Computer freezing with network cable in...?

[Codename46]

Hey guys,

One of my computers is really acting up. Whenever I boot it up with the CAT5 cable in it, it freezes during the boot phase, but when I boot my computer without it, it runs fine.

In the past, I occasionally get BSOD errors too while I'm surfing the internet, but I don't know if its related.

The computer is a Sony VAIO, and the NIC is motherboard-integrated. Are there any NIC card tests that are like memtest86 except for NIC cards?

I tried setting up a private network and pinging the problematic computer and it worked. I used the problematic computer to ping other computers on the private network and it worked. I look at device manager on Windows XP and it says that nothings wrong with it.

I would appreciate any input regarding this problem and any solutions to it.

 

[Codename46]

bump

 

[electronicsfreak]

Sissoftsandrapro will test about any device and also be sure your network connection is set to auto detect. I think its just having problems getting the connection. Regardless heres the link for sissoftsandrapro , its not free but they do have a trial.

http://www.sisoftware.net/

 

[gbaughma]

I agree with electronicsfreak. Sounds like it's having a problem getting a connection.

Here's a couple of things to try:

Use a static IP address, so that it's not delaying in connecting to a DHCP server.

Try throttling back your network connection; if it's on auto-negotiate for speed and duplex, try turning it down to 10 mbps, half duplex.

Often, inductance from power supplies, electrical cords, flourescent lights, etc. will interfere with network cabling, especially running at 100-base speed. Turning down the speed (locking it down) quite often fixes these problems.

Also, I have found that improperly made cables will cause additional interference as well... if they are not "proper" cables (Orange-white, orange, green-white, blue, blue-white, green, brown-white, brown), where the correct pairs are twisted, you can have sporadic problems as well.



Just my $0.02

"In order to start solving a problem, one must first identify its owner." --Me
--Greg

 

[ceh4702]

Look for a download of Stinger.exe I think the Mcaffee people distribute it for free. It is an agent that looks for worms. There have been in the past some nasty worms.

Do you have SP1 and SP2 on this computer? A lot of viruses are caused just by not updating Windows.

If you do not like my post feel free to point out your opinion or my errors.

 

[Codename46]

I really don't think its a virus or worm or Trojan.

I setup a private network and everything works fine. I ran FreshDiagnose (which is like Device Manager) and it seems to be fine.

I'll try what you guys suggested above with the trial version of the tester, but I have been unable to recreate the problem.

 

[ceh4702]

If you get BSOD errrors, I think that has to be a hardware error. Often it is RAM. I guess it could be your Network Card even if it is integrated. If you had another cat5 cable you could test for that. The connector might be loose or not fit in the socket right have corrosion or must have some loose wiring. Usually the Microsoft networking wizard can test the NIC device if it is plugged in.

I was listening to the Radio the other day and often intermittent problems in cars are due to loose wiring. The "wiggle test" is a diagnostic tool they sometimes use. move the cat5 cable around and see if goes bananas. Sometimes at work if I just brush against a connection or one of the cat5 cables something will quit working.

If you do not like my post feel free to point out your opinion or my errors.

 

[Codename46]

Hmm thats a good point. I'll definitely try that out. Thanks.