Question : Losing network connection in xp

I have had this problem for 18 months or so - but it wasn't a huge deal as my desktop wasn't my server. During file copies (varying in size or number of files) the network connection drops. So here's the lowdown.

VIA Rhine 2 Fast Ethernet integrated
Happens with an unpatched xp install
Happens with a fully patched xp install
Happens with windows drivers (different versions from WU)
Happens with Via drivers (many versions)
No error log in the system or application
No error on screen
Happens copying over wireless
Happens copying over wire
Happens copying from XP/os x
Happens copying from NAS running integrated linux
I have upped the send and receive buffer to 128
I have disabled power management on the interface card
I have forced 100/full duplex
I have forced 100 Half Duplex
I have let it autonegotiate
The router has been changed during the time of the issue
I have changed the timeouts on the interface to be longer.
I can go to the xp machine and disable then enable the lan connection and it begins working again.

It does not happen when linux is running on the same box, so it isn't hardware.
The fact it has happened through so many drivers leads me to think it is NOT a driver issue
There doesn't appear to be an irq conflict

I am effin stumped, advice appreciated.

Answer : Losing network connection in xp

"Using another nic relieves the point of this post - it works in linux, why not windows?"

Bad drivers -- restate -- get new drivers for the NIC, then it MIGHT work, but the one you are using is not a very reliable NIC.  You can beat your head against a wall over bad hardware, and all you end up with is a headache ... not a solution ... if the NIC is fundamentally defective.  I went through the same thing with a Davicom, until I tossed it, and then all the systems problems disappeared.