Still a newbie for various reasons.
I have tried several linux distributions but have determined to try getting away from Windows. Accordingly I acquired an additional computer (HP Compaq 8000 #Elite) and installed Linux Mint 18 Mate 32bit
I have a seperate windows 7 computer installation with an ethernet connection working fine. Previous versions of Linux I tried connected via the same modem/router automatically, but not LM18. Our local ISP technicians have no experience with Linux but suggested I needed a Broadcom driver.As far as I can work out the HP Compaq 8000 doesn't have a Broadcom controller.
The 'unplugged' icon in the LM18 taskbar shows a red 'X' and the dropdown menu indicates 'disconnected' but is dimmed so I cannot get any action there. So I select 'Editing Wired Connection' which offers ...
DEVICE 00:0F:FE:CE:46:9E or enp0s25 (00:0F:FE:CE:46:9E)
No change
I tried this in a terminal window ...
$ sudo apt-get install b43-fwcutter
$ wget http://mirror2.openwrt.org/sources/b...0.10.5.tar.bz2
$ tar xf broadcom-wl-4.150.10.5.tar.bz2
$ cd broadcom-wl-4.150.10.5/driver/
$ sudo b43-fwcutter -w /lib/firmware/ wl_apsta_mimo.o
$ sudo modprobe b43
$ sudo echo "b43" >> /etc/modules
but that was rejected ... I suppose because I don't have an internet connection for LM18.
Can anybody point me in the right direction ?

You do not state specifically, but I gather you are referring to a wireless connection.

A web search for "linux mint broadcom wireless" will turn up a number or articles. I did not feel as if I knew enough about your system to pick a single one to recommend.

Just from curiosity, have you tested a wired connection to make sure that it works properly?

According to the information below the desktop has an Intel 82567LM-3 Gigabit Network adapter. It appears that it uses the e1000e module. Does the output of the lsmod command show it being loaded?

https://certification.ubuntu.com/cer...e/201011-6702/
https://www.suse.com/yes/131297.htm

If you are connecting via ethernet it should be very simple to get connected
Pull up a terminal and type
You should get a list of your networking devices, you mention "enp0s25" in your post, you should find that here.

It looks like if you see that, type It should now look like Now type This should show you connecting and give you your ip. Go ahead and test with and make sure you don't get a "Network unreachable" message

Hi! (welcome back: I admire your journey toward Linux!)

I'm afraid this 00:0F:FE *might* be: (can you post Net part of lspci -k;inix -F?)
Broadcom NetXtreme BCM5751 Gigabit Ethernet PCI Express driver: tg3 here?
(from web-digging here and here. I don't know this, so I'll leave it to other LQ'ers)
Google 1,110 hits for: "00:0F:FE" broadcom

Tho not really on-topic, I have a 'personal favorite': run VBox+preinstalled here, just 'FWIW'/fyi.

Best wishes! ENJOY! (&don't let the infamous Broadcom 'proprietary' defeat you!)

Thanks for the tips. Unfortunately they did not work.
So ... I have a spare HDD which I installed Linux Mint 32 bit Cinnamon on.
The ethernet connection worked first up. Being curious, I reinsatlled the drive with Linux Mint 18 32 bit Mate.
The ethernet connection worked immediately. I don't know what happened, but it is working.
Thanks again for your contributions

is Network info.

and is a good "starter kit" for sysinfo, IMO

I found http://macaddress.webwat.ch/hwaddr/00:0F:FE and IDK what to make of that,
and michaelk's report. I must need coffee. Anyone else <.../exit>

Peace.