Network connection problem

[Rwalls]

Hey again,
I've a problem connecting to the network in my university. When I plug in the network cable, I keep getting error messages saying that the cable has been unplugged. Sometimes I actually do get connected, whilst on other occasions I just get this error message over and over again.

In my networks connection folder, there are 3 things. LAN connection, 1394 connetcion and Network Bridge.

THe university told us to set the IP settings within the Lan connection settings, to Automatically detect. I'm not sure what else I'm doing wrong.

Using windows XP.

Can anyone help me out?

[ktkendall]

That actually sounds like a physical component problem, either the cable you are using, the jack on the wall or the jack rj45 input on your PC. Those pins get weak over time especially on a laptop where there is plugging in and out frequently. I would start with a new cable. Does the probelm occur just at 1 certain place or anywhere on campus?? Are you carrying around and using the same cord from different locatoins???

The error you are getting has nothing to do with IP addressing, it is a physical layer problem with connectivity somewhere from your laptop to the wall jack, which can include the rj45 on either end, or even the nic card in your laptop or even the switch port that you are connected to. If your having the problem all over camus though, then it is probably the cable or your nic card....