Inspirion B120 and Network Issues

I gave you a comprehensive list of what causes that message.   If you are receiving that message, it means that the network card is working, but it does not sense that anything is connected to it.  It is thus a connection problem.  If the network card were disabled, then it wouldn't even detect the fact that nothing is connected to it and it would not display the "network cable unplugged" message.

Perhaps if you could provide a clearer picture of exactly how your network is set up (i.e. what is connected to what and how and what is working and what is not working) we could provide other suggestions.  The fact that you are getting a network cable unplugged message on one computer should not have any effect on another computer trying to connect by wireless unless the router is turned off.

Steve

Here's a pretty comprehensive list of why one would get the "network cable unplugged" message (taken from the Microsoft.Public.WindowsXP.network_web newsgroup:

1. The network cable really is unplugged.
2. The network cable is defective.
3. It's plugged in, but there's nothing connected to the other end.
4. It's plugged in and connected on both ends, but the device on the other end isn't turned on.
5. The cable is the wrong type.  Connecting two computers directly, without a hub, switch, or router, requires a crossover cable.  A regular cable won't work.
6. The cable is connected to the uplink port on a hub, switch, or router, instead of a regular port.
7. Some hubs, switches, and routers disable the port next to the uplink port when the uplink port is in use.
8. The network card driver program isn't working right.  Download and install the latest XP-compatible driver from the manufacturer's web site.
9. The network card is configured to automatically sense speed and duplex settings but isn't doing it correctly.  Set those options manually, as shown here: http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/troubleshoot/networkcard.htm

But, it unclear to me from your message as to how things are set up.   Since you are connecting through a cable modem, are changing the device that is connected to the cable modem?  If so, you need to do a complete reset of the network every time you change the device connected to the modem.  To do this, shut everything off. Wait about 5 minutes. Turn on the modem first, and wait another 5 minutes. Then turn on the device that is connected directly to the modem (either the router or the computer), then turn on any other computers that will connect through the router.

Steve

By the way, this did not work!

Steve,thanks for the quick response.  The unplugged issue is showing up in my taskbar (bottom right of computer screen).  Opening the Network connections window shows the cable as unplugged.

You responded that this may be a communication issue.  I cannot even connect my notebook adapter card because the cable is reflecting as unplugged.

I guess I am more seeking a solution(s) to "enable" the network cable -- switch it from "UNPLUGGED" to "CONNECTED"

I used to have a similar problem with one of the PCs in my home network. In my case, it was caused by a loose plug connection to a DSL router/modem. I had to unplug and plug the cable every time the warning pops up. I eventually replaced the RJ plug.

So, my network cable was really unplugged or defective, as Steve said.

Message Edited by sparkenh on 06-16-200610:51 PM