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Loss of Connectivity on Only One PC on a LAN

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eli

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Sep 26, 2006, 5:20:07 PM9/26/06
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Hello:
 
I posted about this several days ago, but it seems the thread got lost.
 
Kindly excuse the repetition.
 
I had followed the troubleshooting steps on that Chicago Tech site as recommened to me when I first posted here:
 
 
. [I'll  summarize the steps taken below]
 
=================================
 
I use a LAN connection which consists of two PCs each connected to a Linksys BEFSR 41 Router.
 
The Network Card on my PC is: 
Model: Intel(R) PRO/1000 MT Network Connection - 
 
Help and Support-->Tools-->My Computer Info-->Hardware shows the driver for this to have been  installed  last December and to be supported.
 

" Model: Intel(R) PRO/1000 MT Network Connection - Packet Scheduler Miniport
Driver: e1000325.sys
Friday, December 23, 2005
Supported "
 
I get frequent--almost daily--disconnects of my Verizon DSL connection with a "Limited or no Connectivity" reading appended to a yellow exclamation point on the system tray icon. 

This happens only on my own PC and never on the other PC on the same LAN.
 
I can restore the connection only by  unplugging both the modem and router for about 30 sec and replugging them
 
When this happen,s there generally are DHCP warnings in my Event Viewer  with 1003 and 1007  event ID's. The 1007 Event ID's read in part:
 
===============================
   "Your computer has automatically configured the IP address for the Network Card with network address    0008742516DF.  The IP address being used is 169.254.245.117.  "
 
   "Explanation :

   The DHCP Client service on your computer did not receive a response from the DHCP server to the DHCP Discover    message within the time limit; therefore your computer's IP address was assumed to be invalid, and the DHCP Client    service generated another IP address."
===============================

                                                                                     
 
That ISP beginning with 169.x.x.x  yields a 'Limited or no Connectivity" connection. At this point I need to unplug modem and router and replug them as described above.
 
 "Network Diagnostic Scan" run at Help and Support-->Tools----Network Diagnostics generally show PASSED on all parameters.  They seem quite detailed. There is an occasional ping failure in these results, but it inevitably resolves when I rerun the same Network Diagnostic scan a bit later.
 
I looked into a possible WinSocket registry corruption, but the data I gathered from advanced system info at Help and Support--->Detailed System Info [Msinfo32.exe]-->System Summary-->Components--Network-->Protocol seemed to rule that out as described in an MS KB article on Dx a WinSock registry corruption. Futhermore, the Error readings are completely diferent than depicted there for a winsock registry corruption.
 
My Windows XP Firewall is turned OFF , but the Windows Firewall/ICS Service is on Automatic startup type as recently  recommned on this newsgroup.
 
So I have no idea as to why I'm getting those "Limited or no Connectivity" disconnects only on my own PC and not on the other.
 
I use Zone Alarm Security Suite for both AntiVirus and Firewall functions.
 
Any further suggstions on resolving this connectivity issue?
 
Thanks in advance:
 
-Eli
 
===========
 
Windows XP Professional Edition SP2
 
Zone Alarm Security Suite 6.1.744.001
 
The Network Card on my PC is: 
Model: Intel(R) PRO/1000 MT Network Connection
 
 
 
 
 

Pablo

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Sep 26, 2006, 6:09:01 PM9/26/06
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Hi Eli,
I would guess your configuration is something like this:

DSL modem-Linksys-2 PC

Am I right?

Are both PC connecting wirelessly to the linksys?

Pablo.

"eli" wrote:

> Hello:
>
> I posted about this several days ago, but it seems the thread got lost.
>
> Kindly excuse the repetition.
>
> I had followed the troubleshooting steps on that Chicago Tech site as recommened to me when I first posted here:
> www.chicagotech.net/troubleshooting/noconnectivity.htm
>
>

> .. [I'll summarize the steps taken below]

eli

unread,
Sep 26, 2006, 6:26:56 PM9/26/06
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Both PC's are connected individually to the Linksys BEFSR 41 Router. We do
not share files or printers.

Neither PC is wireless. My PC is a desktop
The other PC is a laptop

-Eli

**********************************
"Pablo" <Pa...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:A8B1292F-E861-48C1...@microsoft.com...

Chuck

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Sep 26, 2006, 6:56:07 PM9/26/06
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Hi Eli,

OK, so we will continue here.

A periodic disconnection, repaired by physically disconnecting (ONLY?) the modem
and router, does not sound like an LSP / Winsock problem. But with all due
respect to Microsoft, the native netsh command is not the only way to fix such a
problem, and their advice isn't always complete. So we'll save that for later.

If you have another computer, and it's NEVER (?) experiencing this problem, I'm
not sure that you should have to disconnect the modem, at all. Please verify
that the other computer loses connectivity when you do this.

Does the other computer connect by Ethernet? If so, try swapping router ports
and cables between the 2 computers. Then wait until the problem reoccurs.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/solving-network-problems-tutorial.html#Three>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/solving-network-problems-tutorial.html#Three

Now I reread your previous post, and it confused me. Are you enabling, or
disabling, power management on the Ethernet card? Does the disconnection happen
when the computer is busy, or when it's idle?
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/does-your-computer-lose-network.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/does-your-computer-lose-network.html

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

Pablo

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Sep 26, 2006, 7:26:01 PM9/26/06
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Eli,
Is the linksys serving as DHCP server? Did you try
uninstalling/re-installing the ethernet adapter card? Have you tryed
connecting the failing PC to a different ethernet port on the linksys? Is the
ethernet cable that connects the PC to the linksys in good conditions? Have
you tryed using the cable the other computer has right now?

Pablo

eli

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Sep 26, 2006, 7:52:47 PM9/26/06
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Chuck wrote:
 
"Now I reread your previous post, and it confused me.  Are you enabling, or
> disabling, power management on the Ethernet card?  Does the disconnection happen
> when the computer is busy, or when it's idle?"
 
Hi again: The only Power Management Option I see regarding the Network Adapter is found at: LAN-->Properties-->General-->>Configure.
 
There is a Netwotk Adapter  Power Management option box there  to allow the  computer to turn the device off to save power.
 
 
 It's unchecked on both PC's. In other word: Power Management for the Network adapter is disabled. I disabled it after the problem first occured, but it didnt resolve it.
 
Under CONFIGURE for the Network Adpater--at the General tab--I get the following:
 
 
"This device is working properly.
If you are having problems with this device, click Troubleshoot to start the troubleshooter."
 
The disconnects generally happen when I'm not using the PC,  though I always leave the connection on. When I attempt to use the PC in the late afternoons- after not using it for a few hours, I often  see that yellow exclamation sign with the "Limited or no Connectivity" at the connection icon in the sys tray. The other PC remains with normal connection.
 
We've had this LAN working properly since late July. The problems first began on September 18.
 
I can try and verify if the other PC is still connected when I unplug the modem. I can't see how it could be since it's the modem which allows her to connect to the interent.
 
Chuck wrote:
 
" Does the other computer connect by Ethernet?  If so, try swapping router ports
> and cables between the 2 computers.  Then wait until the problem reoccurs."
 
I think so, but it's an external network adapter. I believe it's a Linksys Adapter that she uses for the LAN in question.. I could try swapping ports on the Router, if she's willing ot allow me, but swapping the cables would be a bit tricky since her cable is only a few feet long and mine is between 50-60- ft. I'd have to purchase a new cable wire to try that.
 
Chuck wrote:
 
"If you have another computer, and it's NEVER (?) experiencing this problem, I'm
> not sure that you should have to disconnect the modem, at all.  Please verify
> that the other computer loses connectivity when you do this."
                                                                                                                     
 
I wish there was an easier way to do this, as this annoys the other user on the LAN, but I haven't found one...
 
I assume she loses her connection as well--when I unplug the Modem and Router-- since those are what she uses to connect as well. But I'll try to verify this .   
 
If you don't mind,  I have another piece of info which may or may not be relevant to the problem here:
 
I also noticed the following:
 
Control Panel-->Network Connections-->
I click on the  LAN being used:
 
Properties-->Advanced-->
 
Brings me to the pane about the Windows Firewall/ICS.
 
Midway down that pane:
 
"Internet Connection Sharing"
 
Both boxes about allowing other nework users to connect and/or control  are checked in.
 
However, when I click on SETTINGS on that Internet Connection Sharing portion of that advanced panel. I see:
 
 I see : Services
 
"Select the services running on your computer that Internet users can access"
 

Below that panel is a vertical array of eight unchecked boxes including:
 
 DHCP[67],  DHCP[68],   DNS,   FTP Server,    UPnP[TCP], UPnP[UDP]...etc...
 
1) Am I corect in asuming that Internet users there means users on that LAN?
 
2) Should any of those uncheked boxes be checked in?
 
Thanks again.
 
-Eli
 
 
************************************************************************************************************************
 

Chuck

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Sep 26, 2006, 8:36:19 PM9/26/06
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Eli,

When you ran the Network Setup Wizard, what did you select? You should select
This computer connects to the Internet through another computer on my network or
through a residential gateway.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/using-network-setup-wizard-in-windows.html#NATClient>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/using-network-setup-wizard-in-windows.html#NATClient

But that shouldn't leave you with any ICS options. If this computer connects to
the router, and isn't an ICS server, these options shouldn't be available. Did
you maybe select
This computer connects directly to the Internet. The other computers on my
network connect to the Internet through this computer.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/using-network-setup-wizard-in-windows.html#ICSHost>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/using-network-setup-wizard-in-windows.html#ICSHost

I'm not sure that will fix the problem, but start there. I have no idea what
ICS settings you might have tried, and without knowing, I'm not sure how useful
I can be here. So start by rerunning the NSW, as above.

Now when you need to swap cables and router ports, and the cables aren't equal,
then that won't be an easy step. But do the best that you can. You do see
where we're going with the test, right? If you're thinking that the problem has
to be in the computer, simply because the other computer isn't having a problem,
then you have to verify that. And that means that you have to test the cables
and router ports too.

If the problem is with the computer, then you shouldn't touch the modem. And
the only thing that you should touch on the router is the cable from your
computer to the router. You shouldn't disturb the other computer. Period.

So have you tried JUST disconnecting the Ethernet cable from your computer, when
this happens? Test one thing at a time.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/solving-network-problems-tutorial.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/solving-network-problems-tutorial.html

eli

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Sep 26, 2006, 9:19:27 PM9/26/06
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Chuck wrote:
 
When you ran the Network Setup Wizard, what did you select?  You should select
> This computer connects to the Internet through another computer on my network or
> through a residential gateway.
 
Hi again Chuck:
 
The original setup of the LAN was done entirely by the user of the other PC on that LAN in July. Both the Modem and Router are in her room. It's likely she wouldn't recall the settings used in that setup operation. I can try and ask....
 
I know that the intention of the setup was simply so we could both use the Verizon DSL as separate independent PC's.the arrangement worked flawlessly till last week. I can't think of anything that was altered on my end here... My PC is connected via a long cable to the Linksys Router. Hers is likewise plugged into that same Router. I did try using another port on the Router last week, but that didn't resolve the problem. But we haven't yet tried reversing ports on the router. I assume that by "ports" you mean the outlet into which the cable is plugged into?
 
Chuck wrote:
 
"So have you tried JUST disconnecting the Ethernet cable from your computer, when
> this happens?  Test one thing at a time"
 
This would be the easiest of your suggestions to attempt. Next time I get disconnected, I'll simply disable the LAN connection from my PC, unplug the ethernet cable leading to the Router from its outlet on my PC, leave it unplugged about 30 sec,  reinsert it. Then attempt to reeable the connection?
 
I'll report back here as to what happened.
 
Is that what you had in mind?
 
Thanks for your patience:
 
-Eli
 
********************************************************

 
 

Chuck

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Sep 26, 2006, 10:18:52 PM9/26/06
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On Tue, 26 Sep 2006 21:19:27 -0400, "eli" <nob...@anywhere.com> wrote:

>Chuck wrote:

>When you ran the Network Setup Wizard, what did you select? You should select
>> This computer connects to the Internet through another computer on my network or
>> through a residential gateway.
>
>Hi again Chuck:
>
>The original setup of the LAN was done entirely by the user of the other PC on that LAN in July. Both the Modem and Router are in her room. It's likely she wouldn't recall the settings used in that setup operation. I can try and ask....
>
>I know that the intention of the setup was simply so we could both use the Verizon DSL as separate independent PC's.the arrangement worked flawlessly till last week. I can't think of anything that was altered on my end here... My PC is connected via a long cable to the Linksys Router. Hers is likewise plugged into that same Router. I did try using another port on the Router last week, but that didn't resolve the problem. But we haven't yet tried reversing ports on the router. I assume that by "ports" you mean the outlet into which the cable is plugged into?
>
>Chuck wrote:
>
>"So have you tried JUST disconnecting the Ethernet cable from your computer, when
>> this happens? Test one thing at a time"
>
>This would be the easiest of your suggestions to attempt. Next time I get disconnected, I'll simply disable the LAN connection from my PC, unplug the ethernet cable leading to the Router from its outlet on my PC, leave it unplugged about 30 sec, reinsert it. Then attempt to reeable the connection?
>
>I'll report back here as to what happened.
>
>Is that what you had in mind?
>
>Thanks for your patience:
>
>-Eli

Eli,

How are you disabling the LAN connection? Try one step, then the other, so you
can see what works. If you keep doing 2 steps, then you'll never know which one
fixes the problem, and the problem will keep coming back. And try the
troubleshooting steps in my article.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/does-your-computer-lose-network.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/does-your-computer-lose-network.html

There is no need, and no benefit, to disabling the connection before removing
the cable.

And yes, by ports I mean the router ports.

Change just 1 thing, and see if the problem returns. Then change one more
thing, and repeat.

eli

unread,
Sep 27, 2006, 12:16:42 AM9/27/06
to
Chuck wrote:
 
    "How are you disabling the LAN connection?"
 
I disable that by right-clicking on the LAN computer icon in the system tray and then right-clicking on Status.
 
There are two bars there.
 
 One reads:           Properties
 The othere reads: Disable
 
I thought it best to disable the disconnected  LAN before reestablishing a new connection. But the next time I'll try it as you recommend below:
 
   "There is no need, and no benefit, to disabling the connection before removing
    the cable."
 
So next time I lose connectivity , I'll simply unplug the ethernet cable-- -which leads to the Router-- from my PC w/o doing anything else. Then simply replug...
 
=====================
 
I'm reading through those articles at your blog now and following the respective links from there.  I've already done some of those steps.
 
I recall having some trouble doing that ipconfig/release and ipconfig/renew operation because there is an unplugged network cable on LAN 2.. The LAN2 isnt the LAN I now use for my connection, but it somehow impeded that operation at the command prompt.
 
But in any case , I'll go it a step at a time as you suggest.
 
Thanks again for your patience:
 
-Eli
 
*****************************************************************************************************************************

eli

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Sep 27, 2006, 1:07:15 AM9/27/06
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Hi Pablo:
 
Pablo wrote:
 
   "Eli,
   > Is the linksys serving as DHCP server?"
 
I honestly don't know. Not all that savvy about networks... How would I find this out?
 
 
   "Did you try
   > uninstalling/re-installing the ethernet adapter card?"
 
I haven't yet tried that, since I don't wish to create more problems than I already have. I guess I might need to try that down the line if theres a good reason to.. I did use the "Help and Support" tools on windows XP which allows one to scan Hardware/Software as well as Network Diagnostics.
 
 
Model: Intel(R) PRO/1000 MT Network Connection - Packet Scheduler Miniport
Driver: e1000325.sys
Friday, December 23, 2005
Supported
 
Elsewhere on those tests , I'm told that the Network Card doesnt need to be updated.The readings on the Network Diagnostics tools there at "Help and Suport" also came out ok as I  summarized earlier.
 
 
Pablo wrote:
 
    'Have you tryed
    > connecting the failing PC to a different ethernet port on the linksys?"
 
 
Yes, I have tried connecting it to another port, but it didn't help. we haven't yet tried reversing the ports, which I supposemight be the next step....
 
 
Pablo wrote:
 
   " Is the
    > ethernet cable that connects the PC to the linksys in good conditions? Have
    > you tryed using the cable the other computer has right now?
 
It was a new cable  bought a few months ago. We cannot reverse the cables because of the great difference in lenght betwen the two. Might simply buy another 50 ft cable.
 
Thanks for your reply:
 
-Eli
 
*****************************************************************************************************

 

eli

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Sep 27, 2006, 4:43:53 PM9/27/06
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[UPDATE on Issue]
 
Chuck had written:
 
"So have you tried JUST disconnecting the Ethernet cable from your computer, when
>> this happens?  Test one thing at a time"
==================
 
YES!!!!!
 
This happened just a few minutes ago. I got that "Limited or no Connectivity" yellow exclamation point on my LAN icon in the system tray after rebooting my PC.
 
I did exactly as you wrote above. I merely disconnected the Ethernet cable from my PC for ~30 seconds,  then simply reinserted it, and I instantly got the connection back ....but with a new ISP Number within that LAN range.
 
As you had suggested, there was no need to unplug the modem and router to achieve this.
 
What would be my next step in trying to resolve this?
 
-Eli
 
***************************************************************
 
 

Chuck

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Sep 27, 2006, 6:07:17 PM9/27/06
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On Wed, 27 Sep 2006 16:43:53 -0400, "eli" <nob...@anywhere.com> wrote:

>[UPDATE on Issue]
>
>Chuck had written:
>
>"So have you tried JUST disconnecting the Ethernet cable from your computer, when
>>> this happens? Test one thing at a time"
>==================
>
>YES!!!!!
>
>This happened just a few minutes ago. I got that "Limited or no Connectivity" yellow exclamation point on my LAN icon in the system tray after rebooting my PC.
>
>I did exactly as you wrote above. I merely disconnected the Ethernet cable from my PC for ~30 seconds, then simply reinserted it, and I instantly got the connection back ....but with a new ISP Number within that LAN range.
>
>As you had suggested, there was no need to unplug the modem and router to achieve this.
>
>What would be my next step in trying to resolve this?
>
>-Eli

<SNIP>

OK, that's a good start. If a simple cable disconnect is helpful, it's likely
that the problem is in either the network card, the cable, or the router. And
you're certain that nothing is happening to the other computer?

The next step is to swap router ports with the other computer. Do a complete
swap, specifically connect the other computers cable to your router port, and
your computer cable to the other router port. Then see if the problem repeats
itself.

While you're waiting for the problem to repeat, go to the store, and buy a
second cable. Whether or not the problem is in the router or the network card,
having a spare cable is never a bad idea.

eli

unread,
Sep 27, 2006, 7:39:57 PM9/27/06
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Chuck wrote:
 
=========================
 
   "The next step is to swap router ports with the other computer.  Do a complete
   > swap, specifically connect the other computers cable to your router port, and
   > your computer cable to the other router port."
=========================
 
I can only swap router ports at this point, not the cables, since my cable is 50-60 ft and hers is ~3 ft. I'd have to purchase a new cable of that length before doing a complete swap. Might take a few days to purchase a new one if needed.
 
Would it be of use to merely swap router ports first, and see  if she develops the same problem with her own connection?
 
 
-Eli
=================
Chuck wrote:
 
   "And you're certain that nothing is happening to the other computer?"
>
 
Seems her computer was either off or in hibernation at the time this happened. It's often in such a state. Her Verizon connection was disconnected as well. Not sure it's that way much of the time. I booted it up, connected to Verizon, and her connection was just fine.
 
Thanks again:
 
-Eli
 
***************************************************************************************************************************

 
 
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