Windows Network Troubleshooting: Tips and Techniques - Unplugged Network Cable
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You receive the message “A Network Cable is Unplugged.” This error is self-explanatory, though confirmation can point out the root cause of this problem.
Use this method to troubleshoot if you know the router IP address: go to Start -> Run and type CMD. The DOS screen will pop up. In the DOS command prompt, type:
ping 192.168.1.1
Then press enter. This assumes your router IP address is 192.168.1.1. If you see a “Destination host unreachable” or timeout ping reply such as the screen shot below under “Ping Reply of Network cable Unplugged,” it confirms that the connection from your computer to the router has been disconnected physically. Or if you are using wireless, this could mean a problem with wireless components, such as having the antenna off.
The router IP address can change; it can be 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.2.1, or even become a completely different figure from the one shown above. If you do not know the router's IP address, you'll need to use a different method.
If you don't know the router's IP address, the easiest way to start troubleshooting is to type this into the DOS prompt and press enter (Start -> Run -> CMD):
ipconfig
In the results, look for a “Media Disconnected” message. If you find it, it confirms that there is no connection between the router and your computer (this also applies to wireless connections). See the details of this diagnostic test below:
To solve this problem, you need to trace the connection between the router and your computer. Look for a disconnected LAN cable; even a loose connection can cause this problem.
If you are using a wireless router, make sure you have configured your computer to communicate properly with wireless devices; things like having your wireless antenna off can also cause this problem. Detailed troubleshooting for these devices is beyond the scope of this article; in this case, please refer to your wireless router's or wireless LAN card's manual.
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