Network randomly disconnects

[sicohne]

I have a pc running XP Pro and, completely randomly, it will lose connection to the network (though it claims it is still connected). The only way to reconnect is to reboot the PC.

I have tried installing a new network card, tried using a different slot just in case and even tried repairing XP but all to no avail.

Has anyone had this happen before or can anyone offer any other things I should try?

 

[Zen216]

check network cables, and ports.
do you have a dhcp server or static ip address..
do a ipconfig/all and note dhcp address, if you get a 169.254.x.x address then it could not reach a dhcp server..

what is your current network setup?

 

[goombawaho]

If you're connecting through a router, try updating the firmware of the router and choose a different port to connect to. If you're connecting through just a modem, start suspecting your modem and call your provider.

Can you use another PC/laptop to connect the exact same way and see if it loses connectivity also. That would point the problem to or away from the PC itself.

 

[sicohne]

The cables are fine (tried using new cables and the old cables on another pc on the network to verify).
The PC has a static IP address (tried another address, no change).

The network layout is just 2 PC's connected via a 4 port hub. I added a 3rd PC to the network which worked without problems even when the first pc lost connection.

 

[Zen216]

well if layer 1 is fine,, goto layer 2..
try replacing the nic...

If the other pc's connected to the hub/switch are fine, even when the first is having problems, then it sounds like it is isolated to the first pc..
so, it could be nic is flaky...
or, something in the software,, (malware etc.)
however, if you re-installed a fresh copy of XP and it still has issues,, then I would lean toward the nic...

 

[sicohne]

i've tried a new nic. I guess, since I only repaired xp, it's a good idea to check for malware. failling that, a format might not be a bad thing. thanks for the suggestions

 

[linney]

Is it a third party Firewall or Windows Firewall that you are using on the machine which is giving problems. Is it ZoneAlarm per chance?

Are there any clues in the Event Viewer?

Did you try the Winsock Fix mentioned here?

WinXP Connectivity Issues
faq779-4625

 

[BadBigBen]

Check also the Energy Options of the said NIC...

Device Manager >> e.g. 3com 905cx >> Properties >> last TAB - uncheck the option "Computer can turn off device to save energy" >> click OK...

PS: wording may be different in your OS language... translating as I see it (German OS here to English)...

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[wahnula]

This might seem off-the-wall, but it's what happened to me. I was experiencing dropouts in my network connections, sometimes for a few moments, sometimes for longer. I checked my ipconfig when this happened and found the PC (DHCP IP address with fixed DNS for SBS2K3) had a Windows APIPA IP address like 169.254.x.x.

After a while, I noticed this was only happening after the compressor on the wall A/C (dedicated 115V outlet) was turning on in the office, around the same time the connection was failing, even though the router, firewall, switch and cable modem were on a UPS (not an online UPS) and there was no complaints from the UPS.

I moved them to another outlet and have not had a dropout since. Whether it helps in this case or not, it's a handy nugget to store away for later, although I would try another outlet for the machine or the router regardless.

Tony

Users helping Users...

 

[sicohne]

I think I have finally solved this issue!

It was caused by the fact that the IEEE 802.1x autentication was enabled.

See

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/910387

for more details

 

[BadBigBen]

Thanx for the post back with a possible solution to boot...


and glad you got it up and running...


Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[linney]

Was it a wireless connection that was failing, or did your fix correct a wired connection too?