What steps should you take when your network adapter driver fails to install?

1 Verify Device

Before diving into more advanced troubleshooting, ensure that the network adapter is properly seated in its slot if it's an internal card, or securely connected if it's a USB adapter. Sometimes, the simplest solution is the correct one. Check the Device Manager in Windows to see if the adapter is recognized by the system. If it's listed with a yellow exclamation mark, Windows is aware of it but has encountered an issue. This could be due to the failed driver installation you're experiencing.

2 Update Driver

If the network adapter is recognized but not functioning due to driver issues, attempt to update the driver manually. Access the Device Manager, right-click on the network adapter, and select 'Update Driver'. Choose 'Search automatically for updated driver software' to let Windows find and install the correct driver. If this doesn't work, you may need to download the latest driver from the manufacturer's website using another device and transfer it via USB.

3 Roll Back

When a new driver update causes issues, rolling back to a previous version can resolve them. In Device Manager, right-click the network adapter, select 'Properties', and navigate to the 'Driver' tab. Click 'Roll Back Driver' if the option is available. This will revert to the last installed version which may restore functionality. Remember that this option is only available if there was a previous driver installed that you can revert to.

4 System Restore

If driver updates and rollbacks don't solve the issue, consider using System Restore. This feature allows you to revert your computer's software configuration to a previous state without affecting personal files. To perform a System Restore, type 'System Restore' in the Windows search box, select 'Create a restore point', and follow the prompts. Choose a restore point from before the driver installation issue occurred.

5 Disable Conflicts

Software conflicts can prevent a driver from installing correctly. Boot into Safe Mode by holding down the 'Shift' key while selecting 'Restart' from the Windows Start menu. In Safe Mode, only essential programs run, reducing the chance of conflicts. Attempt to install the network adapter driver in this mode. If successful, restart your computer normally and check if the network adapter functions correctly.

6 Contact Support

If all else fails, reach out to the network adapter manufacturer's customer support for assistance. They can provide guidance specific to your hardware model. Additionally, consider consulting with a professional network administrator who has experience dealing with complex driver issues. They might identify a unique problem specific to your system setup or provide an alternative solution that you haven't tried yet.