Some Network Interface Cards (NICs) have an option to allow Windows to turn off the device to save power. While this seems like a great, green power saving idea, it can cause some real problems.
One of the problems that can be had is disappearing network drives. Normally, Windows will disconnect a network resource after it has been idle for a period of time, usually 15 minutes. When the user clicks on the resource, say a mapped drive letter in Windows Explorer, they should experience a slight delay while the session is re-established.
However, if the NIC is powered off, this will not happen, and you’re left with a user who cannot access network resources. This is slightly misleading, though. Internet surfing will work, email will work, but drive mappings will be unavailable. Strange, eh? Fortunately, there is a fix that might help in these situations.
- Open the Control Panel, and open the networks icon.
- Highlight the affected connection, right-click it, and and select “Properties.”
- Press the Configure button next to the card/controller itself, near the top.
- You’ll see a multi-tabbed pane. Look for a “power” or “advanced” tab (depends on OS), usually the rightmost.
- If the box labeled “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” is checked, un check it.
- OK your way out, and the problem should be cured for this card. Repeat for any other network connections. (other than dialup)
- There is generally no need to reboot, you should see the effect immediately.