Hello,

From the description of the modem lights, it looks to be your NIC.

When you reinstalled your system did you use the required list to reinstall?

Note: Some devices may not function properly if the drivers are installed out of order.

Install your version of Windows.

Install the following software and drivers in the order listed below.

***** 1.***** Desktop System Software (DSS) or Notebook System Software (NSS) - A vital utility that provides critical updates and patches for the operating system. If you are reinstalling the operating system or updating all the computer’s drivers, it is imperative that this software be installed first.
Currently, the DSS and NSS are not required for systems with Windows Vista installed. This is located under the System and Configuration Utilities Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
2. Chipset - Helps Windows control system board components and controllers. This is located under the Chipset Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
3. Video Adapter - Enhances video performance. This is located under the Video Adapter Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
4. Network Interface Card (NIC) - Enhances the network controller for Internet or network access. This is located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
5. Audio Adapter - Enables and enhances the audio controller. This is located under the Audio Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
6. Modem - Allows dialup capability. This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
7. Wireless Network Card - Enables and enhances the wireless network controller. This is located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
8. Touchpad, Pointer, Trackstick, Mice, and Keyboards - Enhances the pointing device features. This is located under the Mouse & Keyboards Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
9. Other Devices
* Bluetooth Module
This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
* Dell Wireless Mobile Broadband Cards
This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
* PCMCIA/Smartcard controller
This is located under the Security Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

Dell drivers and downloads page http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/.

NOTE: If your system download page offers a DSS or NSS file in the 'System and Configuration Utilities' Category. And you have already tried to install some drivers, you will need to reboot in Safe Mode to install the DSS or NSS file, and the chipset. Then reboot the system and install the rest of the drivers in the correct order.

... there was no DSS for my system... if i go into the props. for my card will "update drivers" find and fix this problem?

Some systems do not have a DSS file.

It's 'possible' that 'if' more recent drivers are found and installed the problem will go away. Do you have an integrated NIC on the motherboard, or is it a card?

I would try Windows update choosing the custom option first. The custom option will look for and suggest hardware updates that will not show using the other option.

yes i  followed all directions, exactly, to reinstall...

the cd was sent to me by dell for my service tag,

the direct links to the drivers were sent to me by email from dell.

drivers were installed in order exactly how describe...

there was no DSS for my system...

if i go into the props. for my card will "update drivers" find and fix this problem?

Yes. If you had a NIC card it would be where the cards are installed. Otherwise if on the motherboard the jack will be close to the USB ports.

You can look into the cable modem web interface to see if any errors are shown. But, if you keep having problems that can't be fixed you can install a PCI NIC and disable the onboard NIC.

went to WU and after re adjusting alot of security options to let WU have access to my pc(so much for the "restore defaults" buttons in the options) it found 2 drivers updates

1. video (which i guess dell sent me wrong driver)
2. pci modem (which i think i for the phone line) i don't use.

i think it's on the motherboard. (if it was a card it would be where the pci slots are, right?)

yes, it's right next to a usb port

You can look into the cable modem web interface to see if any errors are shown.

"cable modem web interface"?   how/where/what?

just realized that the pc light on the modem is not on but i'm still able to browse the web... that light was always blinking....

... "cable modem web interface"?   how/where/what?

Using your browser you can type in an address to access information on the cable modem.

One default address is http://192.168.0.1/

If that address fails, tell us who made the modem and the model number. :emotion-21: Do you own the modem, or is it rented from the cable company?

i'm trying everything

• system restored pc back to before i started getting problem, didn't work.
• restored, once again, everything back to default in internet options, didn't work.
• DLed and reinstalled ZA extreme security( just in case i accdentally changed access of something important) didn't work. also had to DL a download manager just to DL ZA... connection would only stay connected long enough to DL only around 80mb of the 119mb of ZA and then quit(several times).
• changed a wire that kinda looked like it wasn't plugging in to the NIC properly, didn't work.
• the coax cable to the modem was able to be turned a 1/4 turn to tighten, didn't work.
• unplugged the modem for 5mins, didn't work.
• i entered the IP address in browser and get "Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage" or "Oops! This link appears to be broken."

i don't know if i'm forgetting anything...

what am i'm missing???

this problem averages about once every 5mins