[BigV]

NB

A network adapter, or any other device for that matter, connected via USB, can have .... difficulty if the default settings for XP for USB ports / laptop are left in place. Specifically, the power settings for USB ports on laptops is usually set to "let the computer(operating system) manage the power settings for this port". This means that the OS can choose to turn off the port to save power. Why and how it comes to this choice is not that important. When you're using the usb port to connect a keyboard and the port starts and stops, who cares, it wakes up again when you press another key. When it is the network card that is connected to a port that's turned off, you have a lot more trouble.

I recommend that you change the power management settings for the USB ports (all of them) to "Do not turn this device off to save power" or ... words to that effect. This can be done in Computer Management -- Device Manager. If you're having trouble finding the place to make this change, send me a message and I'll connect and fix it for you.