This Device Is Not Working Properly "Ethernet Adapter Error Code 31"

The "Ethernet Adapter Error Code 31" typically appears in Device Manager and indicates that your Ethernet adapter is not functioning correctly. This error can be caused by a variety of issues, including driver problems, hardware conflicts, or system corruption. Here’s a guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve Error Code 31 for your Ethernet adapter.

Understanding Error Code 31

Error Code 31 signifies that Windows cannot load the drivers required for your Ethernet adapter to function properly. The causes can include:

• Corrupted or Outdated Drivers: The drivers that manage your Ethernet adapter might be outdated or corrupt.
• Conflicting Hardware: There could be a conflict with other hardware or devices.
• Disabled or Unavailable Device: The device might be disabled or improperly configured.
• System File Corruption: Corrupted system files can prevent the adapter from working correctly.

1. Update Ethernet Adapter Drivers

Updating the drivers can resolve issues caused by outdated or corrupt driver files.

1. Open Device Manager:

   • Right-click on the Start menu and select “Device Manager.”

2. Locate Your Ethernet Adapter:

   • Expand the “Network adapters” section and find your Ethernet adapter.

3. Update the Driver:

   • Right-click on the Ethernet adapter and select “Update driver.”
   • Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the prompts to install any available updates.

4. Restart Your Computer:

   • After updating the driver, restart your computer to apply the changes.

2. Uninstall and Reinstall Ethernet Adapter

Reinstalling the Ethernet adapter can help resolve driver-related issues.

1. Open Device Manager:

   • Right-click on the Start menu and select “Device Manager.”

2. Uninstall the Device:

   • Expand the “Network adapters” section, right-click on your Ethernet adapter, and select “Uninstall device.”
   • Check the option to delete the driver software if available and click “Uninstall.”

3. Restart Your Computer:

   • Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the Ethernet adapter and its drivers.

4. Check Device Status:

   • After the restart, check Device Manager to ensure that the Ethernet adapter is functioning correctly.

3. Check Ethernet Adapter Settings

Ensure that the Ethernet adapter is enabled and properly configured.

1. Open Network Connections:

   • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.

2. Check Adapter Status:

   • Find your Ethernet adapter in the list. Right-click on it and select “Properties.”
   • Make sure the device is enabled. If it’s disabled, click “Enable.”

3. Configure Adapter Settings:

   • Go to the “Networking” tab and ensure that the correct protocols and services are installed and configured.

4. Run Network Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in network troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix issues with your network adapters.

1. Open Troubleshooter:

   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.

2. Run Network Troubleshooter:

   • Click on “Network Adapter” and then “Run the troubleshooter.”

3. Follow On-Screen Instructions:

   • Follow the prompts to detect and fix any network adapter issues.

5. Check for Windows Updates

Ensure that your Windows operating system is up to date, as updates can include important fixes for network issues.

1. Open Settings:

   • Press Win + I to open the Settings app.

2. Go to Update & Security:

   • Select “Update & Security” and click on “Check for updates.”

3. Install Updates:

   • Allow Windows to download and install any available updates. Restart your computer if required.

6. Check for Hardware Conflicts

Ensure that there are no conflicts with other hardware components.

1. Open Device Manager:

   • Right-click on the Start menu and select “Device Manager.”

2. Check for Conflicts:

   • Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark, which indicates conflicts or issues.

3. Resolve Conflicts:

   • If you find conflicting devices, update their drivers or resolve any conflicts as needed.

7. Perform a System File Check (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files might be causing the error.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

   • Search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu, right-click it, and select “Run as administrator.”

2. Run SFC Scan:

   • Type the following command and press Enter:

     sfc /scannow
     

   • Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.

3. Run DISM Tool:

   • If SFC finds and repairs issues, restart your computer. If the problem persists, open Command Prompt as Administrator again.

   • Type the following command and press Enter:

     DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
     

   • Allow the process to complete, then restart your computer.

8. Perform a System Restore

If the error started recently, performing a system restore can revert your system to a previous state.

1. Open System Restore:

   • Type “System Restore” in the Start menu search bar and select “Create a restore point.”

2. Start System Restore:

   • Click the “System Restore” button, follow the prompts, and select a restore point from before the issue began.

3. Complete the Restore:

   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restore process and restart your computer.

Conclusion

The "Ethernet Adapter Error Code 31" indicates that your Ethernet adapter is not functioning properly due to driver issues, hardware conflicts, or system file corruption. By following these troubleshooting steps—updating or reinstalling drivers, checking adapter settings, running network troubleshooters, installing Windows updates, checking for hardware conflicts, running SFC and DISM, or performing a system restore—you can effectively address and resolve the issue. If the problem persists, consider seeking additional support from Microsoft or a professional technician for further diagnosis.