Jeffrey:

I was wondering - what information do you get when you try to "ping"
127.0.0.1? If you get good replies, then it is not likely that your NIC is
bad. Also, if the NIC is not bad, then you might just be experiencing a
configuration problem.

If the NIC is bad, you can disable the integrated network (in the CMOS/BIOS
setup) and choose to add a PCI NIC card for your network connection.

HTH...John

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeffrey W. Frazier" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, September 02, 2005 6:34 AM
Subject: [PCBUILD] Workaround for onboard NIC?


I suspect the network interface card (NIC) on my Dell Optiplex
GX150 is defective. The NIC is a 3COM 3C920 Integrated Fast
Ethernet Controller (3C9050C-TX compatible) and when I looked in
the case, it appears to be built in to the motherboard. I suspect
the NIC’s defective because, despite the fact that I can connect
to the Internet through my Alcatel Speed Touch Home DSL modem
using the NIC, I’ve been unable to set up a simple two-PC
network.

Specifically, I’ve been trying to set up the network using my
Belkin 4-Port Cable/DSL Gateway Router Model F5D5231-4.
Previously I tried to set it up with a Belkin Model F5D5230-4.
Nevertheless, since I’ve been able to establish an Internet
connection with a different computer using both of these routers,
I know that both of them work properly so I’ve ruled them out as
sources of the problem.

Questions:

If anyone is familiar with Dell’s architecture, can I replace the
NIC without replacing the entire motherboard?

If not, is it possible to at least temporarily substitute a
working NIC through some sort of work-around?



Thanks to all.

Jeffrey W. Frazier
The Frazier Law Firm, LLC
171 Opal Drive
Roswell, GA  30075
770-993-0605 / Fax 770-642-4818
Admitted in Georgia and Tennessee

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