Switching between Airport and wired Ethernet

External Since: Jan 13, 2005 Posts: 633

In article ,
jack ak wrote:

> Clark Martin wrote:
> > In article ,
> > jack ak wrote:
> >
> >
> >> I eventually determined the message box was a complaint about the
> >> non-working Ethernet en0 port. I removed the Ethernet connection
> >> from Automatic and the other "location". There are about a dozen
> >> com.apple.xxx files in the "...user - Library - Preferences - ByHost
> >> folder.
> >>
> >> These files have the 6 hex digit Ethernet port address embedded in
> >> the filename. I've deleted the folder several times but it returns
> >> and the applications act as though they have never been initialized.
> >>
> >> I don't understand why my computer "thinks" there *should be*
> >> a functioning Ethernet port when it is not configured.
> >> Maybe in "Mac OS X Update" (10.5.12) this will be fixed.
> >>
> >
> > ByHost uses your built in Ethernet Port MAC Address (the 6 hex digit
> > number) to uniquely identify your computer. The Airport MAC address
> > will never be used (with the likely exception of the MacBook Air). It
> > really has nothing to do with Ethernet, it's just using the Ethernet
> > port Mac Address as a machine serial number.
> >
> > ByHost is used in the event you move your HD to another computer. It
> > would then create distinct preference files for that computer based on
> > it's Ethernet MAC Address.
> >
>
> Ok, how do I stop the "Connection failed - Server may not exist.."
> message box from appearing? It keeps some functions disabled until
> it is dismissed. Zoom won't work while this message box is displayed.

That sounds like something trying to connect to a server that is
not accessable, not an attempt to use ethernet.

If you don't know, you could install "Little Snitch" (even in the
5 minute demo mode) this should tell you which application(s) is
trying to make network connections.

> Related question...
> Why are there only 12 applications dependent on the Ethernet address?

External Since: Sep 29, 2007 Posts: 43

Bob Harris wrote:
> In article ,
> jack ak wrote:
>
>> Clark Martin wrote:
>>> In article ,
>>> jack ak wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>> I eventually determined the message box was a complaint about the
>>>> non-working Ethernet en0 port. I removed the Ethernet connection
>>>> from Automatic and the other "location". There are about a dozen
>>>> com.apple.xxx files in the "...user - Library - Preferences - ByHost
>>>> folder.
>>>>
>>>> These files have the 6 hex digit Ethernet port address embedded in
>>>> the filename. I've deleted the folder several times but it returns
>>>> and the applications act as though they have never been initialized.
>>>>
>>>> I don't understand why my computer "thinks" there *should be*
>>>> a functioning Ethernet port when it is not configured.
>>>> Maybe in "Mac OS X Update" (10.5.12) this will be fixed.
>>>>
>>> ByHost uses your built in Ethernet Port MAC Address (the 6 hex digit
>>> number) to uniquely identify your computer. The Airport MAC address
>>> will never be used (with the likely exception of the MacBook Air). It
>>> really has nothing to do with Ethernet, it's just using the Ethernet
>>> port Mac Address as a machine serial number.
>>>
>>> ByHost is used in the event you move your HD to another computer. It
>>> would then create distinct preference files for that computer based on
>>> it's Ethernet MAC Address.
>>>
>> Ok, how do I stop the "Connection failed - Server may not exist.."
>> message box from appearing? It keeps some functions disabled until
>> it is dismissed. Zoom won't work while this message box is displayed.
>
> That sounds like something trying to connect to a server that is
> not accessable, not an attempt to use ethernet.
>

The "Server may not exist" message refers to an Ethernet server.
When I connect an Ethernet cable to my 2Wire 2701HG-B Gateway router
2 rooms away, the message doesn't appear. The Gateway router provides
a Wireless access point which is preferable to visitors tripping over
the cable running across the hallway.

It's unfortunate I'm not presented with an option to not display the
"Server may not exist..." message box. I know it doesn't exist since
I don't use the Ethernet interface. When that message box was appearing
in another "Space" I didn't realize what was hanging up my computer.
One cannot use "Zoom" before that message box is closed.

I usually keep an iPod connected so when the computer is started iTunes
is launched. I moved iTunes to "Space 1" where the missing Ethernet
connection message box displays on top of the iTunes screen.

Try booting your computer with the Ethernet cable disconnected
to see what is displayed.