where is the network cable connected? i assume the computer has a separate network cable connection port. it sounds like there is something going on with the USB port. does anything connected to the USB port work?
Herb...
I recently purchased an external HDD in two parts:- a box with connections & Seagate barracuda 120Gb HDD. When I put it together and connected it up to my Dell Inspiron 1100 laptop my ADSL line went down. (NB: The Dell is fairly new and is running XP. Connection is via one of the two USB ports on the Dell. Connection to the router is via a D-link Ethernet card & a Cat5e cable). I have since tried it with my "mongrel" desktop (running 98)with the same result.
I have also tried a friends external HDD with the same result. I have tried using a totally different mains electric socket in a different room - same result. It also happens when the drive is powered up with the laptop not connected to the ADSL line.
ADSL connection is via a D-Link 504 (B) 4 port router. We have three computers connected up - two in the same room and one some distance away on another floor. Our ADSL link has always been rather erratic, possibly because we are around 4 miles away from the nearest telephone exchange. One other quirky thing, though all the computers can "see" the Internet OK, via the router, they can't see each other.
Any suggestions about what's happening, & why, & how to prevent it, would be greatly appreciated.

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