Network "BREAKS" ????

[chess9]

I have a router/hub (Linksys), WinXP, and two nics in my box. I only use one of the nics, so the other one just sits there. Anyway, when I try to set up a home network I have to do it 5 or 6 times before it finally takes, but when I re-boot I have to re-install the home network because the connection breaks. I note when I set up the home network that Microsoft warns me not to have all my computers connected to the internet, so it firewalls mine. So, what could be the problem? I've never had this problem before. I just installed XP on this new computer. Do I need to repair the installation, or reinstall, or call the Marines??

thanks,
-Robert

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Well, not really enough info, but I'd go into Device Manager and disable the NIC that you aren't using, or physically remove it.

 

[chess9]

Gunny: Well, its disabled automatically because it's not connected to anything. Shows as unplugged. I could remove it, I guess, on the theory that there might be some device contention or IRQ handling issue? Is that what you're thinking? Sheezh, too wierd....
Thanks.
-Robert

 

[sswingle]

I've seen that on another system. Disabled the second NIC completely in device manager, and the first NIC worked fine. I'm sure it was an IRQ problem.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Unplugged is not the same as disabled, and it costs nothing to disable the device.

 

[StraightPipe]

unpluged would by ideal (unless you dont have an anti static bag to store it in, but i would definately go to device manager and check disable. (manually will be sure it doesnt mess you up during setup)

make sure the lights on the working nic are on while it's pluged in.

then run the wizard again, making sure to select "connect to the internet through a gateway" (router)

if that doesnt help give let us know whats going on.

are the lights on?

 

[chess9]

I took the other nic out of the box. (what a pain....) But every time I reboot the bloody network has to be re-configured with the home neworking setup wizard. I tried logging on as administrator, but de natha.... Yes, the nic light is on. The network works now after I re-configure it. Only have to do it once each boot now.

Computers really are suck.... j/k ,
-Robert

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

One more step, and you may have it.

Go into Device Manager, select View Hidden Devices, and delete ALL of the NIC's you find under Network adapters. Don't delete any of the WAN Miniport, RAS or other devices, just anything that has to do with a real NIC.

Reboot and re-install the drivers for the NIC, it should stop reconfiguring every boot.

 

[chess9]

Gunny: The only two are the Aopen 325 nic and a "Direct Parallel" entry. All the rest are wan miniports (5 of them!) Should I delete "Direct Parallel"? Haven't a clue what that does. ,

Thanks!
-Robert

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

I've always left that one, I think it's for DCC, I've never used it. Uninstall the AOpen NIC and reboot.

 

[chess9]

Nope, no luck. I"m beginning to wonder if I have a hardware problem of some sort. Sheezh....

Thanks anyway, guys....
-Robert