You problably have several network controlers - that's very common for years - on your PC. The one that currently doesn't work is an Ethernet one that is used to connect your PC to a network using a cable. Next to it you probably have a Wireless network controller. If the latter works you have access to your local network and/or Internet even if your Ethernet controller doesn't work. Of course if your Wireless controller was having that problem but not your Ethernet controller you would still have access to your local network and/or Internet but using a cable that time.
Windows Device Manager error codes
- See Description of Code 10-related errors that Device Manager generates in Windows-based computers. In a nutshell it's usually due to and incompatible, outdated, or corrupted device driver.
- Explanation of error codes generated by Device Manager
Approach to fix the problem
Try updating the driver automatically ([Win]+X / Device Manager / Network adapter / Double-click on your Broadcom NetXtreme device / Driver tab / Click Update driver)
If this doesn't work - i.e. Windows doesn't find a more recent driver.
NB: If you already know the exact model of your Broadcom NetXtreme controller you can skip steps 1 and 2
- Take note of the Hardware Id of your device ([Win]+X / Device Manager / Network adapter / Double-click on your Broadcom NetXtreme device / Details tab / Select Hardware Ids in Property / Right-click 2nd Value / Copy)
- Open your preferred Internet browser and search the Net for the Hardware Id you just Copied - Paste the value to avoid any mistake. The results you'll find should help you identify what the exact model you have - there are several according to the Broadcom Ethernet NIC Driver Downloads page
- Go to the above page to download your device driver paying attention to "32 bit" vs. "x64" and to the comments for the driver
- In File Explorer go to the folder where the new Broadcom driver was downloaded and double-clic on the .zip file to extract all files
- Install the new driver ([Win]+X / Device Manager / Network adapter / Double-click on your Broadcom NetXtreme device / Driver tab / Click Update Driver... / Browse my computer for driver software / Click Browse... and navigate to the folder where the driver was unZipped / Click Next...)
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