WinXP cable unplugged network error

[rubenski]

Hi,

i have installed XP on 2 pcs and built a 2 computer LAN with them. After unplugging and replugging the LAN cable Windows says the "network cable is unplugged". I have tried everything to solve this problem, but really cannot find a solution.

LAN setup

2 x WinXP fast PC
2 x 100mbps NICs
1 x crosscable

I have tried:
- reinstalling NICs
- Using other NICs
- Using other cables
- Clicking 'disable -' and subsequently 'enable LAN'
- Uninstalled and reïnstalled all network components
- Booting Windows2000 (dualboot) -> problem remains
- Checked if NICs are compatible with XP -> they are
- etc.

Please don't tell me the cable or NICs are broken. This problem occurs 100% NOT due to a hardware fault.
For the rest, any and all suggestions are welcome.
You can check my discussion here for more info.

http://www.xp-erience.org/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=6457#post6457

Grtz and thnx,
Ruben

 

[dilettante]

Have you tried unplugging the power cord on any machine with XP that exhibits this problem?

Seriously, I've caused some situations with power management where the NIC gets "shut down" and can't be powered back up.

The fix is to unplug the network cable, unplug power, wait about 5 to 10 secs, replug everything and restart.

Can't hurt to try.

 

[rubenski]

Yep, i have tried. Thanks anyway.

Rubenski

 

[Guest_imported]

we had the same problem over at our site until our tech tried to use a newer driver for the NIC (XP compatible driver). Problem solved....

 

[rjkrash]

I went over and did a quick read of your other posts and I noticed that you had multiple instances of the nic installed. You said you uninstalled them all and the problem persists.

Did you however uninstall all the drivers, remove the NIC cards and come back up in windows without the NIC cards present?

The reason I ask is that Windows is now very "user friendly" and tries to do things for you without asking. So get the NICs out get back to windows make sure no TCP/IP NIC stuff is loaded and then go thru the install again.

Try to intall without the "help" of Windows. If it discovers A NIC on bootup don't intall if it will allow that. Do it by "hand" after Windows is up. Use the have disk option and point to known good driver files etc.

Good Luck The two rules for success are:
1. Never tell them everything you know.