Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Ethernet "Not Connected"

I've had this issue for a while now, and I'm running the latest version of snow leopard on my 15'' macbook pro early 2011. When I start up my computer I would have this problem where if I don't have my ethernet cable plugged in when it first starts up it won't be recognized. So if I go to system preferences and go to network it'll say "not connected" even though my ethernet cable is connected.

This problem would only resolve if I restart the computer (I've tried logging out and into another account, etc. but it still didn't work). I've also tried using the diagnostics assistant but it wouldn't help. This problem would also occur say if I unplugged my ethernet cable for a bit and plugged it back in. The computer would say it is still disconnected even though it is not. During this whole time I would have no problem accessing the internet from wifi, unless I turn it off (then I would have no internet connection even with the ethernet cable plugged in). I'm also wondering whether this is a software/hardware problem or has to do with the internet modem.

Macbook Pro (Early 2011), Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Nov 9, 2011 3:52 PM

Best reply

kostby

Level 4

2,940 points

Posted on Nov 9, 2011 8:55 PM

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities.

Simple questions first:

Have you tried another Ethernet cable?

Have you tried connecting (the same cable) to another port on your Ethernet switch or router?

Have you tried another computer with a wired Ethernet port using the same cable and the same port? (in case your Ethernet port is defective or damaged).

Since your Mac less than a year old, a true hardware defect would still be covered under Applecare.

View in context

16 replies

Jan 24, 2016 4:41 PM in response to Nanotechnology

I had this problem too, as soon as I plugged my MacBook Pro into an ethernet cable (which generally doubles my connection speed), I was disconnected from wifi and couldn't connect via ethernet. I tried resetting the NVRAM (previously called PRAM) as suggested above and this didn't fix it. So I took kostby's advice above and simply followed the instructions on the network diagnostics. Just ended up having to switch the Configure IVp4 option to DHCP instead of manual, and then reset the DNS (domain name server) settings and now I can connect via ethernet cable again. I really didn't do anything except follow the instructions after clicking the assist me button. I had recently upgraded the RAM to 8GB prior to this problem, and don't know why that would have anything to do with it, but can't think of anything else I've changed.

Ethernet "Not Connected"