Ethernet Drops Connection - Inspir1000

Model: Inspiron 1000

Problem: Ethernet card keeps losing connection to the internet after 30 to 60 minutes connectivity.

Steps taken thus far: Contacted tech support numerous times. Even had a recent repair, computer returned on Monday, 1/10/05, from service center due to broken dvd/burner tray. Told the technician three separate times that I needed to have the ethernet card checked because of dropped connections. Three times! In addition, I placed a note with the computer when I shipped it out saying, "Please remember to check ethernet card; keep losing internet connection." Still, nothing was done.

Inspiron 1000 connected to Linksys router via cat5 cable networked with three other computers, all desktops. OS: Insp: XP Home; Dktp1: XP Pro, Dktp2: WinME; Dktp3: XP Pro. Desktops never lose internet connectivity unless service outage. Inspiron drops connection every 30 to 60 minutes.

All machines on a 24/7 connection. The only computer that loses internet connectivity is the notebook, the Inspiron 1000. Borrowed a loner computer while mine was in the shop. It was a Compaq Presario (older model but it worked). The loner was connected using the same cat5 the Inspiron uses. It was assigned a new manual IP address and worked immediately. The entire week from 1/3 thru 1/10, the loner only lost internet connection one time and that was during an internet outage.

Within an hour after my notebook arrived home, I had it connected to the network again - removing the loner computer from the network at the same time. The network issues started again though it did take a little longer this time. It was about an hour and a half before it began but it happened all the same. Rebooted notebook and service came up again lasted about another hour and a half, maybe a little longer and it went out again and needed rebooting again.

Any ideas? My home network has been running for seven years without a hitch. I have always had four computers connected at all times. My little one's desktop was unplugged from the network when I bought the Inspiron because her attention was on the GameCube rather than her private computer. The Inspiron received a new IP address because the cabling is still available in the back room for her computer in case she wants to connect when I do not need the net for mine. There is no possibility of conflicting IP addresses due to duplication. All five computers were connected once by way of the router and a hub just to ensure there were no duplicated addresses. It ran well but was too much of a strain on the broadband connection so the little one's tower was unplugged and the hub was removed.

I hope this is enough information for someone to give me some idea of what to try next. I have done all I know to do. I have even considered the possibility of needing to add a value under the address section of the ethernet card in card properties. Would that help any? I do not see where it would because none of the other systems have this added in properties. It is all done through the network connection setup. Oh yes, the XP machines are all running service pack 2.

Thank you in advance....

Samantha

Samantha Thomas, Author Website