the network bridge on device vmnet0 is not running

hey y'all,

i've been running VMware for more than 8 years on workstation or server but got into an issue last few days and i don't seem to be able to solve it.

here are some basic information:

1. windows 2003 x64 sp2

2. i have 4 nic (broadcom and intel)

3. this server is running for 3 years. dell 2950 2cpu quad, 16 gb

4. started off with VMware Server 1.0.0 and i am on VMware Server 1.0.10

5. 5 VM are running without issue.

6. the server was up for 6 or 7 months. decided to update Windows.

7. i shutdowned all those 5 VMs.

8. updated windows (35 updates)

9. rebooted without any problem

10. the host is working fine. internet access. all is good.

11. start vmware console and start one of the VMs (windows 2003 server)

12. system boots up with error: "the network bridge on device VMnet0 is not running. the virtual machine will not be able to communicate with the host or with other machines on your network. virtual device ethernet0 will start disconnected.

13. that massage is for all VMs.

14. last thing on VMs: all running 2 NIC (bridge and custom to VMnet1). it's been like that since 2007.

what did i do since:

1. reinstall VMware 1.0.10

2. rebooted the host server

3. updated both NICs (2x broadcom and 2x intel)

4. i read on this board that might be NIC issue with teamed NIC but i dont have teamed NIC.

5. played around with host  virtual network settings. removed changed etc... no luck

6. everywhere i hear that under "automatic bridging" i have to uncheck. that might be the right path but that checkmark is greyed out.

any pointer will be very much appreciated.

cheers