Realtek PCIe GBE + Managed Software Install = Not working (Windows XP)

[mullet_man]

Hi guys,

 

Not sure if this is NIC specific, but I have just taken delivery of some PCs which have Realtek PCIe GBE network cards in.

 

The PC boots pretty quickly, and it seems the PC doesn't even have enough time to get a IP. Preparing Network Connections at startup is on for a second before the logon box appears.

 

I have wait enabled in GP, and never had a problem until now.

 

Any ideas?

[mullet_man]

Searching through the forums, (should have done before I posted)

 

Found similar issue due to Media Sensing, sounds like it could be the same issue.

 

Will give it ago tomorrow to see if it helps.

 

Cheers

 

Stevo.

[mullet_man]

Just to let you guys know, the Media Sense fix from MS fixed this problem.

[gshaw]

Yup the same fix worked for me as well, never had it before on other cards so hope Realtek will sort it out properly in a future driver release...

 

For reference here's the link I used from the other thread (might help someone coming from Google in future )

 

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/239924

[SYNACK]

You're luck, those cards are complete junk and the drivers are just as bad under Windows 7 but the media sence fix does not work.

 

I will be avoiding these cards in future with extreme prejudice.

 

Ironicly I made it work by installing SEP which is that big and clunky it slows windows down long enough for an IP address to be aquired and software installation to happen. It is probably the first time that adding an AV has actually solved a problem other than a virus.

[gshaw]

I'm still in two minds about whether to ask for a replacement Intel PCI-e card as this is a demo unit before I go for a larger order, worrying if there's no way to sort it under 7

 

After having issues with some nasty nVidia onboard cards a few years ago (and replacing all of those with Intel PRO\1000 PCI cards) I've only gone for boards with Intel network built in, was expecting these ones to be the same as previous Lenovo boxes have been standard Intel but disappointed to see Realtek cards there instead

[mullet_man]

We have had nothing but issues with the Realtek WLAN cards as well, not working with our Meru system, luckly Meru got in touch with Realtek and they fixed it in a later driver update, but had nothing but drop outs and issues before that.

 

Stay away from Realtek if at all possible, thats my advice.

Edited September 12, 2011 by mullet_man

[SYNACK]

If you have not purchased any yet then don't, it makes no sence to pay for more hassel, buy it right to start with and your job will be much more bareable.

[gshaw]

If you have not purchased any yet then don't, it makes no sence to pay for more hassel, buy it right to start with and your job will be much more bareable.

 

Sadly it might be looking that way, gutting as the price we're getting on the machines is silly cheap and might force us away from Lenovo if their whole range is going with those cards. Going to see if I can get the onboard card replaced with an Intel Pro 1000 PT as the rest of the kit is fine.

Edited September 12, 2011 by gshaw

[gshaw]

A quick update... more testing found the cards to be rather random with whether they'd make it or not during boot. Tried various revisions of drivers, registry hacks but nothing particularly inspired confidence.

 

Looks like this Lenovo is going back and being replaced with something with pure Intel components... shame as the rest of the machine was pretty much silent and quick compact for a tower as well but that's the way it goes...

[sted]

Ive had the same issue with intel onboard nics in the past gb cards 100mb switch flashing the switch cured it