Windows explorer fails to start without network connection

[Paul Tomko]

When I start my computer (running Windows 2000 SP4) wihtout an
internet connection, when the desktop begins to initialize, it
immediately goes to a blank screen. Of course, I can still start SOME
applications by going to the task manager and starting a new task.
Explorer itself will only blink if I try to start that task. As soon
as I connect a cable, I can start explorer from task manager and it
stays up.
I have run the latest virus scans from Mcaffee, and I have used
adaware to clean out any spyware. I also found a rogue winlogon in
C:\winnt which I cleaned out. But I still have the problem where my
computer won't start and run properly unless it has an internet
connection.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Paul

 

[George Hester]

Anything in the event viewer?

 

[Paul Tomko]

Anything in the event viewer?

Yes, the following messages appear when I boot without a network
connection:

Information: Adapter Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection: Adapter
Link Up

Information: The system detected that network adapter
\DEVICE\TCPIP_{2736621F-4CF2-4ED9-90ED-28AD38B96E9A} was connected to
the network, and has initiated normal operation over the network
adapter.

Then, after I plugged in a network cable, I get:

Error: Adapter Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection: Adapter Link
Down

The system detected that network adapter
\DEVICE\TCPIP_{2736621F-4CF2-4ED9-90ED-28AD38B96E9A} was disconnected
from the network, and the adapter's network configuration has been
released. If the network adapter was not disconnected, this may
indicate that it has malfunctioned. Please contact your vendor for
updated drivers.

The browser has forced an election on network
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{2736621F-4CF2-4ED9-90ED-28AD38B96E9A} because a
master browser was stopped.

It looks like the network adapter thinks its plugged in when its not
an its not when it is.

None of these message show up if I boot up with the network cable in.

Paul

 

[George Hester]

I think you need to go to LAN settings for this adapter. I will assume you have just one and when you mention a "Network" cable you mean your cable from your modem to your machine which I assume is a Cable Modem?

Go to Start | Settings | Network and Dial-up Connections | Advanced | Advanced settings. Now for Connections do you have a Local Area Connection? If so choose that. Then below do you have both File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks and Client for Microsoft Networks. Each with Internet Protocol TCP\IP? On the next tab Provider order. Do you have Network provider and under that Microsoft Windows Network?

Now I have not tried to disconnect my adapter to the Network upon booting to see if I get anything similar to what you have but I do know that I do not get the behavior you described in your OP.