I replaced the onboard nic with a D-Link DGE-530t. When the pc gets unplugged for a period, the new NIC need to be installed. If the pc is not unplugged then everything is happy. Dose anyone have a thought?
Thank you, DaleThis one i just can't get...the NIC card should retain it's settings.
Possibly a weak CMOS battery ? ?
Just grasping at straws here.

patio. 8-)Thanks Patio, this is the only conculsion I could come to. I changed the bat. and will take wait and see approach.could also be dirt in the PCI slot...I've run across this once before. Tried changing the PCI slot for the NIC with the same results. Put in a new battery on the MOTHERBOARD, same thing. Replaced the motherboard...problem solved.

Alan <>< Expensive solution for a mischievous NIC. Was the onboard one disabled in BIOS?Is the nic actually connected to something (router,etc.) and connection powered up before you start the machine? A nic card cannot fully initialize unless it is connected. If it is not connected at POWER up, LOOK at msinfo32 (system information) tools tab/automatic skip driver agent. You will likely see an entry similar to "tcp/ip device not started". If this is the case, the solution is check the box next to it, connect the nic, and REBOOT. Router,etc. should be powered up.The onboard nic is disabled in Bios. I reseated the card in the slot and changed the battery. I haven't heard of a problem so far. Thank you all for your help, it is appreciated, DALE