Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter not connecting on MacBook Pro Retina

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Level 1

8 points

Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter not connecting on MacBook Pro Retina

I recently purchased the Thunderbolt to Ethernet Adapter to connect to my 13in MacBook Pro Retina Late 2012 (Mountain Lion 10.8.2) to a hardwired internet connection for faster downloads. However, when I connect the ethernet cord to the adapter nothing happens and only the wifi connection is identified.

Ethernet or Thunderbolt Ethernet are not an option in the System Preference > Network. Also, either connection are options when trying to add a network interface ( System Preferences > Network > + > Interface).

I have tried several fixes like Resetting PRAM or Removing Network Preferences File. The NetworkInferences.plist and Preferences.plist files did get recreated after reboot, but only the WIFI interface shows up.

http://tearfulwolfstudios.wordpress.com/2012/03/13/reset-network-preferences-osx /

http://rohanradio.com/blog/2012/02/27/fixing-thunderbolt-ethernet-on-the-macbook -pro/

I am sure the Thunderbolt ports are functional since I am able to connect my display using Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter

Could I have corrupted the Network Preference File or is could the Thunderbolt to Ethernet Adapter damaged?

Please help.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2), Thunderbolt Ethernet Adapter

Posted on Feb 23, 2013 2:29 PM

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Answer 1

Eric Root

Level 10

684,057 points

Feb 23, 2013 2:45 PM in response to San02Juan

There is some information in this discussion.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4274865?answerId=19550825022#19550825022

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Answer 2

San02Juan Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 23, 2013 3:19 PM in response to Eric Root

Eric thanks for the reply. I looked at this discussion before I posted this question. None of these options seem to solve my problem as I can't even select Ethernet as an option even when running Assist Me. It's as if my ethernet drivers are totally corrupted or non-existent.

Anyone know how to restore the Ethernet drivers? Deleting NetworkInterfaces.plist and NetworkPrefereces.plist did not help.

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Answer 3

erinvang

Level 1

0 points

Mar 10, 2013 7:56 PM in response to San02Juan

I had this problem, too, and an Apple Support call and Genius Bar visit later, I had the answer: if you're using Network Locations that preexist your Thunderbolt display, it doesn't seem to auto-add the possibility of "Display Ethernet" to your available network ports. To solve this, either:

Create a new Location in your Network system preferences. It will finally detect the "Display Ethernet" and use it. It'll slowly change from disconnected to No IP to green-is-for-go.

or

Fix an existing Location by clicking the + to add a port and choosing Display Ethernet. It'll slowly change from disconnected to No IP to green-is-for-go.

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Answer 4

sinoue

Level 2

236 points

Mar 19, 2013 3:10 PM in response to erinvang

erinvang - THANK YOU!

Deleting and readding a network connection worked for me.

I also noticed that if you use a Thunderbolt to HDMI adapter (3rd party) that when I pull it out and plug-in Apple's Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet adapter that I have to restart my Mac. One time I had to go into System preferences >> Sharing >> and turn off ethernet sharing over Thunderbolt for the Mac to figure out which Thunderbolt adapter I had plugged in.

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