Event says controller disconnected from network (?)

Update - solved two problems, still need help with the other.

Hello,

My wife and I shared network external hard drive connected to my computer and my wife's computer via the router by Ethernet cable. We have used the external HD for several months with no problems until the past month or so. Whenever I logged on to the NAS web site for changing settings, etc. the home web page started showing a red explanation mark beside a statement saying that there were network connection problems. As a result I could not access the files. I am running Windows XP Pro and my wife is running Windows 7 Home Edition. My wife's computer is an Inspiron 560 desktop. We also use Network Magic. I removed the NAS software and disconnected the HD since it wasn't really serving it's purpose.

I can still access her documents, pictures, etc from my computer through Network Magic or Windows Explorer and vica versa. She has internet access also.  Due to the apparent problem with the network connection warning and the external HD I checked the Event Log. Every time the computer is rebooted the same error below is shown. The Device Manager shows that the network controller is working and no conflicts. I have also updated the driver, but no changes.  This is an ongoing problem. I want to install a new NAS, but not until I reolve the issue with the network connection.

 Her connected to the router by an Ethernet cable and I have disabled her wireless card. I'm not sure what all information I need to provide, but I would sure appreciate it if anyone can help me out. I have googled the event IDs and the mrtRate.Sys with no results, that I can understand anyway. I have no clue what the mrtRate service is or what program uses it.

If a solution cannot be found I would be happy to start from scratch in setting up new network, but I need some guidance in getting rid of our current shared network connection. 

Thanks.

The below error is the one always being logged when the computer is booted up:

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Warning!

RTL8167, Event ID 1

Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller is disconnected from network.

The below errors were corrected by installing an updated version of Quicken.

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Error!

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Service Control Manager, Event ID 7000

The mrtRate service failed to start due to the following error:

This driver has been blocked from loading

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Error!

Application Popup, Event ID 1060

\SystemRoot\SysWow64\Drivers\mrtRate.SYS has been blocked from loading due to incompatibility with this system. Please contact your software vendor for a compatible version of the driver.