I just upgraded a computer for a friend of my mother's. She had Windows 98 and I upgraded it to Windows XP for her. The problem is there is no network adapter in Device Manager. I tried installing Microsoft Loopback adapter but I still was unable to connect to the internet. From what I'm reading, the network adapter on the motherboard needs to be enabled in the Bios. I'm not sure where to do this. I'm not sure if I need to get drivers for this to happen.

Here is a more detailed specs on the hardware

Motherboard: ALi 1631 1.0
Chipset: ALi Aladdin Pro II Rev. 04
Southbridge: ALi M1533

Bios

America Megatrends Inc
Version: 62710
Date: 07/15/97

Thanks for your help in advance.

Just to clarify, this computer was able to connect to the internet before, right?

Secondly, to go to the BIOS, upon bootup, it should tell you a key to press to get to the BIOS or "Setup". Common keys are F1, Esc and Del (delete). The screen is at the very beginning, sometimes during the RAM count. Browse through the settings, and look for your setting.

Thirdly, it's possible that XP doesn't have a driver for the network device. There should be a section called unknown devices in the device manager, and take a look there and post back what it says.

Lastly, is this an onboard network interface, or is it an external card?

FYI: The Loopback adapter has nothing to do with your network card. It's pretty much like directing everything to yourself, even outward connections. Hence the name, loopback.

Post back the results.