Error Message: Rtl8139.sys Is Missing or Corrupt (810878)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional

SYMPTOMS

When you upgrade to Windows XP, you may receive the following error message:
rtl8139.sys is missing or corrupt

CAUSE

This problem may occur if the driver file for your network adapter is missing or damaged. For additional information about a similar issue that has a different cause, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

328003 Windows Installer Requires a Path to the RTL8139.sys File During Windows XP SP1 Installation

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem:
  1. Close the error message, click Skip file if you are prompted for the path to the Rtl8139.sys file, and then complete the installation of Windows XP.
  2. After the Windows XP installation is complete, extract the Rtl8139.sys file from the Driver.cab file on the Windows XP CD-ROM:
    1. Insert the Windows XP CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.
    2. When the Welcome screen appears, click Perform additional tasks.
    3. Click Browse this CD, and then double-click the I386 folder.
    4. Double-click the Driver.cab file.
    5. Click the Rtl8139.sys file, and then click Copy on the Edit menu.
    6. In Windows Explorer, open the c:\Windows\System32\Drivers folder.
    7. On the Edit menu, click Paste to paste the Rtl8139.sys file into the c:\Windows\System32\Drivers folder.
  3. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
  4. Click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.
  5. Expand Network Adapters, right-click your network adapter, and then click Update Driver to start the Hardware Update Wizard.
  6. Click Install from a list or specific location, and then click Next.
  7. Click Do not search. I will choose the driver to install, and then click Next.
  8. In the Network Adapter box, click your network adapter, and then click Next.
  9. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

The Rtl8139.sys file is a network adapter device driver. For information about how to download the most current driver for your device, contact your computer manufacturer. For information about how to contact your computer manufacturer , click the appropriate article number in the following list to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

65416 Hardware and Software Third-Party Vendor Contact List, A-K

60781 Hardware and Software Third-Party Vendor Contact List, L-P

60782 Hardware and Software Third-Party Vendor Contact List, Q-Z

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:5/27/2003
Keywords:kbenv kbprb kberrmsg KB810878
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