Says ethernet cable not plugged in when it is?

Hi,
This is my first time using this discussion board, but I have a question that has puzzled me and my technical help department at my school.
My computer [a macbok] is connected to the internet [from the computer to a phone jack in the wall] with an ethernet cable. Its been working fine for almost a week, but randomly stopped working last night. After lots of testing, the problem is quite obviously with my computer, which is brand new!
Whenever I plug my ethernet cable in, the network menu under system preferences tells me "The cable for Built-in Ethernet is not plugged in". I have just discovered that it occasionally works if I manually hold the cable in the plug in the computer and press down hard.
Is there some way that something could be stuck in the ethernet plug-in thing on my computer that could be preventing it from connecting to the cable like it used to? Does anyone have any idea how to fix this? My computer is still under warranty, but I am currently living in another country from home, so it would be a pain to have to get a new one or get mine fixed!
Thanks,
Mary.

couple of things to try before you call tech support or go to an apple store... sounds like the connection between the ethernet cable and your macbook is faulty. this could be a hardware problem with the macbook, but it could also be a faulty ethernet cable. the ethernet jack could be failing.
try using someone else's ethernet cable and seeing if this connection problem persists.
also, look inside the ethernet jack on your macbook. there should be 8 small copper contact points. these should be parallel. if one is bent or they don't look parallel, then that would make the connection unstable/faulty.
good luck!

Similar Messages

My Airport Extreme just stopped working. The message says ethernet cable not plugged in, but it is. Cable modem works fine. Is this a common problem?

My 2-year-old Airport Extreme instantly stopped working last night and is flashing the status light. The problem description is that the ethernet cable is not plugged in... however, the ethernet cable is still plugged into the cable modem. I checked the modem by plugging directly into my laptop... it works fine. Is this a common problem? Is there anything I can try other than sending it in for warranty repair?

At this point, before sending it back, I would recommend that you do the following as a minimum:
Power-down the modem, AirPort base station, and computer(s).
Disconnect the AirPort base station from the Internet broadband modem.
While all of the devices are powered-down, perform a "factory default" reset on the base station. This will get it back to its "out-of-the-box" configuration and make setting it up much easier, especially if you use the "Assist me" process within the AirPort Utility. (ref: Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule)
After the base station resets, go ahead and power it back down.
Reconnect the AirPort base station to the Internet broadband modem. For the Extreme and Time Capsule, be sure to connect the cable to the base station's WAN (circle-of-dots) port.
Power-up the modem; wait at least 10-15 minutes to allow it adequate time to initialize.
Power-up the AirPort base station; wait at least 5-10 minutes. Note: The AirPort's status light may continue to flash amber after it has intialized. That is because, there may be some additional configuration items necessary, like setting up wireless security, before the overall setup is completed to get a green status.
Power-up your computer(s).
In this basic configuration, the AirPort base station will broadcast an unsecured wireless network with a Network Name (SSID) of Apple Network NNNNNN. Network clients, connected to the base station either by wire or wireless, should now be able to access the Internet through the ISP's modem. Once Internet connectivity has been verified, you can use the AirPort Utility to configure the base station for wireless security and any other desired options. Please post back your results.

Trying to connect, but network status says "Ethernet cable not plugged in"

I've got a G5, and I'm using a DSL modem (with 1 ethernet port) and a perfectly functional ethernet cable that is plugged in. Yet I can't connect to the internet, and according to the network status, the ethernet cable is not plugged in. Any help is appreciated.

I've got a G5, and I'm using a DSL modem (with 1
ethernet port) and a perfectly functional ethernet
cable that is plugged in. Yet I can't connect to the
internet, and according to the network status, the
ethernet cable is not plugged in. Any help is
appreciated.
There are only three things which could be wrong.
1 the cable is bad or not properly connected. (most probable)
2 the DSL device (what kind of DSL device, btw?) is bad or has a bad port or is not properly connected.
3 the Mac has a bad ethernet port, a bad ethernet controller chip, or is not properly connected.
I'd verify that the cable has a good connection, first thing. The best way is to unplug it (at both ends) and then plug it back in.
If no joy, I'd go over to a friend's place with Mac, cable, and DSL device.
I'd plug the Mac into the friend's local net, using the friend's cable; if that works, the problem isn't on the Mac. If it doesn't, I'd take the Mac over to a repair shop or would get a wireless card (if not installed already) and a wireless router and connect wirelessly. Be advised that the ethernet port on an iMac is built into the motherboard, and replacing/repairing that port will require a motherboard swap and will be expensive if you're not still under warranty or AppleCare.
If the Mac works with the friend's cable, replace that cable with yours. If it stops working, your cable is bad. Replace it. If it keeps working, your DSL device is bad. Replace it.

Ethernet cable not plugged in

On a 2.16 GHz Intel core 2 duo, running OS 10.5.6 with 2 GB RAM, model "imac 5,1"
This is one of 10 identical machines in a university lab. No updates or changes of any kind have been implemented. One day, it stops accessing the Ethernet network. The Network preferences say "cable not plugged in" when it clearly is.
I did a restart, zapped PRAM, unplugged it and reset the whatever it is that resets, ran permission repairs, all to no avail.
When I swap cables with the machine next to it, the problem stays with this particular computer. In other words, the cable and the network port are not the problem.
I hauled it down to the nearest Genius Bar where, of course, the Ethernet mounted instantly. I took it home, plugged it into my cable modem, and still got the "cable is unplugged" message. This despite the fact that my home iMac is using that same cable for internet.
Brought it back to the lab, and tried plugging it into 3 different ports, using 3 different cables. "Cable is unplugged."
A Google search on the topic shows a fair number of people with the same problem, but no solutions. And I am worried because a 2nd computer started displaying the same symptoms. That one responded to my basic ministrations, but I'm concerned that this is an impending problem for all 10 of these machines.
What can I try?
Thanks!

Aloha!
One the one of ten...
Try Resetting the SMC
Carolyn

Ethernet cable not plugged in? But it's right there!

My MacBook Pro is insisting that the ethernet cable isn't plugged in. Now, I know the cable is good and the port on the switch is good because they work with my network printer. If I create a new location in Network Preferences (as suggested here http://ryanshelloworld.blogspot.com/2009/03/ethernet-cable-not-plugged-in.html) it works, but only at 10 Mbps (rather than gigabit) and when I unplug the cable and plug it back in it loses it again.
Any ideas on what to do next?

Try a new cable. Although it works on another device Macs are picky about the quality of the line.

Bluberry iMac Ethernet Cable Not Plugged in???

I am trying to connect a slot loading 350 mhz imac to the internet through the built-in ethernet for a friend that needs it, but the network status pane (OSX.3 Panther) keeps saying the ethernet cable is not plugged in. I've tried several different Cat 5 ethernet cables and it still says this, so we can't connect to the isp (with cable modem). It also says the internal modem is not working, I get the red light next to it and the built-in ethernet buttons in Network status. I've tried direct connections to two different external cable modems, and three different ethernet cables, but I think the problem is a software issue that needs correcting.
I've tried zapping the PRAM, and resetting the nv-ram, but to no avail (as suggested by other posts I've come across). I ran Tech Tool 4 on it and the Network test PASSED.
Is there something I can do in Preferences or terminal to switch these back on so the network can see the modem and built-in ethernet? Any ideas or suggestions would be welcome!!
Thanks! Chuck
iMac 350 mhz Mac OS X (10.3.2)

HI Klaus
Thanks for the reply. The router seems to be working, since when I connect it to my laptop (old iBook) via ethernet cable, no problems getting internet.
I also read that to test the card and/or cable I should connect the 2 computers together and turn on file sharing. I did this and was not able to share files. I don't know if that points to the ethernet card/cable or to incompetence on my part...
But I also tried file sharing via Airport card and that worked fine, so I think I have file sharing set up properly.

My PowerBook g4 says it's connected to the Internet and the Ethernet cable's plugged in, but every time I open Safari it says I'm not connected. What can I do to get Safari to get online?

My PowerBook g4 says it's connected to the Internet and the Ethernet cable's plugged in, but every time I open Safari it says I'm not connected. What can I do to get Safari to get online?
Also I'm having problems with my PowerBook G4 on recognizing my HP Photosmart C4680 All-In-One Printer/Scanner/Photocopier. This is connect via USB printer cable, but yet they're not syncing. How can this be resolved?

Internet Quick Assist:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1144?viewlocale=en_US
Troubleshooting internet settings:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1714?viewlocale=en_US
As for the printer problem, is this a new problem?
Try an SMU reset:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1939?viewlocale=en_US
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1436
Then repair permissions and restart.

Snow Leopard: I can't login when ethernet cable is plugged in.

I have a Aluminum 2007 iMac running Snow Leopard. When I try and boot it with all the cables plugged in (Keyboard, External Harddrive, Speakers, Ethernet, Second Display), it will bring up the login screen but then when I try and login, it will just hang at the default Snow Leopard Aurora Wallpaper. It shows the cursor but doesn't load the Finder or anything else. After leaving it be for a few mins, I restarted it a few times and it did the same thing. I have Archived and Installed a few times so far and that didn't fix it.
When I tried unplugging all the cables, it booted properly and works like a charm. When I plugged the Ethernet Cable in and booted it, it freezes like it used to. I tried plugging in other things and they work. But when the ethernet cable is plugged in at Startup, it will freeze at the default wallpaper (Located in System/Library/CoreServices/DefaultDesktop.jpg).
When I have the ethernet cable it will boot into Safe Boot.
Then when I booted it up without the ethernet cable it brought up two alert windows saying that Insecure Startup Item disabled. It says that /Library/StartupItems/tap and /Library/StartupItems/tun have can't be started because they don't have proper security settings. I looked them up and they appear to be Virtual Networking Interfaces (probably installed when I installed Parallels 4.0). Removing them and restarting with the ethernet cable in still has the same affect as before (freezing).
Anyone have any idea the ethernet cable is causing this to not login correctly.
Additional Information:
iMac
1TB HDD
3GB RAM

I suspect that it's busy trying to mount a network file system of some type.
Are there any errors in your logs that seem appropriate (viewable via Applications->Utilities->Console?)

'The cable for the PCI Ethernet is not plugged in' error

Hi everyone, I've installed a PCI network card for my G5, 1.8 (later model) single processor, and checked to make sure the card has the Realtek chips.
I've tried the D-Link DGE-528T which is meant to be OSX compatible but to no avail. I get the 'The cable for the PCI Ethernet is not plugged in' message. I've then tried the Pluscom with Realtek 8169 chip and again, get the same message.
I have a good understanding of networking, have installed several drivers, sometimes manually and I've used the terminal to recode the permissions. I've also removed the extension cache file but still no luck. I've also made sure to follow each install path from the package file and remove any older drivers. I've also installed the card in slot 1.
I don't think it is the card. Does anyone have any other ideas I could try?

Where did you get the drivers?
I've heard of people using D-Link routers, and even D-Link's USB/Wireless adapter, but I've never encountered anyone using a D-Link PCI ethernet card. A quick search didn't find any drivers and without that you're not going to get very far. I'm mildly impressed that the OS recognizes the card at all.

What can I do if my iphone4 is not turning on and itunes is saying "Session could not be started" when I want to sync it so I can restore my phone?

What can I do if my iphone4 is not turning on and itunes is saying "Session could not be started" when I want to sync it so I can restore my phone?

Hold down your on/off and home button until you see the Apple logo, but first plug your iPhone into a power outlet to make sure it has enough battery power.

HT5676 I seriously have uninstalled and reinstalled a dozen times and it still says I do not have Jave when I try to play games but it shows that my Java is enabled in the Safari preferences

I seriously have uninstalled and reinstalled a dozen times and it still says I do not have Jave when I try to play games but it shows that my Java is enabled in the Safari preferences

Follow this links process to enable the Java Preferences Panel and allows you more control.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5559
Also, try a game called Supremacy1914 and run that game. Its an outside browser game (Essintially) that runs via Java. It should give you a security option to allow the certificate to play the game. Some games require certificates and depending on your user account, it could be blocked.
Java panel is now stored in the System Preferences > Other

PC says Ipod Nano not plugged in...then says it is...than says it isn't...

So, I downloaded the 1-10-06 software update and got the "firmware error" followed by the folder with an exclamation point icon on my Nano. Followed suggestions on the website and restarted from the CD and redownloaded the 1-10-06 update and this time it was succesful...EXCEPT that as soon as update was completed and itunes tried to re-download songs, my PC would say that no Nano is plugged in...then a few seconds later it would say it WAS plugged in...then a few seconds later it would say it WAS NOT plugged in. Now everytime I try and plug my Nano into PC, it does this. Checked USB ports and they are fine. Tried on other PC's and got same result. Sent it back to Apple and their "diagnostic" said it was OK. Can anyone help me?!
Windows XP Pro

Hi j,
If it is a hardware issue and you're still inside your warranty period (three years if you purchased an Apple Protection Plan), it is covered. I'd have it checked out by the "genius" bar at an Apple Store (free).

Ethernet Cable Not Securely Held

I recently purchased a White 2Ghz Core2 Duo Macbook from the Apple online store to replace an older G3 Powerbook. The thing is that ethernet cables don't 'click' when they're inserted into the ethernet port making them easy to accidently pull out. I've tried a variety of cables to no avail. Is this the expected behavior on this Mac model?

I would recommend taking your Macbook to the nearest Apple Store (if close)or call apple and see what can be done. If you don't NEED your macbook, you could send it to apple for a week and they will fix the problem.

"Ethernet Cable Not Connected" Huh?

I have a dual 10.3 450 G4 that I rarely connect to the internet. I kept getting the wrong date and time so I changed the battery. Now the monitor display keeps resetting to the wrong size and I keep getting the message the "Ethernet Cable not connected even though if I connect the cable to my laptop it works fine. I even tried restarting in OS 9, I repaired permissions still nothing. The system profiler tells me that the the extension is not loading. I can't find where to dump the preferences.
Any help?
Thanks
Enio

Hi,
Try re-setting the PRAM.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=2238
or, PMU Reset
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=95037
Regards,
Dave

I just bought an AirPort express. Currently I have a qwest wired router plugged into the back of my computer via an ethernet cable. Can I just unplug the ethernet cable and plug it into the AirPort express, then use the setup utility?

I just bought an AirPort express. Currently I have a qwest wired router plugged into the back of my computer via an ethernet cable. Can I just unplug the ethernet cable and plug it into the AirPort express, then use the setup utility? Most of the discussions involve an existing wireless network. I don't have one.

Correct. That's the way to set up the AirPort Express. After connecting your AirPort Express to the router, open AirPort Utility (in /Applications/Utilities) and follow the steps

Says ethernet cable not plugged in when it is?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for