errror:network cable unplugged...but it's not???

zcoconut4,

From the description of your problem I infer that you are using a wireless router to connect 2 PCs to your Verizon DSL, one PC (the one not working) connects via an ethernet cabel, and the other wirelessly.  Please confirm or correct.  It would be helpful to know which PC has the problem, what the router is and operating systems involved.  The network cable unplugged message indicates a lack of physical connectivity to the router.

By connecting the PC directly to the DSL modem you have eliminated a bad NIC as a possible cause.  That really leaves only a few things to check.  The LAN port in the router may be bad, try connecting the PC to a different one. 

Also, the NIC in the PC may not be auto sensing the router properly.  Open Device Manager, expand the Network Adapters section, right click on the NIC entry and select Properties.  On the Advanced tab for the Connection Type property, try settings other than AutoSense.  Start with 100 Mbps Full Duplex, then 100Mbps, then 10 Mbps Full Duplex, then 10Mbps.

It would also be a good idea to download and install the latest available driver for the NIC.

Hello Paladin... we're using a Dell2300 wireless to connect  both a desktop and laptop to a verizon dsl modem, new system and everything worked fine until Sat. at which time the error said "network cable unplugged" to both laptop and desktop at which time  we checked cables and connections tried powering off, resetting and also rebooting everything. Then took the 2300 out of the syst. and used the same ethernet cable direct to the desktop from modem and it all worked. Also desltop and laptop say excelent wireless connection. After drawing it out on paper it seems to me the problem is in the 2300 ethernet connector or something else inside the unit , but don't know how to confirm it, I'm not too computer savi but I'm learning the hard way...Thanks

zcoconut4,

I agree it appears to be something in the TM2300.  Did you try changing the connection speed through Device Manager?  What were the results?  Your best course of action may be to contact Dell and ask for a replacement router.