Ok, first off, I tried the disable/enable of the ethernet connection with rebooting before re-enabling, and no change.
That said, yes this is a Desktop (HP Pavilion P7-1418) running windows 8.1. It was purchased in January of 2013 and I believe I do have extra warranty on it; either a year or two extra. It has both wired and wireless capabilities, hence my ability to get internet through wifi since the wired connection is not working.
As for PCIe or PCI, I have no clue what they are and where they are found? Can you tell me how to check this?
Oh, and my credit card terminals are not working either. Shoot! If everything was on a surge protector, shouldn't that have prevented the computer, or any part thereof, from frying? I think I will call Rogers again to see if they can investigate further. The odd thing is that while my printer/scanner etc. (Worforce 845) has the wireless signal enabled, I am also unable to print anything. Why is that? The wireless signals should be allowing me to use the printer to print and scan at least, but no.