Dimension 3100 Routing table problem

Question

I have just set up a dimension 3100 straight from the box and I am unable to connect to our LAN through a cable connection.  The cable works fine when tested on my Acer laptop and we have another computer connected to it with a cable and the dimension 4400 I am using now works fine with a belkin wireless connection.  The router we are using is a Belkin High SPeed wireless G model and I have checked the DCHP client list and the new computer isn't listed.  I have put the new computer into a workgroup and named it.  The dimension 3100 has XP pro and I have set it up to be assigned an IP and DNS by the router as all the other computers are but I only ever get a limited or restricted access warning and when I have loaded the Dell Network assistant it says that there is a problem with the computers router table that can't be repaired and tells me to reset my computer.  I have checked the BIOS and the onboard LAN connection is enabled and the device manager says likewise.  Does anyone have any suggestions or should I just put the computer back to factory settings and start again?

volcano11 · Answer

First I recommend going to add/remove programs and getting rid of the Dell Network Assistant.  It is full of bugs.   Next, try downloading and running winsockfix for Windows XP from the Here, and see if that fixes the problem.  If it doesn't, to help troubleshoot this problem further, go to Start > Run and type cmd then click OK. In the command prompt window that opens, type ipconfig /all then hit the enter key. Write down the output from this command or select it and save it to a txt file, then copy this output into a reply to this message.   Steve

MRF4700 · Answer

You might try updating the driver file for your network card from the Dell support site?   http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/index.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

LindaFa · Answer

Steve

Removed the Dell network assistant and installed and ran the WinsockFix. Did the IP config as you advised and this is what came back;

C:\Documents and Settings\Linda Faulkner>ipconfig /all

Windows IP Configuration

        Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : LindaFaulkner
        Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
        Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown
        IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
        WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

        Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
        Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection
        Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-16-76-A9-5B-CD
        Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
        Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
        Autoconfiguration IP Address. . . : 169.254.81.205
        Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.0.0
        Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . :

The automatic IP Address isn't anything like the IP of the router or of the other computers connected to it. Even the sub net mask is slightly different. Should I use a manual config of the IP?

volcano11 · Answer

The autoconfigure IP address is what Windows assigns when it cannot get an IP address from the dhcp service.   Are the link lights on on both the router port into which you are connecting and on the computer, next to the ethernet jack, lit up?  Have you tried using a different cable?  You might also want to run the diagnostics on your network card.   They should be found under Start > All Programs > Intel ....   You can also try, as another user suggested, reinstalling the drives for your network adapter.   You can download the drivers from:   http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/type.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&SystemID=DIM_PNT_P4_3100&os=WW1&osl=en&deviceid=4030&libid=5   Steve

LindaFa · Answer

Steve   I have updated the driver now, only one light is on by the CAT5 cable.  The router is a little inaccessible (its in a roof void) the cable I am using I tested today on my laptop and is used for and Xbox live connection.  I tried the diagnostic programme as well.  It said that the card was O.K but the connection test failed because the TCP/IP couldn't be bound to an adapter with a valid IP address or it couldn't find a DHCP server.  Do you think it is worth trying a different cable if it works on the other computers or is it worth getting dell to replace the Network adapter?  I can try a new cable but not for a few days plus the shops are shut in England at this time of night on a Sunday.   Thanks for the help :)

LindaFa · Answer

Sent my cousin into the loft, he said that the light on the router was on for the port I am connected to.

LindaFa · Answer

That's O.K, I've learned a whole load of IT things to get me out of trouble in the future.  Thanks for the help.

volcano11 · Answer

The cable should be OK if it works on another device.   Try the following:   Go to Start > Run and type services.msc.  Find the DHCP Client Service, double click on it, and make sure it is running and is set to start automatically.   Report back what you find.   Steve

volcano11 · Answer

Since this a new computer, I suggest you call Dell Tech Support and get this straightened out as soon as possible.  Sorry I can't be of further help.   Steve

LindaFa · Answer

Did as you said the DHCP server is set to automatic startup and appeared to be running.  I also downloaded the updated diagnostic programme from dell.  Now it says the MAC Loopback fails.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Dimension 3100 Routing table problem

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