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[birdmantd]

Computers don’t reconnect to network

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Tags: Hardware, Networking, Windows

So, i have like 10 computers in few rooms. Sometimes my network loses connection for like 0.1 sec (it starts from first switch, computer connected straight to router haven’t this problem). And after this few computers can’t reconnect automatically, as they must do. So, 3-4 computers just stay unconnected, while they can see the connection (connection indicator has that yellow triangle warning) and there are few ways to reconnect them: 1) right click on connection and use the fix function (works in like 30% of situations); 2) go to the connections and disable/enable connections (50% success); 3) manually unplug Ethernet cable and put it back (100% success).
The question is: what’s wrong with these computers? Why don’t they reconnect like others? And how to fix it? They have Win XP and Win 7 OS. Can’t change Windows to newer (btw, other PCs also have XP and 7).

• This topic was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by birdmantd.

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Need more information

In reply to Computers don’t reconnect to network

Any new system updates recently? How long have you had the issue? What type of computers (make/model) or home built? How old are these computers?

Windows 7 and XP are getting old and could get buggy considering those systems may not be fully compatible with your current network drivers. It might be time to consider newer computers as there may be nothing you can do with your existing systems to resolve this.

Reply To: Computers don’t reconnect to network

In reply to Need more information

No system updates. I had this issue few times in last 2 years, when had connection troubles.
Computers are just regular PCs, nothing special. Pretty old, like 10+ years.

It has nothing to do with drivers probably, because, as i said, on other computers (same old PCs with old XP and 7) network reconnects as it should. So, i see two options: some Windows troubles (errors/settings) or old hardware.

And yeah, unluckily i can’t get new computers and on some can’t even change Windows, since there are few old programs that are needed. So, if there are no real options to solve this problem, maybe someone can help me to solve the other problem (which is the reason of primary question):
for some reason, as i said before, i have connection problem. It starts froim the first switch – for like 0.1 second connection losts (while everything is fine with router connection – i’ve tested it). I’ve changed the cable, changed the switch, this problem appears for a few weaks like one or two times per year and i can’t “catch” it. Any advices on how to track it?

[birdmantd]

Reply To: Computers don’t reconnect to network

In reply to Reply To: Computers don’t reconnect to network

Keep in mind that some older computers just become incompatible with newer applications or that software no longer gets updated over time.

For instance, I had an older copy of QuickBooks on my laptop computer that just stopped working last year because it was not compatible any longer. The ONLY solution was to upgrade the software to a newer version. The computer was compatible, the software wasn’t any longer.

In some cases, you have to upgrade both the computer and the software. For instance, not long ago we used to get software on 3.5″ floppy disks, then they started putting them on CD-ROM’s and today much of it is now downloadable from the internet and no disk is included (unless you make a direct request for whatever reason).

• This reply was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by birdmantd.

Reply To: Computers don’t reconnect to network

In reply to Reply To: Computers don’t reconnect to network

I understand what you are talking about. And I believe it can be one of the reasons. But again, there are same old PCs with XP that reconnect as they should. It’s not like all old computers with old XP can’t reconnect, but newer ones with newer 7 can. That’s why i think the reason, most likely, is in something else. I mean, if i’d but brand new switch/router and then this problem appears, i’d understand. But i didn’t.

It’s been a while.

In reply to Computers don’t reconnect to network

But the two reasons I ran into where it wasn’t the PC itself were:
1. The switch had gone mental. It was old and if I power cycled the switch, it would work for a while. Had to replace the switch because IT costs more than a switch. Then again, arguing with the owner cost them more than a new switch. (Hint: We charge by the hour.)
2. The Ethernet cable had degraded for no good reason. Changed to another cable for a test and the problem vanished. Went back to the old cable and then the problem would return at some random time. Yes, the owner wanted me to fix the cable. Weird request.

Reply To: Computers don’t reconnect to network

In reply to It’s been a while.

Fix cable? Ohh, feels bad.
What about cable – well, i’ve changed cable from router to switch and still have this problem. But can it be, that, if some of cables in my network are bad, it cuses the connection drops?
And yeah, well, was thinking about trying to buy new switch. But want to be sure that’s the reason.

Keep in mind.

In reply to Reply To: Computers don’t reconnect to network

That in the call/visit to the client site, root cause analysis is expensive. If a new cable, switch or PC fixes it, then that’s cheap compared to pulling out the cable then stripping its cover and inspecting every inch for a defect.

Given on-site work is 150 USD per hour and up, we have to fix the issue quickly and cheaply. Cables and switches are really cheap. PCs here are pretty cheap.

Recap: Given the high cost of labor you swap parts to narrow down where the problem is. If you want to fix the part, then you weigh the possible costs to fix that part.

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