Question : Problem: NIC gone bad?

I think my network card is going or has gone bad.  From what I know, the light underneath any network port should be green right?  Mine is red\orange, but yet the eathernet cable is ok and the properties of Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection sais the devices is working properly.  

First, what does that red\orange light indicate?

Second, does the network card need to be replaced?

Answer : Problem: NIC gone bad?

Yeah I am cheap too... can't help myself!  Which is why I suggested the cable as it is often the least expensive option (a few bucks of cable vs a replacement NIC)

Have you tried dumping the NIC and letting windows reinstall it?

Do an IPCONFIG from a Command prompt to see if you are getting an IP address.

If this returns an IP address starting with '169', it means the computer has not been dynamically allocated an IP address and will default to a 169.x.x.x address. This is the case if you don't have a working connection to the Internet.

Anything else and I would start by pinging your Loop back address (127.0.0.1)  your IP address which was returned by IPCOnfig and then your Gateway address/  It may help you determine where the problem lies.

Cheers Man!