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14507
April 8th, 2004 01:00
Brief and intermittent network cable unplugged
Hi,
Problem:
I noticed that I get "notification" that my connection to my cable modem is disconnected. I actually get a quick note in my system tray saying "network cable unplugged.". This last only for a second or two at most. And then the connection is restored. If I am lucky enough to glance at the cable modem when this happens, I note that the Power and Cable lights are lit, but the PC light is dark.
When the short disconnect happens, I will sometimes loose my connection to MSN Messenger. In addition, just as the connection is being restored, the HP Scanjet fires up the bulb, almost like the PC is being turned on and it goes through all its motions. Knowing the HP Scanjet thing tells me it is NOT a loose connection between the cable modem, Linksys router, and PC. There is likely some other demon that is wreaking havoc.
This problem seems to occur randomly, once every couple or few hours.
Any idea of what is causing these intermittent "gaps" in my cable connection, or how I can go about tracking it?
Equipment and Software:
> New Dell XPS 3 MHz
> Windows XP
> Office 2003
> IE 6 & Mozilla 1.6
> MSN Messenger 6.1
> HP Scanjet 5200C (hooked up via USB)
> Linksys 4 port wireless router (computer is hooked up via cable)
I should also add that this problem is recent, about last 3 - 4 days. Prior to that it worked fine. So I know I have the correct cables and everything is hooked up together correctly.
Also, I recently had a small problem with my MSN messenger turning off and on occasionally. I then disabled *Windows* Messenger from starting when the computer starts, AND I also disabled Norton AV MSN Messenger protection. I don't know if these items are interrelated or not.
I appreciate your help and assistance.
MountainHiker
Problem:
I noticed that I get "notification" that my connection to my cable modem is disconnected. I actually get a quick note in my system tray saying "network cable unplugged.". This last only for a second or two at most. And then the connection is restored. If I am lucky enough to glance at the cable modem when this happens, I note that the Power and Cable lights are lit, but the PC light is dark.
When the short disconnect happens, I will sometimes loose my connection to MSN Messenger. In addition, just as the connection is being restored, the HP Scanjet fires up the bulb, almost like the PC is being turned on and it goes through all its motions. Knowing the HP Scanjet thing tells me it is NOT a loose connection between the cable modem, Linksys router, and PC. There is likely some other demon that is wreaking havoc.
This problem seems to occur randomly, once every couple or few hours.
Any idea of what is causing these intermittent "gaps" in my cable connection, or how I can go about tracking it?
Equipment and Software:
> New Dell XPS 3 MHz
> Windows XP
> Office 2003
> IE 6 & Mozilla 1.6
> MSN Messenger 6.1
> HP Scanjet 5200C (hooked up via USB)
> Linksys 4 port wireless router (computer is hooked up via cable)
I should also add that this problem is recent, about last 3 - 4 days. Prior to that it worked fine. So I know I have the correct cables and everything is hooked up together correctly.
Also, I recently had a small problem with my MSN messenger turning off and on occasionally. I then disabled *Windows* Messenger from starting when the computer starts, AND I also disabled Norton AV MSN Messenger protection. I don't know if these items are interrelated or not.
I appreciate your help and assistance.
MountainHiker
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fireberd
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April 8th, 2004 09:00
The first thing to do is "reseat" the Ethernet cables (unplug them then plug them back in). If that doesn't do it, bypass the rouiter and go from the PC directly to the cable modem and see if the intermittent problem still exists. You could also try a different Ethernet cable and see what happens. You can't assume anything when doing troubleshooting, if you do you will overlook the "obvious".
Another consideration is the cable modem itself. Look at the lights on the router and see if the computer light is out when the modem's "computer" light goes out.
If you have a separate Ethernet Card (PCI card), with the power off, reseat the card (unplug it from the expansion chassis and then plug it back in, making sure it's fully seated. Handle the card by the edges as there are static sensitive components on the card.
If you have an on-board (on the motherboard) NIC, try uninstalling it in the Windows Device Manager then restart Windows, and Windows will reinstall it and "refresh the drivers".
Finally, if there are any Dell updates for the NIC, get them and install them.
"NIC" = Network Interface Card (e.g. Ethernet card).
MountainHiker
10 Posts
0
April 8th, 2004 14:00
Thank you for responding.
I have already done the reseating of the cables and there is no difference.
With regard the lights, I am lucky enough if I am able to notice the blip on the system tray and the cable modem. But I will attempt to take note.
I will bypass the router and go directly from PC to cable modem, though the router acts as a firewall. Does XP have a crude firewall built-in? And if it does, how to I ensure that it is on?
I don't know about the Ethernet card where it is integrated with the Motherboard or not. I will have a look this weekend. If it is part of the motherboard, I will need specific instructions on how to uninstall and reinstall it. According to the shipping instructions, I have "Intel Pro 1000 Integrated PCI NIC Card (430-0742)". I have the Intel(R) PROSet "thingy" in my system tray. There are some diagnostic tools there, but obviously, when everything is working fine, everything is working fine. I did check the "cable" and of course, it looks good. I will check it afterwards to see if there are "errors." But even if there are errors, I am not sure I will have located the problem.
Similarly, I don't know how to check Dell for upgrades to the NIC.
The two things that I find puzzling are as follows:
1) the interruption is usually very brief, a second or two;
2) when the interruption does occur, I get a blip in both the printer and scanner.
I hadn't mentioned the printer yesterday, but it too makes its noise. It is almost as though I had done an extremely quick reboot. The printer receives its signal from the parallel port (as opposed to the more modern USB). Any comments?
Wrapping this up, can you please provide more information on the following items:
1) XP have a firewall, and if so, how do I ensure that it is on?
2) Are you able to tell from the information I provided as to whether or not I have an integrated NIC card with the motherboard? And if I do, can you please provide ery specific instructions on how to uninstall and reinstall NIC drivers for an Ethernet card that is integrated with the Motherboard?
3) Any comments on why I appear to be having a quick and soft reboot in that both the scanner (USB Port) and printer (Parallel Port) make noises when I receive my notification of network cable unplugged?
Thank you very much and I look forward to your assistance.
MountainHiker
10 Posts
0
April 8th, 2004 15:00
4) How do I check to see if there are any Dell updates for the NIC? I have completed the Windows Upgrade, and there were no driver upgrades for my NIC.
Thank you.
MountainHiker
10 Posts
0
April 8th, 2004 16:00
Hi,
I found the "upgrades" and downloaded and reinstalled the NIC driver. So number 4 from my previous message is now taken care of.
Because the problem is intermittent, I don't know yet whether or not the problem is solved.
MountainHiker
10 Posts
0
April 9th, 2004 05:00
::Look at the lights on the router and see if the computer light is out when the modem's "computer" light goes out.::
The Network Cable Unplugged sign just came on, and I quickly gazed at the router. All the lights were off, every single one of them. It looks like something is wrong with the router. Strangely enough, the lights came back up in a second. I check the power cord and it seems like it is snugly in the PC and and powerbar. But at least I know where the problem lies, and I can always replace the router.
Thank you for the heads up.