The Network Interface Card must be functioning for your PC to be able to communicate on a network. When network problems occur, the NIC is less likely to be the cause than infrastructure such as cables, routers and hubs. All problems below assume that you are experiencing a complete or intermittent failure of network connectivity.
Symptom
Check Click on underlined items for further information
The cable is connected but there is no light on the NIC
Unplug and replug the network connector into the NIC and at the other end.
Check that the other end of the cable is connected to a device that is powered on.
Try switching the cable to a different port if available.
Try a different network cable.
Check the control panel in Windows to make sure the card is recognized and working.
The data collision light is frequently or continuously lit
Check that the far end of the network cable is connected to the proper port, or try a different port.
Check that your PC is not using an IP address that is already in use on your network.
Make certain that your PC is not using a name that is already in use by another PC on the network.
The lights on the NIC are normal but I cannot connect to the network
Make certain that other network devices are powered on.
Make certain that your PC is configured with the proper Workgroup or Domain name.
Check that your PC is not using an IP address that is already in use on your network.
Make certain that your PC is not using a name that is already in use by another PC on the network.
Allow up to 20 minutes for network polling to identify all available resources.
Check the network cable connections and use a different port if available.
If Windows is configured for more than one NIC, make certain that the correct one is being used for this network.
