Ethernet cards are very cheap and extremely easy to fit. Probably two screws to remove part of the case. 1 screw to remove a blanking plate at the back. Push in the card and then re-screw. You will need a spare slot of the type to match the card, or rather a card to match the spare slot.

That utility only resets the NVRAM which may have been corrupted. Can you try updating the driver again from your own link?

Thanks....but I'd only try putting in another card, if, the 2nd connection fails.

Hi

This is a known issue with Windows 8. I had the same problem but Intel released a fix.

Click here

Hope that helps!

Thanks for the reply - I've already tried that. I've concluded it's a hardware issue, but as I have a second card I'm now using that. I'm also thinking of getting a Wi-Fi USB 3.0 Adapter maybe this one http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BXAXO7C/ref=wl_it_dp_o...
as a back-up!