Windows 7: stupid NIC behaviour!

Hi All,

Just got a new machine with Windows 7 64 bit installed, build 7600.



It has a rather annoying quirk in that 9 out of 10 times when it boots up, it won't see the network connection. You physically have to pull the ethernet cable and reattach, then bingo it's OK!

I know there were similar issues reported with Windows 7 but these issues could apparently be sorted by disabling and reenabling the device itself... but this doesn't work in this case.

The NIC is an Intel 82567V-2 Gigabit device. The driver version is 10.0.6.0, which is up to date, apparently!

There's nothing useful in the eventlog , other than when it reports a connection is established, (i.e. by pulling and reconnecting the ethernet cable).

Any similar experiences, and / or fixes?

Did you try swapping the Ethernet cable and/or user a different switch port?

Up to date according to Intel or according to Windows Update?

...both... I did download the latest release pack from Intel for the NIC, but the actual driver is the same version.

Yes, have also tried new cable and port.

There is really not much else you can do other than making sure you have the lastest driver, and the ports and cables are working fine. Not sure if this will do any good but if you want, you can re-install the OS, or a different one and see if it's the software that's causing it or your actualy hardware.

Is the NIC on-board with the motherboard? Sometimes I have discovered that on-board NIC just go screwy sometimes. I have had much better success when I just install a NIC PCI adapter in one of the PCI slot. Seems to work better that way. Two on-board NIC I've had problems with are Intel and nVidia. Realtek has never given me a problem in an on-board setup.

Not sure if you can set it to delayed start through Services, but hat could be something to try. Windows does try to get on-line as early as possible during boot, and I suppose it might be too soon for the NIC and then not retrying.

OTOH, if its new and under warranty ... make it someone else's problem.

Since it's a new computer, probably from one of the major makers like: HP, DELL, Gateway, Lenovo, etc. That means it LOADED with "bloatware", stuff they cram on there (paid for by the software vendors) to reduce the price of the computer.

The majority of people don't need all that stuff, plus it WILL slow your PC down, sometimes considerably.

I suggest you download a free program called: PC Decrapifier

Here's some info on what it does:

How it Works

Simply download the file and run the EXE. There is no installer. If you have anti-virus software installed, it may complain about this program because it is written with a scripting language. These warnings can be safely ignored. Please see the FAQ for more details.
Running the Program

After you run the EXE you will be guided through the process with a "wizard" style series of questions. You will have the choice to pick and choose what you want to remove. It will not begin removing anything without prompting you first!
Click the images below to see a screen shot of various parts of the process.

Welcome

Create a Restore Point

Select Items



I have used this numerous times when repairing new PCs that have gone weird in a few day after purchase.