Troubleshooting and Repairing the Network Cable is Unplugged Error

The network cable is unplugged error is an extremely annoying error that you get from time to time. There are several reasons for this error. I will cover these errors as well as how to troubleshoot and solve them. For simplicity’s sake I will briefly explain every component and give pictures too.

Since there are a ton of configuration options we will only discuss the most common configuration for the home user or small business owner. A basic home or small office router with your computer plugged into it. Here is a picture of my router in all its glory.

This is what a network cable looks. As you can see it is much thicker than a telephone cable. It looks sort of like a telephone cable on steroids.

Here is a picture of where your network cable should plug into.

The most common reason for the Network Cable is Unplugged error is the network cable may actually be unplugged. Although this may seem obvious it is probably the most common reason for this error. There needs to be a network cable connected to the network card and then the other end connecting to a networking device like a hub, switch or a router. Although you can connect directly to another pc this is not very common. Here are the troubleshooting steps I go through to determine the source of the problem.

·       Things to check on the computer side.

1. Follow the network cable (see figure-1) into your network card. Please see figure-2 for a picture of the slot it goes into. Notice the 2 lights. If it is functioning correctly there should be lights around the cable (see figure-3 below). The color of the lights will vary but you will definitely be able to notice when it lights up.

Figure-1

Figure-2

(Figure-3) This is a picture of a network card with lights flashing. Notice the difference between it and the picture of the network card in Figure-4 without the lights flashing.

(Figure-3)

(Figure-4)

2. If there are no lights there is a problem. But before we go any further make certain the cable is plugged in securely. Just unplug the network cable and plug it in until you hear a click. Did the lights around the cable on the network card come on ? If so the easiest thing to do is reboot and you should be good to go. If you still get the network cable is unplugged error continue troubleshooting or you cannot connect to the internet.

3. Ok you have confirmed that there are no lights on the network card despite the computer being on and functioning. You have unplugged and replugged in the cable so it isn’t that. But wait there are two sides to this connection right ? So instead of panicking, crying or tossing your computer from the third floor balcony just follow the network cable to the other end. You will now need to check the router side (see picture below). Notice how the light on #1 is on that means there is a connection in port number one.

· Check the following on the Router End

1. Is the network cable from your computer plugged into the router ? If not that will cause the network cable is unplugged error as well. Go ahead and plug in the cable. Does the light where the network cable connects come on? If so rejoice and reboot your computer. You should be good to go.

2. If it is plugged in and there are no lights check to make certain there is power going to the router. You should see at the very least a power light. If there is no power then power it up. Does the light where the network cable connects come on? If so reboot and you should be good to go.

3. If the light where the network cable connects doesn’t come on check the cable to make sure it is in securely. Just unplug the network cable and plug it back in until you hear a click. Does the light where the network cable connects come on? If so reboot and you should be good to go.

Ok Mark I have done all this and I still get the network cable is unplugged error or I cannot get to the internet. What now?

Now is the time to panic. Just kidding. There are still other things it could be. Here are some other things you can do.

· The network card lights are on and the router light where the network cable connects is on.

1. Try to get to the internet. You usually won't get a network cable is unplugged error if the lights or on on both sides of the connection. However, you still may not be able to get to the internet.

2. Contact your service provider. The service provider is the person who you get your internet service from. My provider is Verizon. Just get an old bill, look them up in the phone book or get on the internet. Tell them what is going on and what you have done to troubleshoot the problem. Also make certain they are not going to charge you for anything prior to talking to them. They shouldn’t especially because in this circumstance it is most likely a result of their equipment or network. Although service providers almost never will admit fault.

· Neither light is on. Try each of the ones below and if lights come on yippee if not just continue on.

1. Makesure both devices are powered up.

2. Try a new network cable. If you need to go to the store ask for a Category 5 straight through network cable (most folks just call them Cat 5 cables). They are probably the only ones there anyways unless you go to a really specialized computer store.

3. Reboot the computer and the router. Believe it or not sometimes that solves everything

4. Call your service provider and have them check the router remotely to see if they can fix it. Once again make sure they are not going to charge you.

5. If they check it and say the router is fine the only thing left is a broken network card. Living in Florida this is sort of common as we are the lightning capital of the world and lightning wreaks havoc on network cards. However, you can purchase a surge protector for your network cable (called category 5 or cat5 for short)

6. If it is under warranty call the computer manufacturer and tell them what troubleshooting you did and that you think it is a network card.

7. If you are not covered under warranty you can crack open the case in the pc or laptop and replace or add a card. If you are not comfortable you can buy RJ45 interfaces that fit into a usb slot or pcmcia slot.

Anyway I think I covered everything you need to know to fix the network cable is unplugged error. If you have any additional questions please tell me. Thanks.

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