>
>Hi,
>I wonder if anyone else has run into this problem and have an answer!
>
>The setup:
>Dell Inspiron 8200 notebook,
>Windows Server 2003 (set up for local Workgroup),
>DI-624 router.
>
>The situation:
>The network connection is set up for automatic IP assignment. The machine is
>connected to the router from where it retrieves an IP.
>
>If I reboot my machine with the LAN cable unplugged (say, I'm too far from
>the router, or using wireless connection), and then as needed, I try to plug
>in the cable to get a connection, the traffic doesn't even start (in the
>connection properties, I've made sure that the "power-saver" option is
>cleared so the port should have power all the time). Besides, in cases when I
>do get the connection, if I unplug the cable and then after a few seconds,
>plug it back in, the connection revival takes a long time.
>
>The only way to get the traffic going and to get the IP is to reboot the
>machine with the cable already plugged in. Interestingly, the wireless ports
>work as expected. I can plug in a wireless adapter card anytime and it
>immediately gets the IP from the same router without any problem and I can
>use all the local networking and/or internet without any problem.
>Unbelievable! Can anyone help solve this mystery?
>
>TIA.

"Steve Winograd [MVP]" wrote:

> In article <B3335098-E130-4635-A691-DBDF0FF62***@microsoft.com>, Max
>
> Instead of rebooting, try disabling and then enabling the LAN
> connection.
> --
> Best Wishes,
> Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)
>
> Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
> for everyone to see.  I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
> addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.
>
> Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
> http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
>

>
>
> "Steve Winograd [MVP]" wrote:
>
>> In article <B3335098-E130-4635-A691-DBDF0FF62***@microsoft.com>, Max
>>
>> Instead of rebooting, try disabling and then enabling the LAN
>> connection.
>> --
>> Best Wishes,
>> Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)
>>
>> Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
>> for everyone to see.  I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
>> addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.
>>
>> Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
>> http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

"Kerry Brown" wrote:
>
> Could be any of several things. Some laptops disable devices that are not
> being used to conserve power. This can mix Windows up. Some NIC chipset
> drivers don't work properly if there isn't a connection when Windows starts
> up. Probably more reasons as well.
>
> Kerry

> Thanks for the reply. I'm sure it's neither one of the two reasons you
> mentioned. The connection has been explicitly cleared from power-save
> option, and the same NIC chipset used to work with Windows XP before
> I loaded 2003. So, it must be some other reason. Thanks for taking a
> shot though, it helps finding the reason by elimination.
>
>
>
> "Kerry Brown" wrote:
>>
>> Could be any of several things. Some laptops disable devices that
>> are not being used to conserve power. This can mix Windows up. Some
>> NIC chipset drivers don't work properly if there isn't a connection
>> when Windows starts up. Probably more reasons as well.
>>
>> Kerry

"Kerry Brown" wrote:

> Some notebooks implement the power save features in the BIOS. I have even
> seen notebooks where it can't be shut off by any method. That is why Windows
> gets mixed up.
>
> Which driver are you using? Make sure it is the Dell supplied driver. The XP
> one should work. See the folowing link.
>
> http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1065748
>
> Kerry

> Kerry, thanks for the followup. I just downloaded the nic driver and
> installed the driver followed by the usual reboot. Checked the driver
> version (4.26) and confirmed the provider to be 3Com. Sadly, the
> problem still persists. Strangely, now I don't have the power-saver
> option available for the user to decide on it anymore. Oh well ...
> this was just some feedback on your suggestion. Thanks again.
>
>
>
> "Kerry Brown" wrote:
>
>> Some notebooks implement the power save features in the BIOS. I have
>> even seen notebooks where it can't be shut off by any method. That
>> is why Windows gets mixed up.
>>
>> Which driver are you using? Make sure it is the Dell supplied
>> driver. The XP one should work. See the folowing link.
>>
>> http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1065748
>>
>> Kerry