I'm not a real pro at this so please bear with me if this problem is not so tough to resolve. About 3 days ago I mysteriously lost my network connection between my two PCs. I originally made the connection between the two almost a year ago using a crossover cable and have not had any issues until now. It is a re-occuring problem to which I can resolve by disconnecting and re-connecting the crossover cable. Unfortunately, this is only a temporary fix. After about an hour, when both computers are at rest, the connection is lost. The only thing I did different, when this whole issue started, was install RocketDock. Since then I have uninstalled the program, used System Restore on both machines, and even bought a new crossover cable but nothing I have done has worked. This problem has become very annoying and I would appreciate any advice I can get. Thanks in advance!

what windows version?

win xp sp3

maybe the power management for the nic is set to "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power"

look in Device Manager, Network Adapters, Properties or your nic for a Power Management tab at the top of the properties box. if it's there uncheck the "turn off" box.

Looks like that was the answer to my problem. I did what you suggested early yesterday afternoon and have not any issues since. Thanks for the advice! Its much appreciated!

cool. thanks for letting is know.

Damn!! Its happening again! Norton Antivirus detected and removed spyware. Afterwards, I was required to restart the system. I did this and was faced with the same issue again. This time, I unplugged and replugged the network cable a couple of times and now seems to be doing alright. Do you have any other suggestions?

Nevermind my last post. I'm good now.