gigabyte ct desktop adapter

For my old XP box, installed ref'd adapter & drivers and have since been experiencing connectivity issues.  When it works it is fantastic but periodically drops connection with msg "Network cable is unplugged".   By going to Device Mgr and changing any setting on the adapter, it will re-connect & everything is fine until next time.  The exact model is  Intel EXPI9301CTBLK Network Adapter 10/100/1000Mbps PCI-Express 1 x RJ45 (there wasn't an installation CD).  The BIOS tab is asking to be flashed but I have no idea where that file might be (The Driver Update Utility has problems with XP).  The downloads page on the support site has no link to an installation CD which I believe is called "Ethernet Adapters Connections CD".  The one link I was able to find doesn't indicate support for this adapter.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  TIA