[CaptainHaplo]

Sounds like a problem initializing the TCP/IP stack

Boot into normal windows with the cable uplugged
Go into the control panel -> Network Connections - and you will find the connection - in a "not connected" state. Delete the connection entirely. Shut down and plug in the cable - reboot.

If it locks up again - go into the add/remove of Windows and actually remove all then reinstall the TCP/IP stack - as well as the Microsoft file and print share if you have it on the machine. Reboot after removal - and again after the reinstall. This will correct any stack issues.

Just to verify its not your card or the stack - boot without the cable attached - then open a command windown (Start - Run - type in "cmd' without the quotes and hit enter). Type

ping 127.0.0.1

Even with no cable connected - you should get a response. If it locks up your machine - your looking at the stack being the most likely culprit, but it could possibly be the card.

If the stack fix doesnt work, reboot again sans cable, go into device manager and uninstall the card - reboot and let it get readded. Its possible sp3 screwed up the nic drivers and if thats the case - letting it soft reinstall should fix it.

Good luck.