I am trying to get two NICs installed into a Windows 2000 Server OS machine (an Athlon 500 with 256 MB RAM), in order to share a cable modem with a home network of low end pentiums (mostly P166, P133) and another high end Athlon. All are running Win 2K Pro except for a P133 running Win 98 SE. Got it? Right. When I install the first NIC (it's only a 10 base T) for the "outside" portion of the network to connect to my ISP, it works fine. I get a dynamic IP and all is well. I can get online from the Win 2K server machine. When I install a second NIC (It's a Realtech 10/100 Model # RTL8139B) for an "inside" network, I get a flashing light on the NIC by a light labelled "FD". The corresponding connect lights also flash on my hub, so I know some sort of signal is getting through. I have tried this card in a couple of different slots with three or four different cables (which I know work) so it has to be something on the card. This light flashes when I start the machine about three times, then all is dark. When Win 2000 Server boots up, I get a message "Network Cable Unplugged", but the same cable works fine in the "outside" card. Anyone got any bright ideas? This one's driving me crazy! The NIC worked fine in Win98 and Win2K Pro, but I'm just about to take it back to the store and wondered if anyone had any good ideas first.

I've heard of W2K problems with dual NIC's in certain cases, but I have no real information or articles to point to. Anyway, have you considered a hardware router like Linksys or Netgear? They are excellent, and are much easier to install on the network. Just a thought for you. I use a Linksys myself, and I've been very happy with it.

A hardware router is out of the question, as I'm real short on funds right now. I was hoping to use two NICs together in one machine. I know exactly how to setup the router in Win2K, just wanted to know if the network card was ginked or not.

I have a Netgear FA310 card and it and my hub flashed as you describe before I found out that the RJ-45 plug was loose in the socket ie not fitting at all anymore not just not plugged in. Just a thought.