i had a full networked pc and on the host comp a virus entered so i had to format it, after doing it i cannot make 2 connection( one local area conn. and other network), i actually have 2 lan card, one for cable net and other for netowrk which connects with my other comp. now i checked in my hardware manager so i see that the other lan card its not connected wat to do

i have loads of queries

i really meant is that one is onboard which is getting detected but the pci one isnt both are realtek and 81 series, in device manager it comes with a exclamiation mark saying ethernet controller (the pci one)

i have loads of queries

There should be more information inside the device that has the exclamation point.

Did you install the PCI NIC's driver? Make sure you're using the NIC manufacturer's latest driver, as the Microsoft driver doesn't always work. Also, make sure all Windows service packs are installed.

If problems persist, you could also just connect both PCs into a switch/router.