Install ethernet driver on Windows 7 NEW

[Jeffreyet]

I resurrected this old thread, exact same issue. My product number is QN557AA#ABA. 

Your driver linked for the OP did not work for me. Thanks in advance!

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

The product specs for your PC indicate that it comes with a RTL8171EH-CG gigabit ethernet controller.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c02838702

I would use the latest W7 ethernet controller driver directly from Realtek.

Download, unzip and run the setup application from the W7 driver at the link below...4th one down under the Windows files section.

https://www.realtek.com/en/component/zoo/category/network-interface-controllers-10-100-1000m-gigabit...

[Jeffreyet]

Thanks Paul!

The installation appears partially effective. On the one hand, I can access a very few partial websites and my network tray says I have internet access. On the other, my browser can't access the internet, and I have code 28 "no driver installed" for my network controller. Do I need additional drivers?

[Jeffreyet]

...Also no drivers for PCI Simple Communications Controller, and SM Bus Controller!

2 years ago I did the same clean install, and I don't remember having to manually install all of these drivers. Whazzup? 

Also W7 did not request my license key, is that normal?

[Jeffreyet]

I know finding info for 3 more (AFAIK) drivers is a lot of legwork, maybe you can point me to a trustworthy tool to use myself?

[Jeffreyet]

If I could find and install just 1  or 2 two of these missing drivers, once online I can use Windows to find the remainder:

Network Controller (using ethernet cable so not critical now)
PCI Simple Communications Controller
SM Bus Controller

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Your PC's support page doesn't have any of those drivers...

You need these drivers...

SM Bus Controller:  Install this driver first and restart the PC.

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp57001-57500/sp57417.exe

PCI Simple Communications Controller:

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp57001-57500/sp57372.exe

Network Controller:

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp71001-71500/sp71421.exe

[Jeffreyet]

Thank you Paul. Yesterday I found another thread with two of those (you're a busy guy, aren't you?) '17 worked, '72 didn't.  I'll try the new links for '72 and '21 now.

You are like a Hewlett-Packard Resurrection Saint...

OK '21 worked, so I have 3/4 drivers installed now. Neither link for '72 - PCI Simple  - always aborts with the "minimum requirements" message (9996). Still missing from Device Manager list. Is there an alternative source or driver? Or is there a specific installation step I am missing?

[Jeffreyet]

I found www.driversforhp.com which looks official and comprehensive, but has thousands of un-indexed links with no search function...

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

I'm surprised that one didn't work.

See if this one works...if it doesn't, please post the hardware ID for the PCI Simple Comms Controller.

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp54001-54500/sp54425.exe

Use this guide for how to find the hardware ID for a device...

https://www.howtogeek.com/193798/how-to-find-drivers-for-unknown-devices-in-the-device-manager/