Network Cable Unplugged - Inspiron 1150

Question

I've got an Inspiron 1150. Recently my Internet connectivity has been intermittently failing with the message 'Network Cable Unplugged' in the lower right hand corner of the screen.  I can't think of anything that's changed with the network or computer either.  I used to be able to jiggle the wire to get it working again (for a bit at least), but that strategy is failing more and more. This problem is happening more and more frequently.   Now if I unplug that laptop and switch it for my Latitude D610 then I have no problem whatsoever, which leads me to think its something either at the port or inside the computer.  I have a Broadcom 440*10/100 if it means anything.    This is quite frustrating and I can't seem to find anything to get to the bottom of this. What should I do to fix the 1150?

volcano11 · Answer

It sounds to me like the ethernet jack itself is failing.  The jack is soldered onto the motherboard and is not eaily replaceable.  If you are still under warranty, Dell may replace the motherboard for you, otherwise you will need to take the computer to a shop that specializes in complicated repairs like the one you need.   The fact that the same cable seems to work on a different computer suggests that it is not the cable.  Nevertheless, if I were you I would try a different cable just to make sure.   Steve

9james · Answer

So its not the network card or anything like that?

volcano11 · Answer

Since the network card is also integrated on the motherboard, if it is the network card that is causing the problem, then this is even more diffiicult to fix that just the ethernet jack.   The fact that you can wiggle the connector and make it work suggest that it is the jack, not the network adapter itself.   Steve

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Network Cable Unplugged - Inspiron 1150

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