Windows 7 lacks a “network reset” button found in later OS versions. Instead:
| Issue | Solution | |-------|----------| | Adapter not reappearing after restart | Shut down, unplug power for 30 sec, reboot (cold reset). Check BIOS → Integrated Peripherals → onboard LAN is enabled. | | “Driver not intended for this platform” | You downloaded the wrong architecture (32-bit vs 64-bit) or OS version. | | Yellow exclamation mark in Device Manager | Driver conflict. Right-click → Properties → Driver tab → Roll Back Driver or Update Driver. | | Windows cannot find driver automatically | Point Device Manager to the folder where you saved the manufacturer’s driver (Method A → Update Driver → Browse). | how to reinstall network adapter windows 7