Dimension 3000 internet Problems

Question

I have a dimension 3000 that needs some help.  I have it connected to the internet through a router(obviously because i have more than one computer) and the internet only works some of the time. It works right after start up, but if I leave it running(for varying amounts of time) it will not allow me to connect to the internet. What is the problem and how do i fix it?

volcano11 · Answer

First check the power management settings on your network adapter to see if it is set to shut off to save power. To do this, go into Device Manager, expand the listing for Network Adapters, right click on your network adapter and select Properties from the drop-down menu, click on the Power Management tab, then make sure the box next to "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" is not checked.

If this isn't the problem, try a different router port and see if the problem goes away.

When you lose the connection, do the power lights on the network adapter and on the router powered remain lit? When you lose the connection, can you get it back by going to a command prompt window and issueing the command ipconfig /release /renew ?

Steve

DoubleDaffy · Answer

Thank you for your help. I unchecked the allow the computer to turn of power option. I will find out if that works and if it doesn't I will post the information you suggested. Thank you

DoubleDaffy · Answer

OK, no luck with the internet. I checked the ipconfig/renew/release deal but to no luck. Do you need any further information? More suggestions are welcome. Message Edited by DoubleDaffy on 11-02-2005 03:46 PM

volcano11 · Answer

When you lose the connection, do the link lights on the network adapter and on the router remain lit?   Steve

DoubleDaffy · Answer

Yes the lights on the router stay lit as well as the lights for the network adapter.

volcano11 · Answer

Have you tried uninstalling the network adapter in Device Manager, rebooting, then reinstalling the drivers for the network adapter?   Steve

DoubleDaffy · Answer

I just reinstalled the driver, we'll see if it worked, but it usually takes a long time for the internet to stop working.

volcano11 · Answer

To eliminate a faulty integrated network controller as the problem, a cheap trouobleshooting step would be to purchase and install a PCI 10/100 network adapter.   These can be found for less than $10 after rebate.  If the PCI network adapter works, it suggests that the network adapter integrated on the motherboard is faulty.   Steve

DoubleDaffy · Answer

No luck. I reinstalled the drivers for the network and it worked for a while, but I left the computer running overnight and when i tried to connect this morning I was unable to reach the internet. Anymore suggestions?
By the way thank you very much for your time

~Double Daffy

volcano11 · Answer

Since your internet connection will likely never be faster than 5 or 6 Mbps, a 1000 Mbps network card would be overkill. Instructions for installing a PCI card can be found at:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim3000/en/SM/parts.htm#wp1043338

Steve

DoubleDaffy · Answer

Should I get a gigabit adapter, or is that just being excessive (though it would be fun)?

DoubleDaffy · Answer

How would I install one of these? Is there a webpage with instructions I can follow or is it the same as replacing a sound card that isn't integrated?

DoubleDaffy · Answer

Ok, PCI cards are no problem then, I've done them before I just didn't know the terminology. Thank you for all your help so far, we'll see if it works.

DoubleDaffy · Answer

Bad new steve. I finally got a network adapter and had to do some tests on it and it is a no go. I still have the problem. Thank you very much for your help so far. Should I just call Dell and complain? Because my computer hasn't worked since the day I got it, almost 1 year ago, and it will be running out of warranty in December. Thanks again for your help.
Best Regards ~Justin~

volcano11 · Answer

The fact that a PCI network card does not work either, suggests that this is a software problem rather than a hardware problem. Although I rarely recommend reinstallation of Windows to solve problems, in your case this is what I would suggest. Back up all of your perishable data, then spend the few hours it takes to reformat the hard drive and reinstall Windows.

Steve

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Dimension 3000 internet Problems

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