PC network problem!

[TjLaZer]

OK I finally have a PC question!  Since this is the bridge to my Amiga network here goes!  I built a new PC, Gigabyte P4 3.2GHz 1MB Cache.  512MB DDR 333.  XP SP2, the problem is that almost every day the network dies.  It shows still connected but I cannot get anywhere.  When I try to release and renew the IP it says DHCP server is unavailable.  If I reboot it works, or if I disable and reenable LAN port.  What could it be?  It is really irritating as I have a web server running on it too and it goes down every day.  Damn XP!

[x56h34]

This is a longshot, but...are you using a router? It could be a firmware related issue. I experienced a similar ordeal after upgrading the router's firmware to the latest version. After downgrading it, everything worked fine again. It could have been related to compatibility between my router's firmware and the network card in my notebook.

Just a wild guess.

[Linchpin]

WinXP Service pack 2 by any chance?

[TjLaZer]

I do not use a router. I have a second NIC to a 4 port switch, where I have my A4000D and A3000T and HP 4+ printer hooked up to.  I do have Norton 9.0 SAV and Personal Firewall installed.  I also read that it could be my NIC going into StandBy or some crap?  I will check when I get home...

[Speelgoedmannetje]

Use a router, things will get a hell of a lot easier then
And check your settings in the Device Manager (Control Panel)
check if your network card doesn't have an IRQ conflict, or driver problem.
 

[TjLaZer]

I do have SP2 installed!  I will try with Firewall off to see if it helps but maybe its not a good idea.  I do have a router with firewall I need to install it.

[GadgetMaster]

In the properties of your NIC card go to 'configure' and then to the last tab called 'Power Management'

Get rid of the option where it says: 'Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power'

Another thing is to thoroughly check all the settings of Norton.

Try disabling it to see if it causing the problem.

[Linchpin]

When you loose the connection, does a simple ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew from the command line sort it? Could be you are running some sort of DHCP system there and the lease times are very low and not re-leasing the IP's. A Long shot, but worth it.

[Linchpin]

When I try to release and renew the IP it says DHCP server is unavailable

I should learn to read... What do you have acting as your DHCP server?