Windows XP Networking Problems

[Mike_182]

Guys,

I'm stumped - this guys a good customer and I'm annoyed to say the least that I can't fix this. His main machine won't let him use the network card, full stop. He's not tried in the past because he's still been using the ADSL Modem from BT - but now I've replaced this with a router.

The network card shows as disabled in Network Connections and in Device Manager, but when trying to re-enable I get "Connection Failed" and "Unable to enable device" respectively. Now I'd be quick to say this was a hardware fault, but there aren't any more problems with the board at all, and it's an onboard Marvell Yukon on a Gigabyte 8I945GMF.

I've also tried putting another card (Realtek 8139 based cheapie) into the machine, and despite causing Display Adapter IRQ conflicts (I didn't know that still happened!!!) it didn't work either - it permanently reported that there was no network cable. Now I'm starting to think this is software related, but I can't really afford the time to back up a whole machine (without a network card!) and reinstall the lot, complete with arguments with Microsoft in India, as I've got 3 new servers to configure this weekend.

Has anyone come across this before and fixed it? I'm going to try reinstalling XP SP2 in the morning in the vein hope that this will reinstall any fucked files, but I won't hold my breath.

The only thing of note in the machines history (making me further suspicious of a software fault) is that it's had a System f**k-store on it as my old man was 'helping' to fix a keyboard fault.

Ta muchly all!

 

[b3nje]

Possible driver fault?

Is it a custom built PC or a specific make?

 

[Mike_182]

Possible driver fault?

Is it a custom built PC or a specific make?

Built it myself, running a Hyperthreading P4 3ghz (with the EM64T instruction set, not using them though) and Corsair 667 XMS2 memory with set timings of 4-4-4-12, 250Gb SATAII disk and two DVD-RW drives, Sapphire X1300 (well cooled) video card and Audigy sound card (just the basic one).

I first thought a driver fault, but I tried a generic Gigabit Marvell Yukon Chipset driver and that didn't work - neither did the 8139 so I think it may be more fundamental files :dapprove:

 

[b3nje]

you've reintalled the mobo drivers then -

restoring is good and bad - obviously it is known for currupting files which it may well of done!

if it was me i'd go for the undoubtedly painful format!

so you've tried a pci netowrk card at that doesn't work....its baffeling!

 

[Mike_182]

so you've tried a pci netowrk card at that doesn't work....its baffeling!

If he wasn't stood over me I'd have punched it!

I want to try a USB wireless adapter if this doesn't work, but I'm reluctant to because I'll have bandwidth issues when I get this terastation freed up to go over there. That and the fact that I'm sure that'll f**k up too.

I'd go for the format if it was my own - but it's not and I'll have to have it for a day which neither of us can spare at the moment ideally! Which is why I'd rather spend tonight fixing it!

 

[b3nje]

there is no logical reason why a wireless usb adaptor should not work.

see, whats crazy is - its all custom built and you shouldnt have compatibility issues with the network card when its inbuilt. It has to be a driver issue.

Does it actual see a network card been there or is there just no signs of life at all?

Sticking a live cat5 into does nothing?

Do the other sockets work on the back like the usb's and audio ports?

 

[Mike_182]

It's worked in the past! I put all the XP updates on it through my SDSL because I'm lazy. The card registers and shows no life - and it takes a full power down at mains to get a light on the Router for ethernet.

 

[KDF]

Try usual things like, re-seat the card, seat it in a different slot if you can.. check bios is set to PNP if available, try NIC in different PC if it works you know its not the card for sure.

etc etc.. process of elimination..

 

[b3nje]

its inbuilt to the mobo ^^ :>

 

[b3nje]

Mike - suggest looking at windows site for any hotfixes that may affect network cards etc...

other than that i'd resort to a format :<

 

[KDF]

Soz if that was mentioned earlier.. skipped a few posts

Check bios to make sure its enabled, check for conflicts, replace CAT5 cable (could be a break in the signal line), check drivers, completly remove drivers then re-boot see if its automatically detected etc.

 

[Darren S]

I'd also check that the Network Connections service has been started autiomatically, Mike. I'd also fire up the NLA (Network Location Awareness) service at the same time. You shouldn't need it, but it may enable you to get the NIC up and running.

I'd agree with you that the issue sounds software-based. For the most common NIC on the planet (8139) not to be picked up and initialised by Windows, kind of indicates a definite O/S issue.

Could be wrong, though.

D.

 

[portal172]

Computer says no!

Goodluck!