken". . I tried following things given on google like open command proof and type something.... But none of this worked. Ive no clue why it would have worked also as I have no knowledge beyond knowing how to operate It. If someone can pitch in with a solution id be grateful as I have a very important exam in a couple of hours and my city is under lockdown due to public unrest so I cannot go to a repair shop immediately today.

Some info, pls let me know if more is needed I just copy pasted this off of the control panel.
Device specifications
Device name: DESKTOP-1SPCA9M
processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 CPU M 580 @2.67GHz 2.67GHz
Installe RAM: 4.00 GB(3.80 GB usable)

Windows specifications

Edition: Windows 10 Pro
Version: 22H2
OS build : 19045.4780
 
Last edited:
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The first thing I would try is to restart the computer.
 
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FactChecker said:
The first thing I would try is to restart the computer.
I tried it multiple times, it didnt work.
 
Do you know if you are getting Ethernet at your house now? Do you have anything else that can get on the Ethernet to test that?
 
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Can you tell us more about your setup? For me, I use WiFi to connect my laptop to my cable modem, and I use an Ethernet cable to connect my wife's work PC to that cable modem. So my laptop would tell me that my WiFi connection is down, but I don't think it would say that my Ethernet cable was not working.

For the hard-wired Ethernet connection, you can generally look at the connector where the cable plugs into the modem and the PC to see if the activity LEDs are blinking. Do you see them blinking?

1724853383339.png


https://avtech.com/articles/225/what-the-ethernet-port-leds-mean-on-a-room-alert-monitor/
 
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Do you actually have an ethernet cable connected to the computer and the router?
Or do you normally use Wi-Fi to get on line.
If you use an ethernet cable - plugged into the socket shown in the reply above this one - are both ends actually plugged in?
 
And is the cable good? Cables fail. Can you try a substitute?
 
If your city is on lockdown it may be that the internet provider has been shut off. That would give this message.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
If your city is on lockdown it may be that the internet provider has been shut off. That would give this message.
Good point! The lockdown is for public unrest, not for COVID or other pandemic issue.
 
  • #10
Kind of a new twist on "My dog ate my homework"... :wink:
 
  • #11
The OP doesn't say where he is, but Dhaka definitely has a) unrest and b) reduced internet.
 
  • #12
berkeman said:
So my laptop would tell me that my WiFi connection is down, but I don't think it would say that my Ethernet cable was not working.
Unfortunately, this being Microsoft, this error message can have nothing to do with an actual ethernet cable - it usually just means that the WiFi card has stopped working. In fact if your laptop actually has an ethernet port you may find that connecting that with a cable to your router will work perfectly!

Unfortunately diagnosing the problem remotely, particularly when dealing with network service providers in India, is very difficult.

tellmesomething said:
I am not at all well versed with computers.
Have you got a friend who is better at this than you are?

Edit: I missed this
tellmesomething said:
I have a very important exam in a couple of hours and my city is under lockdown due to public unrest
 
Last edited:

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