MEPIS live CD stops network working for XP
Posts: 15
Hello all,
I thought I'd try out MEPIS using the live CD before installing. I am very impressed, but the only problem is now when I now reboot the machine back to Windows XP the network interface no longer works properly. Everything worked fine prior to trying out MEPIS, i.e. web browsing and email all worked fine under Windows XP Pro, but now it keeps telling me that the network cable is unplugged. The only way I can access email and web browse is to boot up from the MEPIS live CD as I have done for this post.
Does the MEPIS live boot change some configuration settings on the Network interface or in the BIOS? This is the only way I can see that my networking should stop working under Windows XP.
Surely just trying out MEPIS using the live CD shouldn't make any permanent changes to the system as I seem to be experiencing.
Here is the set up of my PC:
CPU: Pentium 4 2.8GHz
Memory: 512MB
OS: Windows XP Pro
Motherboard: ASUS P4 PE with onboard Network interface (Broadcom 4401), onboard sound etc.
HDD
CDROM
DVDwriter
Can anyone help me get the network interface working again under Windows XP?
Thanks
Simon
XP itself messes with things
Posts: 63
XP itself messes with things in the bios, a fact that was a real nuisance when I was dual booting Linux and XP. After running XP, I always had to run an initialization routine in the bios before rebooting Linux.
Something similar happens with the 2.6.x series kernels.
Not knowing your particular machine myself, I can't point you to a specific bios setting, but can say that you will need to go thru the bios settings and check them out. I'd say look in the areas of PnP OS and PCI settings.
Bob
* only man can make the simple so complex *
Bios settings
Posts: 15
Thanks Bob, I'll have a look at my BIOS settings.
Checked BIOS still not working
Posts: 15
I checked my BIOS settings, and they all appear to be OK.
PNP BIOS is set to YES, and all other PCI settings are auto.
When I boot under XP I still get the Network cable unplugged message even though it is plugged in. I am very puzzled.
This may sound a little str
Posts: 63
This may sound a little strange, but have you tried total power down for a minute or so? By that I mean complete power off - unplug the power cable or turn off the power supply switch.
Sometimes things can be held in such a way that only such a power off will release them.
Bob
* only man can make the simple so complex *
Power down
Posts: 15
I see your point. I'll try the complete power down when I get home tonight.
Thanks.
Power down / new drivers
Posts: 15
I tried the power down without any success.
I then tried downloading the latest Windows XP drivers for the network interface (Broadcom 4401) from the Broadcom website using the Mozilla browser under MEPIS. I then booted up under windows and updated the driver. Everything now works fine under both windows and MEPIS.
Simon.
Great! That's good to hear! :
Posts: 63
Great! That's good to hear! 
Bob
* only man can make the simple so complex *
Networking no longer works under XP
Posts: 15
I forgot to mention the set up for my internet connection:
I connect from the motherboard Ethernet port on my PC to the ethernet port on my cable modem. This all worked fine under windows XP prior to trying out MEPIS.
Thanks,
Simon