Welcome to the Computer Science and Technology Study Materials section from CoreNetworkZ EdTech Solutions, a leading mock test and competitive exam preparation platform, for students preparing for SSC, DSSSB, and Kerala PSC examinations. Today, I will explain an ICMP error - Ping Hardware Error.
When someone faces network connectivity issues, the first command that comes to mind while troubleshooting the problem is ping.
We can identify the issue by analyzing the error code generated by the ping. Today, we discuss a ping error, "hardware error".
Let us check what is a Ping Hard Error and how to fix it.
At first, we check when you might see a ping hardware error. Like any other ICMP error code, you might get a hardware error when you ping a remote IP address from your computer.
Check the screenshot below to understand the Ping Hardware error.
It is the ping reply when your computer reports a hardware error.
Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7600] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Documents and Settings\vi83>ping 4.2.2.2 Pinging 4.2.2.2 with 32 bytes of data: Hardware error. Hardware error. Hardware error. Hardware error. Ping statistics for 4.2.2.2: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss), C:\Documents and Settings\vi83>ping 4.2.2.2
Let us check the reasons for getting a ping reply hardware error.
How does This Study Material help PSC, SSC, and DSSSB Aspirants?
SSC, DSSSB, and Kerala PSC conduct examinations for various IT posts.
Understanding ICMP Hardware Error is essential for candidates appearing for the DSSSB PGT/TGT Computer Science, Kerala PSC Degree Level Exam, SSC Scientific Assistant (CS), VSSC Technical Assistant, and System Analyst posts. These networking fundamentals are core parts of the Computer Science syllabus.
Kerala PSC Degree Level examinations have a Computer Science section where students can expect questions that require them to explain the reasons behind ICMP Hardware error codes. You can check the Kerala PSC Degree Level Common Prelims Syllabus under the Computer Science section. I recommend you download the syllabus using this official link.
Reference: https://www.keralapsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/syllubus.pdf
Reasons for Getting Ping Hardware Error
The possible reasons for getting hardware error when you ping to an IP address are:
Bad Ethernet cable
Disconnected Ethernet cable
Disabled Network Adapter
An outdated Network Adapter Driver
In most cases, disabled Network Adapters generate a ping hardware error. Some users report they see hardware errors when they ping from a computer just after waking the system from sleep mode.
An outdated NIC driver may generate a hardware error.
You may also receive hardware errors when you ping with an unplugged Ethernet cable on a computer. These are the common reasons for getting hardware errors while you ping a different IP address from a computer.
You have learned the possible reasons for getting a ping hardware error. Now, we move to the solution part. Let us check how to fix the ping hardware error.
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How to Resolve Ping Hardware Error Message?
Follow the steps below to troubleshoot and resolve the ping hardware error.
Unplug and reconnect the Ethernet cable.
Check if the Adapter is enabled.
Restart your computer
Replace the Ethernet cable.
Replace the NIC and check for the issue.
Some reports say the hardware error shows more with USB modems. When you see a ping hardware error, the first thing to do is to unplug the USB modem. Then reconnect the modem after five minutes.
If it does not work or the modem is not a USB modem, restart your computer.
Always ensure the ethernet cable between the modem and computer is working fine. A damaged network cable causes a hardware error.
If nothing works, the final solution is to uninstall the current network adapter driver and re-install the latest version.
Reference
- https://www.keralapsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/syllubus.pdf
- https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/ios-nx-os-software/ios-software-releases-121-mainline/12778-ping-traceroute.html
Author: Alex George
Alex George is the Chief Editor and founder of CoreNetworkZ EdTech Solutions. He is a software engineer and has 20 years of experience in the EdTech niche.
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Confusingly, you can also get "hardware error" from a configuration error. Let's say you have an IP mask of 255.255.255.0 (i.e. the default). You have two PCs, with IP addresses 192.168.0.1 and 192.168.1.1. If you ping one from the other you get "hardware error". Change the mask to 255.255.0.0 and it works perfectly.
ReplyDeleteHi Alan,
ReplyDeleteIf your subnet mask is 255.255.255.0, it belongs to Class c address. In class C address, it cannot communicate between 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1 as both are in different IP range(if you configure in same betwork). In class B address (ie: 255.255.0.0) the scenario is different.