diff --git a/EthernetInterface.cpp b/EthernetInterface.cpp
index a72f76c..2668ece 100644
--- a/EthernetInterface.cpp
+++ b/EthernetInterface.cpp
@@ -60,17 +60,16 @@ EthernetInterface::EthernetInterface()
     connected=false;
    
     #ifdef IP_ADDRESS
-    Ethernet.begin(mac, IP_ADDRESS);
+    if (Ethernet.begin(mac, IP_ADDRESS) == 0)
     #else
     if (Ethernet.begin(mac) == 0)
+    #endif
     {
         DIAG(F("Ethernet.begin FAILED"));
         return;
     } 
-    #endif
     if (Ethernet.hardwareStatus() == EthernetNoHardware) {
-      DIAG(F("Ethernet shield not found"));
-      return;
+      DIAG(F("Ethernet shield not found or W5100"));
     }
   
     unsigned long startmilli = millis();