[rockrr]

I was given a USB Ethernet adapter (looks like a USB Wi-Fi adapter). I thought, "Who would want something like this?" and almost turned it down. It has been a godsend!

I've used it three times already on repairs or on new machine setups where, just like in Babu's case, the NIC isn't recognized.

I wonder what they cost?!

[Babu]

USB Ethernet adapter The link someone kindly gave earlier in this thread shows one on Newegg (a great seller I have used) for $20.99. I suppose they are all over ebay as well ...

Sounds like a really handy item to have around. If I didn't have more than one computer in the house and some flash drives, I would have had to have gone right down to Fry's Electronics and bought one.

[markman46]

Not a lot, got one at best buy for between 15-20

[kylaka]

I didn't know they made them USB. Comp USA sells 'em for 20 bucks apparently. I'm kinda lucky because I build my own systems and usually stick with Intel motherboards. The one I'm using now has 8 USB ports and 6 PCI slots. Its very flexible when you run into hardware problems. I also usually run dual boot W2K and XP, so separating hardware and software problems is a snap. Loading and maintaining 2 OS's is a bit of a drag though.