Can't log onto network

I am trying to decide if I have a software or hardware problem. Apologies if this is not the right area for my problem.

I have been running a simple home network for some time, with just a cable bewteen two pc's each running ME and a NIC.

Suddenly I was unable to log onto the network with one of the PC's.

I tried everything but I was unable to find myself on the network.

I uninstalled and installed countless times, used the wizard many times until I noticed that the little green light on the NIC was not lighting up. I tried various other NIC's with the correct drivers in all different PCI slots but could still could not get any joy.

I need a point in the right direction, should i be looking towards software or hardware(but this would mean mobo as I have tried other working NIC) Oh by the way when I check the card in windows it says it is fitted and working correctly everytime.


Any help would be appreciated

 

Hey,
Could be as simple as a new cable. Have you tried a different one?

Rookie
- -

 

The fact that you have a connection on one end seems to rule out the card or cable.

The fact that you tried other nic's also.

But you should try another cable. If that don't work..................

Do this:

In full mode go to network neighborhood properties and remove only the TCP/IP protocol and Netbeui if installed.

Go to "safe mode" and remove the nic from device mgr.

Then go into control panel Add/remove and remove dialup networking.

Then shut down and physically remove the NIC. Then reboot without the NIC to finish uninstall and let the OS know that the NIC and DUN are gone.

Then go here d/l 3c09xx1.exe it is a self extractor. Extract in a hold or temp folder. Run "Preinstal.exe" from windows then delete all these files except if you want to keep preinstal.exe.

Preinstal is 3coms nic driver remover cleaner. It cleans the slate for an new install by removing any driver. This is good even if not a 3com nic.

Then d/l Ms DUN 1.4 for your ver. of win98 there is a ver for each 98 and 98se.

http://downloads-zdnet.com.com/3120-20-0.html?qt=dun+1.4&tg=dl-2001

Then reinstall the nic add back tcp and netbeui. Reboot no cable connected yet. Check that tcp and netbeui are there. If so then now run the DUN 1.4 update and reboot.

Still no cable go to add/remove and remove VPN. Then to network neighborhood and remove the extra protocols left from VPN. Also remove windows family logon if there.

You need tcp and neteui, client for microsoft networks and file and printer sharing. Set Client for quick logon and the primary logon as windows log on.

Now reinstall the cable and set up the network. If this don't work you are in a world of s***.

Mike

 

Not getting anywhere

Thanks for all your help. I have painstakingly followed your advice but still can't get any joy.

Maybe my board has just give up and its time to get a new one?

 

One last thing if you want!

D/L and install RegCleaner (but do not run):

RegCleaner http://www.vtoy.fi/jv16/shtml/regcleaner.shtml

After it is installed still in full mode:

Go to Start-Run and type

cleanmgr /sageset:1
on the menu it presents select all but compression

then

start-run type

cleanmgr /sagerun:1

when finished reboot and do the following

Cleanups
These are for 95 98 ME only!

Boot to DOS (not shutdown to DOS). While booting hit F8 to startup menu. Chose "command prompt only ".

Type these commands

del c:\*.swp (may get file not found, is ok)
del c:\windows\*.swp
attrib c:\windows\shelli*.* -h
del c:\windows\shelli*.*
deltree c:\windows\temp\*.* (answer yes to all) "ALL "
deltree c:\windows\tempor~1\*.*
deltree c:\windows\history\*.*
deltree c:\windows\spool\printers\*.*

then

scanreg /backup
then
scanreg /fix
then
scanreg /opt (corrected by edit was /fix)

Reboot F8 again this time safe mode

In safe mode run Regcleaner and do all as below

Look in first 2 cols for programs you thought you uninstalled or removed, these are the dregs left by the uninstaller. Also tag and remove any that you are POSITIVE are not supposed to be on your computer. After removing these go to the top Tools-Registry Cleanup-Do them all. Delete all it finds.

Finally the one thing that can help if this a driver issue: still in RegCleaner to the top Tool-Reset Hardware configuration.

Now restart.

When it comes up it will begin to find all hardware again like a fresh windows install. But it should find all driver on the HD.

To save some time when it asks to reboot now after finding something say "no" and it will continue to find things. When finally it settles down to the desktop. Reboot to let it finish all the install.

You may need some of the drivers but I doubt it.

After a clean boot back to full mode check the device mgr for errors or unknown devices. Handle these and retest for problem.

Mike

If this don't work and you have switched the NIC to another slot and tried another cable. Then that is all I can reccomend accept an fdisk and reinstall of windows.

Good luck!

 

hey,

hope u r using a cross cable.(u mentioned two computers & a cable between them).

if the light is not glowing in the NIC, it means that the NIC is not able to get the signal from the other end.

U also told that u have tried with other working NICs. Did u try with another CROSS cable. When there is no hub or a switch between two computers, u have to use cross cables. i don't think that cross cables can be bought in all places. u can make a cross cable by urself. all u need is a cable, jacks & a crimping tool. All the ready made cable would be straight cables.(do take care).

hope the LED in the NIC is not damaged.

vinodh prabhu

 

He has been told twice before, now yours makes 3 so maybe will answer you!

Mike

 

Gents, in the original post I see

which indicates to me he had it working so must have been using a properly wired cable.

 

10-4 Newt

I knew that but I and someone else both asked him to try another cable because he had switched nic's etc without sucess. I also asked him if he had switch slots.

He answered niether.

Them was some good photo's of the fishing trip.

Looked like bu coos fun!

Mike

 

Still trying

Sorry I have not replied but I have been experimenting and using other bits from my good computer, so I have not been on the net.

Thank you for all the help I do appreciate it.

I have tried different cables, and drivers and everything you have suggested to me. I think it is time to invest in a new motherboard which seems to be the only answer. I was planning to upgrade anyway so this is just coming a bit sooner.

I will not be buying one for another week or so because I am currently doing a bit of preperation for a new job, but I will tell you how I get on with getting my network working.

Thanks again for all your help, this is the best forum on the net without a doubt.

 

There is one thing left! I do remember I had someting like this a long time ago!

Try a totally different brand of NIC, if it is practical. Maybe you could borrow one just to test.

Or a clean install of the OS. I truly believe this to be a driver issue.

Other than that then go with the new mb.

Mike