lan "network cable unplugged"

[rik]

If you are running XP SP 2 try running this from a CMD line - NETSH WINSOCK RESET CATALOG. Might also have to reinstall TCP/IP

Try this

 

[Admiral Michael]

How bout this:

to see if its windows or at least program related. Boot into your BIOS or his Pause on the keyboard to stall the boot process. Plug in the cable and see if it acts the same way it does when in Windows.