XP update wipes out all network access

[Skysurfer]

Hi,

I've been a dedicated Thinkpad pad fan since the beginning. But recently, my T43 has had one insidious problem: I LOOSE ALL NETWORK ACCESS.

Here's the deal. For the last 12 months I've been running XP with SP2 and have kept autoupdate OFF because Microsoft has been machine-gunning updates...and I feel if it aint broke don't fix it.

Well, I had to update my anti-virus and that update turned on autoupdate. Next thing I knew, Windows said an update was loaded and would install on the next reboot. After the reboot, I was unable to turn on the Wi-Fi antenna AND I was unable to access the Ethernet port. Only running system restore allowed me to regain network access. But then I would reboot a few days later and again loose all networking capability. And again I would have to run system restore. And I can't can't break this cycle!

IBM support thinks I have a hardware problem requiring the machine to be sent in. I suspect it's software...and dread I may have to do a "format c".

What do you think? How bad is it?

Lawrence

[yak]

I would try reinstalling the drivers after the update. Possibly using System Update and if that does not find anything, by hand.