asked on

Modem/router light keeps flashing for one of the computers even though there are no internet connections

I've got Covad service with 5 static IP's and a brightport 8120 modem. I have three computers connected to it and the lights are supposed to only flash when a packet is being sent either direction. On of the lights for one of the computers is flashing non stop. I have tried changing which port on the router modem its plugged into, i've also changed the machines IP address to make sure my IP wasn't being targeted. Neither of these things helped. I then tried monitoring it with ethereal but that didn't show anythign other than the occasional normal packets. When i restart the computer the light continues to flash even before the computer is booted up.

Here are the results of a netstat /an
Active Connections

Proto Local Address Foreign Address State
TCP 0.0.0.0:135 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENING
TCP 0.0.0.0:445 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENING
TCP 0.0.0.0:1347 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENING
TCP 0.0.0.0:3389 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENING
TCP 64.105.138.28:139 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENING
TCP 127.0.0.1:1025 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENING
TCP 127.0.0.1:2638 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENING
UDP 0.0.0.0:445 *:*
UDP 0.0.0.0:500 *:*
UDP 0.0.0.0:1042 *:*
UDP 0.0.0.0:1073 *:*
UDP 0.0.0.0:1143 *:*
UDP 0.0.0.0:1145 *:*
UDP 0.0.0.0:1345 *:*
UDP 0.0.0.0:1347 *:*
UDP 0.0.0.0:4500 *:*
UDP 64.105.138.28:123 *:*
UDP 64.105.138.28:137 *:*
UDP 64.105.138.28:138 *:*
UDP 64.105.138.28:1900 *:*
UDP 127.0.0.1:123 *:*
UDP 127.0.0.1:1249 *:*
UDP 127.0.0.1:1900 *:*
UDP 127.0.0.1:2638 *:*

Rob Williams

It can be caused by outgoing packets from malware, spyware or a virus. The may be no listening ports open in this case. If Windows XP, you could try enabling the Windows firewall and reseting it to the default. It is supposed to request permission for any application trying to connect to the Internet. I would also recommend a virus scan and running a spyware removal tool such as:
Adaware http:www.lavasoftusa.com
Ewido http://www.ewido.com

On line virus scan:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
http://www.symantec.com/techsupp/home_homeoffice/index_virus.html

benrios

ASKER

I've already scanned with anti-spyware and anti-virus. It is happening even when windows isn't loaded. As soon as the computer is turned on, before it boots up the light begins flashing.

Rob Williams

I have seen several router modem combinations where the lights flash continuously, but in your case you say it is only the one PC. Very odd, especially where it happens before Windows has been loaded. If that is the case I would think it has to to with the network card itself. Out of curiosity I wonder if booting in safe mode without networking, or changing the card from DHCP to a static address would make any difference. Wouldn't solve anything, but testing might help to narrow down the source.

nreicher

Since networking windows computers usually means there's some NETBIOS announcements going on, this may account for some of your traffic. But it would really help to know how you have your LAN setup. Are all three computers plugged into a hub? A switch? Using ICS? I think the Briteports only have one ethernet port...
If all of the computers need to go through the one computer that is doing that blinking, then all of the NETBIOS traffic for three computers would register on the link light. Likewise, if one computer is connected to that one, all of its traffic will also register on the link light.

benrios

ASKER

The briteport 8120 has 4 ports. all three computers are plugged into it. The activity light never flashed like this before. it is non stop as though i am downloading something.

Rob Williams

There are lots of things that could cause the activity from NetBIOS broadcasts to printers, such as Lexmark, that continuously send packets to the Lexmark site, but I think it is much more basic where you say this occurs long before Windows has loaded.

jrits

Try to deactivate the Wake On Lan option in the bios. This option makes it possible to remotly startup your computer by sending a packet to its MAC addres (i dont know for sure its sending out any packets). But its worth trying

Rob Williams

Good idea jrits, also check/disable PXE Boot to LAN or similar in the BIOS, if it exists, it may be looking for a BootP (boot DHCP) server.

benrios

ASKER

I checked the BIOS and Wake on Lan option was already disabled. I dont have the PXE Boot on Lan or any other LAN options in there.

Rob Williams

Mmmmmm....
Did you try booting in safe mode without network support to see if it persists?

benrios

ASKER

I tried unplugging the the dsl line and all other computers from the router to see if it was coming from somewhere else, but it still kept blinking. I also tried using a program to spoof my MAC address. That didn't make a difference either. I'll try booting to safe mode now. Whats strange is that the card sitll works fine, but i do notice the network is slow. guess im gonna have to change this to 500 points doesn't seem to be an easy solution.

benrios

ASKER

Booting in safe mode didn't make any difference either.

Rob Williams

When you boot to safe mode there should be an option to boot with or without network support. I was curious if it continued if you choose without network support. Did you choose that option?

If so I am stumped.

benrios

ASKER

Yea, i show the option without network support. didn't make a difference. I didn't think it would since the problem is happening even when windows hasn't loaded.

Rob Williams

I'm out of ideas. Perhaps it is a bad network adapter that continuously broadcasts packets or garbage. I have a network analyzer that will test that, but I don't know how you can test without external hardware test gear.
Sorry I am of no help, perhaps others will have better suggestions.
--Rob

Rob Williams

benrios, did you have any further luck diagnosing the problem?
--Rob

benrios

ASKER

RobWill,

I will be buying a new network card this weekend to see if that works. havn't tried anything else but this slow performance is killing me.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Rob Williams

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

nreicher

What Brand and Model is that network card anyway? I have a Dlink wireless bridge that does the same thing. By chance...?

benrios

ASKER

Well, I finally got a new card and installed it. Network performance is great now and no more flashing lights. Thanks all for the help.

Rob Williams

Glad to hear benrios, thanks for the points,
--Rob

benrios

ASKER

Anyway to chang the accepted answer? meant to select the one where you said it could be a bad network adapter.

Rob Williams

Probably not necessary where you just made that clarification, but it is nice for those who follow. A little easier to find accepted solution. If you wish to do so, just post a zero point "question" in the community support forum asking the moderators to change, or re-open the question so you can change.
https://www.experts-exchange.com/Community_Support/