Static IP without link on NIC

[stymiedny]

My XP laptop is configured with a static IP. I have
software to demo that is locked to that IP address. If
XP boots and there is no cable connected to the NIC no IP
address is given. On NT 4 the NIC always maintained the
IP address whether the ethernet cable was connected or
not. Can someone share with me the registry key to force
the OS to maintain the IP address with link on the NIC?

Thanks in advance

 

[Dave Lowther]

My XP laptop is configured with a static IP. I have
software to demo that is locked to that IP address. If
XP boots and there is no cable connected to the NIC no IP
address is given. On NT 4 the NIC always maintained the
IP address whether the ethernet cable was connected or
not. Can someone share with me the registry key to force
the OS to maintain the IP address with link on the NIC?

If no one posts a software solution, there may be a hardware solution which
would work for you:

I have some software on my laptop that's locked to the MAC address and it
doesn't work if the NIC is not connected to anything. Fitting a simple loop
back connector (join pin 1 to pin 3 / join pin 2 to pin 6) makes XP think
that a network cable is connected and everything works fine.

Pin numbering of the RJ45 connector is shown here. The instructions are for
a cross over cable so ignore most of it.
http://www.littlewhitedog.com/reviews_other_00009.asp

Dave.