Network connections Icons Missing in Windows

Verify that the network DLL files are registered correctly:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Run box, type cmd.exe, and then click OK.
3. Type the following lines. Press ENTER after you type each line. This command text is difficult to type. Be sure that you type it exactly as it appears below. Or you may find it easier to copy and paste the text instead. Click OK when the RegSvr32 dialog box appears for each command.
   
   regsvr32 netshell.dll
   regsvr32 netcfgx.dll
   regsvr32 netman.dll
4. Restart the computer. Check to see whether your networking icons appear.

[OR]

Method 1: Let Windows automatically detect and install network adapters

1. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.
3. To see a list of installed network adapters, expand Network adapter(s). Click to locate the network adapter, and then click Uninstall.
4. Restart the computer, and then let the system automatically detect and install the network adapter drivers.

Method 2: Verify network settings and servicesTo verify network settings and services, follow these steps:

1. Verify that the correct network adapter is selected. A network adapter is a device that enables you to connect a computer to a network. It is also known as a network interface card (NIC).
   1. Right-click My Computer, click Properties, click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.
   2. Double-click Network adapters, and then verify that the correct network adapter name is selected. If you do not know the name of your network adapter, don't worry. For now, just make sure that an adapter is selected.
   3. Double-click the network adapter, and then verify that the "This device is working properly" message appears in the Device status box on the General tab. If you do not see this message, click Troubleshoot, and follow the directions.
   4. After you confirm that the correct network adapter is selected and is working properly, you can close all the open dialog boxes.
   
   
2. Verify that the necessary services are started. The Services settings simply direct the system to stop, start, and administer system services.
   1. Right-click My Computer, and then click Manage.
   2. Double-click Services and Applications, and then click Services.
   3. In the right pane, look at the Status column. You may need to expand the box so that you can see all the columns. Make sure that the following services are started:
      • Remote procedure call (RPC)
        (This service must be started before other services can take effect.).
      • Network Connections
        (This service can only start if the RPC service is active.)
      • Plug and Play
      • COM+ Event System
        (This service can only start if the RPC service is active.)
      • Remote Access Connection Manager
        (This service can only start if Telephony service is active.)
      • Telephony
        (This service can only start if the RPC service and the PnP Service are active.)
   4. To start a service, right-click the service name, and then click Start.
   5. Do not close the Computer Management box because you will need to check additional settings in the remaining steps.