BleepingComputer.com: Vista Networking Issues

Alright, so I'm running Vista SP2, and recently, the networking hasn't been working right. First off, when the computer boots, it takes a few minutes to even recognize that there is even a cable connected, and then it takes even longer to realize that there's an internet connection on the other end of that cable. So after the computer makes all these revelations, I still can't change any sharing settings. When I try to share files, I get "The program will not run - the parameter is incorrect," and when I try to change sharing settings in the Network and Sharing Center, I still get that message. It's been doing this for quite a while now, and it's getting on my nerves.

Also, from what I've read at other sites, there are suggestions to disable any extra firewalls and such, which doesn't apply to me, since I'm just using Windows Firewall. Rebooting generally fixes it for a while, but the problem tends to creep back.

Anyone have an answer for a more permanent solution?

EDIT: Another thing I've just discovered is that each time this happens, Network Discovery turns itself off.

This post has been edited by Riker: 10 June 2010 - 04:46 PM

I would try replacing the network card.

Your network card could be on its way to Network Card Heaven.

The NIC is integrated into the motherboard, and it works just fine with linux.

Have you tried upgrading the drivers in windows?

According to device manager, I already have the most updated driver.

Never hurts to check the manufacturer of the NIC, and by the way who made your nic?

nVidia

http://www.nvidia.com install everything but the nVidia Network Access Manager.

I'm not really sure what the model is... all I know is nForce. The device manager didn't show anything more.

You need to download the nVidia nForce Chipset Driver: http://www.nvidia.com/object/nforce_vista32_15.51b.html

Don't I need to know which series it is first?

EDIT: From the looks of it, Dell rebranded the driver, so the actual model information is nowhere to be found.

This post has been edited by Riker: 11 June 2010 - 11:19 AM

Download Speccy and post the results of what you see in the window. You can also take a screenshot.

Here's all I got...

What does it say on the first window for the motherboard?