[edpaulson]

Error message "Local area connection -- a network cable is unplugged" pops up intermittently -- every 5-20 seconds and lasts 3-5 seconds. It reduces my Verizon DSL efficiency by about 50%. And the problem seems to be getting worse!

I'm running a Dell Dimension 3000 desktop, vintage 2005, winXP SP3.
The NIC card is the original Intel PRO 100 VE network connector.
The device manager says "device is working correctly."
The hardware update wizard says I've got the latest drivers.
The ethernet cable is fine -- no problem connecting to my laptop.

So -- I strongly suspect an NIC card problem (?). If so, can anyone recommend a USB ethernet adaptor?
Regards ... Ed

 

[johnwill]

I'd consider a PCMCIA Ethernet NIC rather than the USB one.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127111

 

[johnwill]

I'd consider a PCMCIA Ethernet NIC rather than the USB one.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127111

 

[edpaulson]

Thanks for quick reply.

So I guess you agree with my assumption that it's a card problem. Can you expand on your preference for NIC over USB?

The reasons I tend toward USB solution:
1. It's been 10 yrs or so since I opened up a machine to change a card.
2. USB appears to be simple, quick, and relatively cheap.
3. I'm going to buy a new machine as soon as Win 7 is available, avoiding Vista, so I don't mind a short-term solution to this problem.

 

[johnwill]

If it's a short term solution, USB would probably be fine. I've had far more issues with USB networking than any internal solution, so I stay away from it whenever possible.