Network cable unplugged

[free1776]

Hello,

This is my first post on these forums. Here is my question:

I'm attempting to setup a LAN to share my cable modem connection. I've installed my network cards, and I've installed and setup my router. I'm running Windows XP PRO, using a D-LINK DI-604 4-port router, one machine has a Netgear card, the other has an SMC card. Both machines say the network cards are functioning properly.

My main machine accesses the internet without problems when I'm connected directly to the cable modem, but I frequently have to click the retry button once when I'm connected to the router. My second machine (I plan to add a third after I work this out)will not connect to the network, and when I view my network connections, it says that a network cable is unplugged. I've checked to make sure that every connecter is clicked in firmly, and that all cables are connected at the right place.

What am I doing wrong? I originally had a Realtek card in the second machine, but swapped it for the SMC today.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Greenstead]

Hmm...1776 - rings a bell somewhere.

Anyway. Maybe there is a simple answer to your problem (maybe not).

A network cable unplugged error usualy means what it says. If your cable was originally used to sucessfully connect to the other PC then it is a cross-over cable. You must use a straight thro patch lead to connect to the router.

[free1776]

LOL Greenstead, I didn't think of that when I posted, that's my standard alias everywhere.:D

Thanks for the tip. So in what way does crossover cable differ from straight through? Mine says:

"Space shuttle verified (ul) CAT-5 Patch Cable ETL verified EIA/TIA-568A UTP 24AWG Stranded CM E129760 CSA LL80671 AWM II A/B 80 deg C 300V FT4"

[Greenstead]

Cable sounds correct.

Some thoughts:
- Have you tried swapping the cables on the PCs to see if the problem moves with the cable. That will eliminate the cable as the problem.
- Have you tried plugging PC2 into a different port on the router to prove it is not the port is a problem.
- There is a reset button on the router. It will reset it to factory defaults and clear any hangups in the router. Then re-enter your configuration in it. That will eliminate the router.

On PC2 try
ping 127.0.0.1
ping localhost
You should get successful pings - if not its the card or the driver or TCP/IP.

- Check you have the latest driver from SMC's website.
- If still a problem move the SMC card from PCI slot 1 to slot 2.

btw SMC are one of the best for tel tech support. You might call them.

Any good ?