"Denis" wrote:

> Product: XP Home (Svc. Pack 3)
> Network Card: 3Com Etherlink XL 10/100 PCI
>
> Recently I upgraded from Dial-up to ADSL and for the first time required the
> use of my Network Card. (This device was always disabled.) After the first
> time it was enabled and system restart I was unable to access "My Computer".
>
> As soon as I tried to view "My Computer" and have access to Disk Drives, the
> system freezes. If I try to close the "My Computer" window, a "Not Responding
> Error" occurs. Forcing shutdown via Task Manager has no effect. Only solution
> is Hard Reboot.
>
> After much trial and error I discovered that it was the Network Device. If
> Enabled at Start Up the problem occurs. If Disabled, no problems.
>
> At present I must disable the devices before Shutting Down and then
> re-enable it at least 2 minutes after Profile Login.
>
> Any solution will be greatly appreciated.
>
> If NO Solution is available my request is:
> Is there a way to leave the Network Device enabled, but have it load itself
> after all other Start Up Processes have completed or after a specific period
> of time has elapsed?

> "Anteaus" wrote:
> > LAN cards are so cheap these days, I'd just try another.
>
> > The RTL8139 series are cheap and usually quite reliable.
>
> Thanks for the advice, but have the same problem no matter what network
> adaptor I use (tried two others).
>
> I have a dual-boot for a second XP install on which I do any program & game
> testing. On this install there are no problems at Start Up and NO 'freezing'
> occurs.
>
> My Linux also runs perfectly without any problems aswell.
>
> Still searching for an explanation and solution. (Without having to do a
> re-install of XP...)