Switch Killed Computer's LAN port

Two quick tests.

Does that computer work in other switch ports? Does that port work with other computers?

It's unlikely that any device damaged another. The voltage required to do that, simple does not exist on the NICs and they're also connected to the line via transformers, so there's no direct connection, between devices.

No, the computer's problem port does not work in other switch ports or when connected directly to the router. Other computers and other LAN cards in this computer work just fine on the same cable and switch port.

The problem is definately with the computer's onboard LAN port. Perhaps it was just a coincidence that the port died when I connected it to the new switch. Any other ideas?

Thanks, Steve Smith

What do the lights on the NIC show? What does the operating system show for status?

sh*t happens. It's possible that the pins on the RJ45 socket have been damaged. IMO you can't blame it on the switch.

I assume you've tried a known-good cable, etc.

The lights on the NIC light up just as they did before the problem. Also, another identical computer has the same lights. Windows XP Pro shows that the NIC device is operating correctly, but it also shows that it has limited or no connectivity. I'm using the same cable with another NIC and that NIC and cable work fine in this computer. I guess Al Dykes is right, "sh*t happens".

Steve Smith

I had a lightning strike about a year ago, hopped on the network, and over half the ports on a 24+2 switch got zapped. In many cases, the downstream NICs got zapped as well. In a couple cases the NIC got zapped, but the port on the switch was still ok, and vice versa. So, it's possible, but perhaps much less so under normal circumstances.

:-)