Network Connection Issue

[zappaDPJ]

My PC (Vista) is plugged into two networks. This is recognised by the Network Connections tab as Local Area Connection and Local Area Connection 2. However I can only access either network by physically pulling the cable on the other. I don't see any reason why I can't switch by using Vista's 'Connect to a network' option which surely should show the two available networks? It doesn't and I've been at for hours but I'm no further forward 

Any ideas?

[Steve]

You should be able to do it? Only one NIC is allowed  an internet connection and a default gateway You could try static ips different subnets and leave the gateway off one.

[James_D]

It would be a little more helpful to know what your trying to achieve, do you have 1 connection going to a router and the other going to other PC's in a network.

Do you have a home and a work newtork etc etc, just some basic network topology would help

it may solve your issue (swinging in the dark here) to Go into  Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network Connections select both conenctions and click bridge, this will connect both networks at the same time and essentially makes your PC act as a Hub/Switch

[zappaDPJ]

Ah sorry, I guess a little more detail would help. It's quite simple, the configaration is one PC, two NICs and two routers both connected to the Internet. I simply want to be able to switch between ISPs.

Thanks for the replies so far, you've both given me further ideas to try 

[Steve]

Virtual machine then?

[Colin Burns]

install XP

[James_D]

Indeed Vista is a bit sloppy in this respect but it can be done.

You need to setup connection 1 (name it as your isp) throught the wizard etc or if you know how to do it enter the details.
Make sure its working.
Then disable it.
Do the same again for the second isp / router.
test it.

you could create a shortcut to the network connections window and just enable one and disable the other manually.

Or if thats too much hassle though I cant vouch for or reccoment it personally Easynetswitch

Hope this helps
James

[Steve]

I would agree that disabling and enabling an internet connection in Vista is very slow compared to say XP. Oddly on Mac OS X its almost instantaneous.

[Sebby]

That's because Macs just work.

[zappaDPJ]

install XP

Well, I just tried the same configuration with a PC running XP and guess what? Had it up and running in 2 minutes 

I'm still struggling using Vista but I think I may have found the problem, the two NICs appear to be trying to share the same IRQ. I'll play around some more.

Thanks again for your suggestions

[Rik]

I'm still struggling using Vista

Masochist. 

[zappaDPJ]

One way or another I will have victory!

[attachment deleted by admin]

[Rik]

Another one bites the dust

[James_D]

Well, I just tried the same configuration with a PC running XP and guess what? Had it up and running in 2 minutes 

I'm still struggling using Vista but I think I may have found the problem, the two NICs appear to be trying to share the same IRQ. I'll play around some more.

Thanks again for your suggestions

hehe your showing your age there and I'm about to too ;-)

IRQ sharing hasnt been a problem since Windows 98 most devices are more than happy to share in IRQ but I do remember the days of having to move things about to get them to work and fiddling with autoexec.bat and config.sys  

Vista's not all bad, anyone playing with the Windows 7 Beta knows theres hope coming soon, I have 6GB DDR3 so am limited to Vista 64 really, I didnt want to move to it but had to with the upgrade (no xp64 isnt an option)

Anyway sounds like youve got a solution