Network Cable Unplugged

[Karen Morical]

I am in the process of setting up a small home network; however, this computer is listed as a "business" computer. I have a Compaq Ipaq desktop (P500/810E) running Windows 2000. It was networked with a Mac running smoothly. Recently upgraded to DSL and when I plug the ethernet cable into the modem, it is not detected. I get the error message "Network Cable Unplugged" although it is plugged and the LED on the modem does not come on. Checked the adapter, "no conflicts". Upgraded the driver which provides an intermittent connection that stays active for a few minutes and then goes back to Network Cable Unplugged. I have changed the link speed from auto detect to 100/Full but have also tried the other speeds. This has also provided intermittent success. I have tried different cables and there is no change. I know the modem works because my Mac works when connected to it either via a direct connection or via the router.

At this point, I can't figure out where the problem exists i.e. hardware or software. Any suggestions are appreciated.

[Terhorst]

Hi Karen,

I think you'll need a cross-over cable or a network hub (or switch). If the cable is correct, the LED will turn green as an indication of a correct physical connection ('connect-detect').

Basically, a ethernet cable needs 4 wires. In a cross-over cable the Transmit and Receive wires are changed, so a Transmit is always connected to a Receive. If this is not the case you will get the "network cable unplugged" message and LED's on the networkcard, modem or whatever will not come on.

A hub or switch can provide this cross-over function as well.

Regards,
Alexander

[Ron Kinner]

DSL and Cable modems usually only like one PC. They identify it by the MAC address of the NIC. The way you usually get around this is with a DSL/Cable router which offers the DSL Modem a single MAC and still allows connection of from 4 to 8 PCs to its switch side. CompUSA usually has one on sale for $20 to $40. The Wireless 802.11B models are being phased out for the faster 802.11G's but are fine for DSL and usually come with 4 LAN ports.

The procedure to get the modem to recognize a new PC varies. Sometimes you can just press the reset button on the modem. Other times you have to power it off and disconnect it from the DSL line then power it up and then power up your PC then connect the line. Ask your DSL supplier or check their website.

It is odd that you don't get a link light to stay. Usually they just won't give you an IP address or let you pass through to the Internet but perhaps your modem is a bit more unforgiving than most.

Both the MAC and the PC use the same cable so if it works for one it should work for the other.

Ron

[leif hunt]

I have the exact same computer with the exact sqame problem. Did you ever solve it and if so, what was it? I am dieing to figure this out. I performed a fresh insatall of Win XP on this machine and now I get the error "A Network Cable is Disconnected". But I know the cable is connected and its a brand new cable that works with toerh computers on my switch. HELP!!

[leif hunt]

I have the exact same computer with the exact sqame problem. Did you ever solve it and if so, what was it? I am dieing to figure this out. I performed a fresh insatall of Win XP on this machine and now I get the error "A Network Cable is Disconnected". But I know the cable is connected and its a brand new cable that works with other computers on my switch. HELP!!

[Antoniov.]

Leif,
read carefully Ron post!

Antonio Vigliotti

[leif hunt]

Antonio, I did read Ron's post and that doesnt help me. I have been building computers and repairing them for about 15 years. I have had a 5-port DSL Router and a 24-Port switch for years now. I know how to network sorta good but this computer has me stumped. I'm sure its a software issue because I can use a USB Ethernet Adapter and get it on the network just fine, but the built in 10/100 Network Port will not work, even though it appears to be installed just fine in the device manager. It does the exact same thing as the 1st lady in this post was describing. So, I still need help. HELP!!! lol

[Karen Morical]

Leif,

Unfortunately, I tried all suggestions and none worked for me. I ended up purchasing a USB ethernet adapter as it was an easy fix and prevented me having to spend any more time on the issue.

I wish you the best. If you ever find another fix, I would love to know what you did.

Best,
Karen

[leif hunt]

Ok, I will keep working at it until I figure it out. I a presistant "you know what". lol. I've been repairing computers for quite a while now and I hate to let one beat me. :) If anyone has any suggestions, please advise. In the meantime, I'll keep looking. Also Karen, do you still have your Ipaq? I really like it. I know it's slow by todays standards but it just has a "coolness" quality. lol

[HRE]

Hi,

sometimes there are some incompatibilities with ethernet interfaces. Try to setup a cheap small switch 4-port desktop (about 20$) between PC and modem. Often I have solved incompatibility problems with a small switch.

Regards HRE

[leif hunt]

I tried it to no avail. The computer originally shipped with Windows 2000 and I believe there is some software that I need to make the computer aware of the LAN connection. It was on there with Windows 2000 but I reformatted and XP doesnt have it built in. The Built in LAN is listed in the device manager as "Intel(R) 82559 Fast Ethernet LOM with Alert on LAN" . Has anyone ever dealt with this before and if so, does it require special software to make it work with XP? I am getting desperate to solve this. As I stated before, the LAN installed and the device manager shows it as installed with no problem but when I hook a brand new cable up, I get the error "A Network Cable Is Unplugged".

[leif hunt]

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/support/files/deskpro/us/download/6780.html

Go to this page and read where it says to install my LAN I need a few prerequisit programs. I think this is where my solution lies but I cant find all the software it tells me to get. Anyone with any ideas?