Mac Pro 1,1 network connectivity issues in Windows 7

[makoffee]

Hey everybody,
Thanks in advance for the help - I rarely post questions unless I've exhausted all other means.

Here's the problem... on my Mac Pro v1,1 network connectivity is just fine over gigabit either-net. The trouble starts when I boot into windows 7 pro (64bit) to play a game. Networking starts out fine, and then intermittently drops, as if I don't even have an ip address. It wont connect until I force it to renew the DHCP lease or unplug the cable and re-plug it in again.

This is only on Windows 7. Life is good on the macos side.

Has anyone ever seen this or have a fix for it?

 

[Mr_Ed]

I've seen problems with wireless networking on Macs (Mac Pro, MacBook Pro) running various flavors of Windows (XP, Vista, 7) but I have not come across issues with wired connections.

That said, the symptoms you describe (network inexplicably dropping out) are exactly what I have seen on wireless. I recall having to go out and find alternative drivers for the network hardware on my machine(s), replacing the Bootcamp-supplied drivers. Of course that brings to mind the question: did you install the Bootcamp drivers? I would try that first if you have not.

BTW: I just installed Windows 7 on a MacPro1,1 for my wife this past weekend and it works fine for her on wireless using the Bootcamp 3.0.2 drivers (supplied with Snow Leopard). Did not try it on wired though.

 

[chych]

Mac Pro 1,1 doesn't "officially" support Win 7 64-bit, maybe the 64-bit drivers are flaky and you need to find newer ethernet drivers? I just use Win 7 32-bit without any network issues.

 

[thirdkind]

I installed Windows 7 Pro 64-bit in my Mac Pro 1,1 last week and have had no issues so far. Here's the kicker: I didn't install the Boot Camp drivers for anything. I ran Boot Camp Assistant to start the installation process, and once I had Windows up and running, I ran Windows Update, which installed drivers for pretty much everything--networking included. It even provided the latest drivers for my flashed 4870 1GB. I did have to download the RealTek drivers to get the sound working, however.

I've been playing Steam games (noticeably better performance than their Mac-native counterparts) and downloaded at least 20GB of data with no connection issues.

I have one device in Device Manager that's coming up as unknown, but everything is so stable and fast, I don't care what it is. I want to say it's the Bluetooth module because I can't seem to find that in the list anywhere. Thankfully, I don't use it.

 

[Rad]

WIndows 7 Pro 64

No problems (network or other) running Windows 7 Pro 64-bit on my Mac Pro 1,1.