From Leo's mailbag:
> From: A Computer User
> Sent: May 13, 2006
> To: Ask Leo!
> Subject: network connection stopped working
>
> Leo,
> --------------
> My problem is that for some reason, all of a sudden, I can't
> access the internet via my desktop computer. I have an
> SMC7904WBRA modem/router which is working fine with the
> wireless connection to my laptop, but not working, using
> cable to my desktop, so I would assume the modem/router is ok.
>
> At first, I noticed in the task bar, the two little screens
> icon had a red cross on it and when I passed my curser over
> it, it said, "local area connecton 6, A network cable is
> unplugged", it was fine the night before, I hadn't moved or
> changed anything. I have tried everything I know but it still
> says it's unplugged!!! I have changed cables, changed cables
> end for end, change lan ports in my router, still nothing. I
> have done all the other stuff on the software side, I know of
> anyway, which includes, Right click, Network
> connecions...properties...internet
> protocol(TCP/IP)properties...obtain IP/DNS address
> automatically etc. Been through all that and also pressed
> "configure" my INTEL(R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection, and it
> says "this device is working properly".
>
> Where do I go from here?? I did notice at first I was getting
> a message in the task bar of "little or no connectivity"
> and I could go to the status window and check the lack of
> connection, in my case, or click on "repair" to try to repair
> the connection, but nothing has worked. I don't even get
> these options now, no staus window, it's low lighted.
>
> Maybe my LAN card has had it, I did notice my shutdowns have
> been very slow of late, maybe I tried to force the shutdown
> via the "windows task manager", I can't remember, although it
> should have been ok again on reboot wouldn't it?? I'm at a
> loss, can you please help.
Well, for what it's worth, you've done a great job. As I read
your note, several times I started to think "oh, he should try..."
after which your next sentence told me that's exactly what you
had done.
I tend to concurr with your statement about the LAN card being
fried. It's unusual, but it happens. Fortunately they're cheap,
and a replacement could save you a lot of time & trouble.
The only other things that come to mind are the standard virus/spyware
thing, which I would guess you already are scanning for, and running
the system file checker. Some software - spyware mostly - has a
tendency to muck about with the network underpinnings when it shouldn't,
and there's a remote possibility that could cause this kind of behaviour.
Good luck!
Thanks for asking,
Leo
Article 1271
| Category:
Networking
