Well the ethernet card isn't on a router, it goes straight into the cable modem, how would I disable the modem in device manager? I know where that is and have seen it, looked for a way to disable it but didn't see it. So is this laptop too old and not worth a upgrade, or is it just a bottom of line that was never meant to be upgraded? I have thought about checking pawn shops for one but could end up with something really bad.