Solved Network Cable Is [NOT] Unplugged

Hello everyone!

I re-installed Windows 8 yesterday evening (thought it would be quicker than to cleanup and fix my old install) and then directly upgraded it to Windows 8.1. The problem I am experiencing is quite weird: The Operating System doesn't detect the network cable.

It is quite similar to THIS thread, but I didn't want to revive a thread that was nearly 1 year old.

With that being said, do not jump straight to the "Did you turn it on and off again" questions. Here is what I have done so far:
Hardware-Side:

• Cross-check the cable with another computer --> Working fine
• Cross-check the wall plug with another computer --> Working fine
• Test the connection with the BIOS's connection diagnostic utility --> Link detected

Software-Side:

• Checking if Windows was up to date --> Nothing to update
• Updating the motherboard's BIOS --> Not better
• Updating the LAN's drivers with the ones I found on the manufacturer's website --> Not better

So here I am, wondering what is wrong with my installation. It was working A1 a few days ago, except for the issues I re-installed the operating system for.

I have joined to this post an IPCONFIG /all diagnostic. Maybe it can help.

Thanks a bunch for any insights on how to solve that issue! Also, don't hesitate to go hardcore technical. I can take it.

P.S.: Full system Specs are in my profile and in the link at the bottom of the post

This typically requires the latest Realtek driver for Windows 8.1. I'm not exactly sure which Realtek PCI-e adaptor you are using. You might also try the Windows update center.

Realtek

I will indeed do that, thanks.

Ok, I have installed the drivers from Realtek, rebooted the computer and nothing seems to have changed. Both network adapters show as "Cable Unplugged"

After some more testing, I went on testing with a Ubuntu 12 Live CD, just to be sure. The ports weren't working either, and it made me doubt my hardware. I loaded the "Optimized" BIOS settings, and then turned off the computer to check on the physical integrity of the ports. They looked clean, but just for the kicks I blew in them just like I did while I was younger with my Nintendo cartridges.

IT WORKED!

I was able to get a perfectly working Gigabyte internet connection with the Windows 8 installer, and now everything is updating at full 50mbs speed! So, if you encounter the same problem in the future, remember your early-life hardware troubleshooting skills: BLOW ON THE PORTS AND CONNECTORS! Even if that seems ridiculous!

Cheers! I'm off to re-install all of my junk.