Problem: When the network cable is removed from the socket on the PC or physical network presence is lost, the Realtek GB port icon disappears (NOT shows disconnected - DISAPPEARS). This is a big issue as I have a software program that checks the MAC address of the port before it initialises and if it doesn't find it, the program will not operate. I am running a high-end laptop with Window 7 64bit Prof. So: I have examined and modifed firewall settings, power settings, hidden device settings in device manager, property settings on adapter, BIOS entries and settings, spoken and asked around 10 professionals in Win 7 environments and trawled the forums (MANY, MANY forums) to find the answer - no luck so far. Resolution: I need to have the LAN port show disconnected (small red X) on a VISIBLE port as it does with my wireless port, when the network connection is lost or the cable removed. Please do not reply that I should work around this issue. I require a resolution and not a work around. I cannot/will not change the OS Thank you in advance

That's not typical Windows behavior. Try to temporarily disable the "software program that checks the MAC address" and test. Contact the "software program that checks the MAC address" support. You can also configure the router\wireless access point security to only allow specific MAC addresses to connect, your Realtek lan and wireless adapter, thus removing the need for the "software program that checks the MAC address".

Nano 1) The application is not the basis of my port icon disappearing/reappearing. I am in touch with the manuafcturers who test the options thoroughly before the software is updated/released. Windows 7 64bit is not an issue. I have gone to the manufacturers of the application and they cannot replicate the problem. This problem has been with me since the purchase of this computer. 2) The wireless option of my networking is not an issue, hence modifying accessslists or allowing certain programs/MAC addresses will not fix the problem Thank you for you suggestions

Ok. Click Start> type Notification area icons in the search box and select that from the results. Confirm that the "show icon and notifications" is selected for the network icon or try restore default icon behavior and then select ok. You could also run the system troubleshooter. Finally, confirm that you have the most recent driver for the network adapter. Stating the application is not the issue without testing it is a leap of faith. Those MAC altering apps do modify the registry. msconfig should let you disable the service(s) related to the application, reboot and test. You can then re-enable it after testing. Less than 5 minutes to test. Post back if you need assistance on this. Also, have you checked the event viewer for any critical or error entries?

Thank you for taking the time to respond Nano. To answer your key points Notification is turned on to show icon - has never been anything else Event viewer sees no errors relating to either network adapter or application Driver is up to date msconfig identifies no issues concerning network adapters. I have removed the program that relies on the port to be visible as a test to see whether the problem is with the program. The port still disappears. Its an interesting problem, isn't it?

The network icon relies on the proper network adapter drivers and system services. With the program removed, Click Start> type devmgmt.msc> and select device manager from the results. Expand the network adapter category and right-click the Realtek device and select uninstall. When completed, right-click computer and select scan for hardware changes. Test the behavior by disconnecting the ethernet cable. Also, right-clicking the flag in the notification area, select troubleshoot a problem, and run the network and system troubleshooters. I am hesitant to dive into services or registry items. What is the model and make of your computer and the hardware id of the network adapter? Which security program do you have and which version is it? The icon behavior works by default, therefore a third-party application or a driver caused the problem. Can you recall when the problem began and what was changed or installed just prior to the problem?

try turning off the notification saving the setting reboot. then turn it back on and rebootwww.mypchealth.co.uk

Right click on Task Bar > Properties > Notification Area Tab > Check Network System Icon Box > Apply > OK and see if the issue can be resolved. If the issue persists, please access Clean Boot to check the issue. If the issue disappears in the Clean Boot environment, you can continue to narrow down which entry is causing the issue. Hope this helps. Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.