have you considered an ADSL modem with built in router so you can use both pc's at the same time?  try turning off any and all firewalls (XP, McAfee, Zone Alarm, Norton, etc) on your new Dell, reboot and then try.

In the install dialogs do it ask you for you login credentials for the internet service provider. Usually an email address and password.

These should supplied in the connection dialogue box.

 

To connect manually open your network connections in the control panel.

RHM click on your ISP connection icon.

Set the username and password.

 

Lee

 

First, USB is the least desireable modem connection option.  It requires additional driver software and ties up one USB port and much of the USB bandwidth.  The preferred connection is to use the Ethernet connection. 

 

However, if the DSL modem is operating and you just unplug one PC and plug in another one it may not work.  What you should do is power off the PC, then Power cycle the modem and when the modem gets back in sync (all lights on) then power up the PC and see if it connects. 

 

If you want both PC's to operate at the same time consider a hub, either wired or wireless for the PC's and then you won't have all the switching and powering up/down problems. 

 

One other note, in almost all cases you can't log on to your ISP with another system and the identical user name and password if you are already logged on with another PC.  If your ISP allows it, create a new user ID and password for the second system.

thanks for all your advice, much appreciated. i will give it all a try but it may take me sometime. i will post a reply with the results.

 

thanks again.

 

t.

you really should consider a setup that includes a router just for the hardware firewall security it provides, and you get the added advantage of some wired ethernet ports that are actively managed as well... there are some zoom combo modem/router/gateways that make it easy...plus your current modem is limited to about 8mb down, so you're restricted in that aspect but of course it also depends on what your isp can/will provide (speed wise that is).

thanks all very much for the advice! my internet is now working but alas the problem was down to none of the above but solely to user stupidity!!!! however, if  i had`nt done some of the help i would`nt have dicovered "it"!! too embarassing to say what exactly, but i have also taken on board the comments about usb/ethernet etc.

 

thanks again.

 

t.