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

-- 
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.10.18/88 - Release Date:
9/1/2005
 

              The NOSPIN Group is now offering Free PC Tech
                     support at our newest website:
                          http://freepctech.com