Why do I have to reboot for network connection?

[Peter Jason]

I have an old XP computer connected via an ethernet cable to my new
Windows 7 one.

This works fine except when I turn the old XP one off overnight. Then
when I turn it on again the next day I have to reboot the new Windows7
computer to re-establish the connection. Is there an easier way?

Peter

 

[Seth]

I have an old XP computer connected via an ethernet cable to my new
Windows 7 one.

This works fine except when I turn the old XP one off overnight. Then
when I turn it on again the next day I have to reboot the new Windows7
computer to re-establish the connection. Is there an easier way?

For starters, why are you doing it this way? Most people have independent
connections from their various computers to a router and/or hub\switch/ Not
machines connected to each other.

You could try just disabling then re-enabling the network adapter to recycle
it.

 

[Char Jackson]

I have an old XP computer connected via an ethernet cable to my new
Windows 7 one.

This works fine except when I turn the old XP one off overnight. Then
when I turn it on again the next day I have to reboot the new Windows7
computer to re-establish the connection. Is there an easier way?

I suspect the problem has something to do with IP addresses, but you
didn't provide any information to prove or disprove that theory.

The 'easier way' is to connect both computers to a router and
configure both computers to acquire their IP addresses (and other
networking info) automatically. The router will make sure they both
stay on the same subnet.

Alternatively, if these two computers are ONLY used to talk with each
other, just assign static IP addresses (and netmasks) to both
computers.

If the problem continues, open a Command Prompt and run the command
"ipconfig /all" (without the quotes), then compare the results. People
here can help with that, if you'd like.

 

[Ed Cryer]

I have an old XP computer connected via an ethernet cable to my new
Windows 7 one.

This works fine except when I turn the old XP one off overnight. Then
when I turn it on again the next day I have to reboot the new Windows7
computer to re-establish the connection. Is there an easier way?

Peter

You could try the "repair connection" command on the XP machine.

Ed

 

[charlie]

You could try the "repair connection" command on the XP machine.

Ed

You might try looking for an updated driver for the network card or
chip. Also, some of the power settings may interact with the network
drivers.

 

[Metspitzer]

I have an old XP computer connected via an ethernet cable to my new
Windows 7 one.

This works fine except when I turn the old XP one off overnight. Then
when I turn it on again the next day I have to reboot the new Windows7
computer to re-establish the connection. Is there an easier way?

Peter

I am told that Win7 doesn't like XP on it's network. It takes a while
to find my XP computer sometimes too.
I just type \\computername on the command line. It finds it
instantly. It is a pain in the ass, but the best work around I have
found.