FAQ
TL;DR: Windows 7 x64 with Realtek ID DEV_8168 shows "This device cannot be started. Code 10"; try Safe Mode install, BIOS check, or add a PCIe NIC. [Elektroda, Ikscer, post #16641902]
Why it matters:** It helps you quickly restore wired Ethernet when drivers fail or the onboard NIC is faulty. This FAQ is for DIY PC users fixing Realtek PCIe GBE on Asus P7P55-M.
Quick Facts
- Symptom: Realtek PCIe GBE shows a yellow bang and Code 10; LAN missing from Network Connections. [Elektroda, Ikscer, post #16641902]
- Platform: Windows 7 x64 after moving from XP; Wi‑Fi works, Ethernet does not. [Elektroda, Ikscer, post #16642388]
- Attempts tried: ASUS and Realtek drivers fail; Windows reports an install error. [Elektroda, Ikscer, post #16642501]
- Next checks: Use Safe Mode with Networking and confirm onboard LAN is enabled in BIOS. [Elektroda, hermes-80, post #16645037]
- Hardware fallback: If onboard LAN is dead, add a PCIe Ethernet card and disable onboard LAN. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16647616]
What does Device Manager "Code 10" mean for a Realtek PCIe GBE adapter?
It indicates Windows can’t start the device. The adapter shows a yellow triangle and won’t appear as a usable LAN interface. In this thread, the Realtek PCIe GBE family controller reports Code 10 and fails to install drivers, which explains the missing Ethernet in Network Connections. "This device cannot be started. Code 10" is the exact status shown. [Elektroda, Ikscer, post #16641902]
How do I try installing the Realtek driver in Safe Mode?
- Uninstall the current Realtek driver.
- Boot into Safe Mode with Networking.
- In Device Manager, Update Driver and point to the downloaded Realtek package to install manually. This avoids third‑party services blocking installation and lets Windows load minimal drivers. The helper specifically recommends Safe Mode and manual install via Device Manager. [Elektroda, hermes-80, post #16645037]
Where do I find the right driver if ASUS and auto‑search fail?
The thread author tried ASUS support and Realtek packages but Windows reported an install error. When this happens, use Safe Mode and install the package manually from Device Manager. If installation still fails with Code 10, proceed to BIOS checks and hardware testing, as software attempts may be exhausted. [Elektroda, Ikscer, post #16642501]
Could the onboard LAN be disabled in BIOS?
Yes. If LAN is disabled in BIOS, Windows can’t initialize it, which resembles a Code 10 scenario. One helper advises verifying BIOS settings first. Ensure Onboard LAN is Enabled, save, and reboot. If it’s already enabled and Code 10 persists, continue with driver reinstall or hardware testing steps. [Elektroda, hermes-80, post #16645037]
How can I confirm if the NIC itself is faulty?
Boot a Linux live USB (Ubuntu, Debian, etc.) and check if Ethernet works there. If it also fails, the hardware is likely defective. If it works under Linux, the Windows driver stack is the issue. The thread suggests a live Linux test to separate software from hardware faults. [Elektroda, bogiebog, post #16641994]
I just built the PC and it’s under four months old—can the NIC still be bad?
Yes. New hardware can fail early. The original poster noted the system was under four months old, yet the LAN still showed Code 10. Early‑life failures happen, so don’t rule out a defective onboard controller even on fresh builds. [Elektroda, Ikscer, post #16642337]
What if Windows doesn’t show any LAN adapter in Network Connections?
That’s consistent with Code 10 on the Realtek controller. Windows lists only the working Broadcom Wi‑Fi card, so Ethernet is unavailable. Resolving the driver or hardware issue will restore the LAN interface. Until then, use Wi‑Fi as a temporary connection. [Elektroda, Ikscer, post #16641902]
What are those hardware IDs (VEN_10EC, DEV_8168) and why do they matter?
They identify the vendor and device. VEN_10EC is Realtek; DEV_8168 maps to the 8111/8168 Gigabit family. Using these IDs helps match the exact driver during manual installation. The OP shared these IDs when driver auto‑install failed. [Elektroda, Ikscer, post #16641902]
If drivers keep failing, what’s the fastest path to stable Ethernet?
Install a separate PCIe Gigabit Ethernet card and disable the onboard LAN in BIOS. This bypasses a flaky integrated controller and gets you online quickly. As one helper put it, "Buy a card for a sufficiently free slot." [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16647616]
How do I check that the issue isn’t the router or cable?
Use the same Ethernet cable and router port with another device to verify link and DHCP. The OP’s Wi‑Fi worked, but Ethernet didn’t appear at all due to Code 10, pointing inward to the PC. After confirming the network path is fine, focus on the NIC and drivers. [Elektroda, Ikscer, post #16641902]
Can Windows report driver found but still fail install?
Yes. The OP repeatedly saw "Windows found the drivers, but encountered an error while installing." That commonly leaves the device in Code 10. Manual installation in Safe Mode is the recommended next step before concluding hardware failure. [Elektroda, Ikscer, post #16642501]
What’s a practical recovery sequence when Realtek PCIe GBE shows Code 10?
Uninstall the driver, reboot to Safe Mode with Networking, install the Realtek package manually, and verify BIOS LAN is enabled. If Ethernet still fails or is missing, test with a Linux live USB. Persistent failure suggests a dead onboard NIC; add a PCIe card. [Elektroda, hermes-80, post #16645037]
What is a Linux live USB and why use it here?
It’s a bootable USB that runs Linux without installing it. It loads its own drivers, so you can test hardware independently of Windows. If Ethernet still doesn’t work under Linux, the NIC or motherboard circuitry is failing. [Elektroda, bogiebog, post #16641994]
Edge case: Windows shows Code 10, but BIOS and drivers seem fine—what then?
Disable the onboard NIC in BIOS and install a cheap PCIe Ethernet card. This avoids motherboard repair and restores wired connectivity immediately. It’s the thread’s final contingency when software fixes do not resolve Code 10. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16647616]
Yes I checked, everything turned on
