This is onr example of a Network adapter, or also know as an Ethernet Adapter Card,
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=686143&CatId=200This is Dell Support >XPS 400 desktop computer > Service Manual,
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xps400/sm/index.htm1) Work on a table. Computer off, and unplugged from power, open the computer case.
(Removing the Computer Cover, in the list)
2) Follow Anti-Static precautions.
[Anti-Static Precautions:
Your body carries Static electricity.
Static will fry out (Short Circuit) the delicate hardware components, inside a computer.
To relieve your body of Static, TOUCH the metal frame of the open computer case.
Should you leave your computer in the middle of working on it, upon your return be sure to Touch the metal frame again ]
3) View the motherboard inside your computer.
(The motherboard is also referred to as the Mainboard, {Proper speak}, and System Board)
Technical Overview > System Board Components,
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xps400/sm/techov.htm#wp1053398Viewing the illustration of the motherboard, the Ethernet Adapter Card example I gave above, would go in either one of the PCI expansion slots.
These are white in color, and in the illustration are labeled - PCI Card Connectors.
If there is already an adapter card installed in both PCI expansion slots, then see if the PCI Express x1 expansion slot is open.
In reality, PCI Express is a better technology than PCI.
Shown on the motherboard as PCI Express x1 Card Connector.
This is an example of an Ethernet Card, (Ethernet Adapter Card), that uses the PCI Express x1 expansion slot,
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4675156&CatId=200The reason I have suggested buying, and installing an Ethernet Adapter Card is threefold.
1) You may have your Ethernet cable plugged into the Ethernet port of the computer,
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xps400/sm/about.htm#wp1053567[Number 3 - Network Connector],
and the built-in Ethernet is no good.
Reinstalling drivers May help, but the above is a sure thing.
2) You have an Ethernet Adapter Card plugged into one of the PCI slots, or the PCI Express x1 slot, and the Ethernet adapter card is no good.
They do go bad, and are economical to replace.
3) There was an Ethernet Adapter Card installed previously, but taken out before you received the computer.
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