Windows users across different versions, including Windows 11, Windows 10, and various Windows Server editions, might encounter a common problem where their computer or server unexpectedly shuts down and then reboots without a clear error message or blue screen of death (BSOD). This problem often leaves a clue in the Windows Event Viewer: an event log with ID 172 and Task Category 203, labeled “Connectivity state in standby: Disconnected, Reason: NIC compliance.”
This error indicates that your network interface card (NIC) has lost connectivity while the system was in standby mode. Although it appears to be a network-related issue, this event is often symptomatic of deeper system concerns, ranging from hardware malfunctions to driver conflicts. This article will guide you through the possible causes and provide a set of potential solutions to resolve the issue.
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What does “Connectivity state in standby: Disconnected, Reason: NIC compliance” mean?
The “Connectivity state in standby: Disconnected, Reason: NIC compliance” event typically surfaces in the Windows Event Viewer, an administrative tool that records significant system happenings. This particular event is associated with Event ID 172 and Task Category 203 and is indicative of a network interface controller (NIC) issue that arises when the system enters a low-power state or standby mode.
Users commonly report encountering this event in the midst of resource-intensive activities, such as gaming or running demanding applications, which results in an unexpected system shutdown and subsequent restart—occasionally without the dreaded blue screen of death (BSOD) that typically accompanies system crashes.
This can be particularly concerning because it doesn’t leave much information for troubleshooting. However, the event log provides a starting point for diagnosing the underlying problem.
Also see: The system has rebooted without cleanly shutting down first
Possible causes of the issue
Identifying the root cause of the “Connectivity state in standby: Disconnected, Reason: NIC compliance” event can be likened to detective work, requiring a methodical examination of various system components. Based on user reports and technical analysis, the issue may be attributed to several potential culprits.
- Hardware malfunctions: A common suspect is the power supply unit (PSU). A PSU on the brink of failure can sporadically cut off power, leading to sudden system restarts. This is particularly likely if the PSU is unable to cope with the high demands of gaming or other power-intensive tasks.
- Thermal shutdowns: Overheating is another prime suspect. If the CPU or GPU temperatures soar too high, the system may shut down to prevent damage. Interestingly, standard stress tests may not always trigger a shutdown, hinting at specific conditions or loads that cause overheating during actual gameplay or application use.
- Driver conflicts: Outdated or faulty drivers, especially network or audio drivers, can cause instability. Users have reported that updating Wi-Fi adapter drivers or disabling conflicting audio playback devices can mitigate the issue.
- Network adapter issues: Since the event specifically mentions network connectivity, a defective or incompatible network interface card (NIC), whether integrated or an add-on PCIe Wi-Fi card, could be responsible.
- Software bugs: Occasionally, software glitches within the operating system itself can cause improper handling of standby connectivity states, resulting in the logged event.
Each of these causes can lead to the same event log entry but requires a different approach for resolution.
Linked issue: Computer Restarts Randomly in Windows 11 (Fix)
Diagnostic steps and suggested solutions
If your computer is experiencing unexpected shutdowns with the event log stating “Connectivity state in standby: Disconnected, Reason: NIC compliance,” here are integrated steps to diagnose and potentially resolve the issue:
- Check event logs: Review the Windows Event Viewer for any other critical events that occurred around the time of the shutdown. Look for patterns or recurring events that could indicate a specific hardware or software issue.
- Monitor temperatures: Use system monitoring software to check the temperatures of your CPU, GPU, and other components during normal use and under load. High temperatures could be a sign of inadequate cooling or a failing component.
- Hardware testing: Use Memtest86+ for memory diagnostics and stress-testing tools like Prime95 or FurMark for the CPU and GPU. This can help rule out hardware failures and overheating.
- Power supply evaluation: Test your power supply or replace it if you suspect it’s failing. An inadequate or failing PSU can cause sudden system power-offs. It’s crucial to choose a PSU with adequate wattage for your system’s requirements.
- Cooling and maintenance: Improve cooling by cleaning dust from the case, ensuring all fans are operational, and applying high-quality thermal paste to the CPU. Proper airflow is critical for maintaining optimal temperatures.
- Update drivers and BIOS: Make sure all your drivers are up to date, especially for the GPU and motherboard. Use a clean installation approach for GPU drivers with tools like DDU. Also, check for and apply any BIOS updates provided by your motherboard manufacturer.
- System configuration: Adjust your system’s power settings to prevent hardware from sleeping and switch to a High-Performance power plan.
- Audio device configuration: Disable any unused audio playback devices in the “Sound” settings of the Control Panel. Evidence suggests that conflicts with audio drivers or devices can sometimes lead to system instability and unexpected system shutdown.
- Hardware re-seating: Physically re-seating components like RAM, GPUs, and even the CPU can sometimes clear up issues caused by poor connections or dust.
- Hardware swaps: If the problem persists, try swapping components like RAM, GPUs, or network cards with known good units to pinpoint a possible hardware failure.
Remember to back up important data before making hardware changes or updates to avoid data loss in case of unexpected complications. If these solutions do not resolve the issue, it may be worthwhile to seek professional technical support or contact the manufacturer if the hardware is still under warranty.
Related resource: Windows PC Turns On By Itself After Shutdown
Preventative measures
While addressing the immediate problem is critical, taking steps to prevent future occurrences is equally important. Here are preventative measures to ensure system stability and minimize the chances of the “Connectivity state in standby: Disconnected, Reason: NIC compliance” event reoccurring:
- Regular system and hardware maintenance: Keep your system dust-free and ensure that all cooling systems, such as fans and heat sinks, are clean and functioning correctly. Dust buildup can insulate heat and cause overheating.
- System monitoring: Regularly monitor your system’s health using diagnostic software to keep an eye on temperatures, voltages, and other critical parameters. Early detection of abnormalities can prevent issues from escalating.
- Driver management: Keep all drivers up to date, but also be cautious with new updates. Sometimes, rolling back to a stable driver version is more beneficial if a new update causes issues.
- Quality hardware selection: Invest in high-quality components, especially power supplies and cooling solutions, as these can significantly impact system stability.
- Power plan management: Configure your power settings appropriately for your usage. If stability is a concern, avoid aggressive power-saving features that can lead to components being powered down erratically.
By implementing these preventative measures, you can ensure that your system runs smoothly and reduce the likelihood of encountering disruptive events like sudden shutdowns or connectivity issues in standby mode.
Conclusion
Encountering the “Connectivity state in standby: Disconnected, Reason: NIC compliance” message in your event logs can be both puzzling and frustrating, especially when it’s associated with sudden system shutdowns. However, with the diagnostic steps and solutions provided in this article, you now have a roadmap to navigate through the issue. It’s important to tackle such problems methodically, applying each potential fix one at a time and testing for stability before moving on to the next. Remember, the cause of system instability can be multifaceted, so patience and thoroughness are key.
