Strange "network cable unplugged" error

[David in SF]

Hi -

I'm having a "network cable unplugged" error and can't figure out why.

The setup: Dell Dimension 4700 running XP SP3, using mobo network adapter (Intel Pro/100 VE). Just replaced a crashed HD a week ago and everything seemed fine.

What I've tested so far:
- Tested the network cable in another computer (it works fine)
- Removed the card that I had installed just before I noticed the failure (a 1394 card from Rosewill) and restarted.
- Under network connections, disabled, and then enabled the LAN connection and restarted
- under device manager, network adapters, I found the adapter, (it looked fine, there was no red X through it) disabled, re-enabled it, and restarted.
- reset the TCP stack: (Microsoft Article ID: 299357) and restarted

None of these steps helped.

Any advice? Please?

[glc]

Did you install the Intel chipset driver before installing the network adapter driver? Download the latest drivers from Dell and reinstall them.

[David in SF]

I've never reinstalled drivers before. I just checked the dell website and the driver in my system currently is the latest they have. I see an "uninstall" option in the driver tab of device manager, is that what I should do? Do I need to disable the card first in the networks control panel?

The file I downloaded from intel is an .exe file. If I double click that will it install the file in the proper place or do I need to manually put it somewhere.

Thanks - I know these are basic questions...

[glc]

Go to support.dell.com and put your service tag number in - get the drivers that way. The FIRST driver to install is the CHIPSET driver. If that doesn't fix it, reinstall the Pro 100 driver. They are all .exe files, just run them.

[David in SF]

Thanks GL.

Using my service tag number on the Dell site, I found one driver called

"Intel 82915G/GV/910GL Express Chipset Family"

Is that the one you mean?

The relevant page is here:
Drivers and Downloads | Dell [United States]

[glc]

Chipset (1)
File Title Importance Release Date Version Add to My Download List Actions
Dell-Driver
R79695.EXE (3MB)
Optional
7/13/2004
6.0.1.1002, A09
Applies to:

[David in SF]

Thanks for your help glc. It's working now!