network adapter troubles on a MS-6039 mainboard
 

I can run my Pentuim III 800 MHz computer with an MSI MS-6039 V2.1 mainboard for about 24 hours until my pci network adapter simply stops working. Once the adapter reaches this state, it will work for about a minute if you unplug the network cable and plug it back in again but it requires a cold shutdown and reboot in order to function properly. This applies to every network card I have tried to use so far, and it happens regardless of whether it is runing Linux, OpenBSD, or Windows XP so I think you could appreciate just how pissed off I am getting.

The network cards I have tried so far are the 3c509 and the realtek 8139. Both are reliable adapters in every other machine I have used them in. I am thinking it's a BIOS problem because of it's persistance throughout all operating systems but I have no idea what it could be since I have the newest BIOS update (v3.8) and I have already tried disabling and enabling Wake on LAN. That's why I am asking you. If you don't have any ideas, then I would accept rebooting every 24 hrs as a mediocre but necessary fix but I would really rather not.

Thanks in advance,

mangolicious

From what I read
You have tried diffferent nics, each of which have different drivers, and you tried different operating systems.

fyi: Bios settings will not affect pci network cards.

Its not a OS problem as you tried another OS
Its not a nic problem as you tried another nic
It not likely a bios issue, as bios will only affect onboard nics.

The only consistant thing is the cable, and probably more importantly what the cable is connected to at the other end. Could it be that your switch/router/modem is actually failing each time? Can you change whats at the other end of the cable, and replace the cable?

Good luck, this must be driving you nuts.

OK, I'll try that out. I suppose it was a 2 $ cable and it's a pretty old switch but none of the other computers attached to the switch are having any trouble so first I'll try switching network cables. Then, I'll switch switch ports to check if one isn't working. I'll let you know how it goes.

Hi! it's me again. I tried changing switch jacks (not the cable) and since the change, the computer has been running for 2 and a half days without any trouble. Just to make sure that that was the problem I think I'll switch jacks again and try for another 2 days and get back to you. For now, though, problem solved ! Thanks for all your help.