No network access after installing SP2

Question

I'm sorry that I'm not up to par on proper forum etiquette. I certainly didn't mean to be rude to anyone. I thought that it would be easier to address a problem in the same thread rather than a new one...so at your advice, I'm starting a new thread. Although I do look at other people's problems to see if there is something I can try from your advice to them.   This is my situation: Computer: Dell Dimension 4550 Operating System: Windows XP Professional v2002 Processor: Pentium 4 CPU 2.53GHz RAM: 512MB   I installed SP 2 about a month ago, but I failed to update my BIOS to A05 (I was still on A01). There were a number of applications not working, the most important being access to the internet. I uninstalled SP2, updated the BIOS and could still not access internet. I tried to do a system restore, but none existed priort to the installation of SP2 so I first did a repair on the operating system, which was Windows XP HOME, then I reinstalled all the drivers that came on my DELL disks. Still no internet. I decided to upgrade to XP Professional and again reinstall the drivers from the Dell disks. I then went into the Device Manager and enabled the network adapter and various other devices that I thought might have something to do with connecting (sorry I couldn't tell you which ones, but I eventually went through and enabled everything, as well as made everything automatic). Last night I was able to connect to the internet for about a minute, but not long enough to download much needed updates (SP1 for one). To answer some of your questions: I have not uninstalled Symantec, in fact it is still running virus checks every morning, even though that isn't necessary right now. I have not used any spyware removal software. All devices in the Device Manager show working (and I looked at every single one) If you are referring to the driver for the network card when you say chipset drivers, yes this is installed. I have no experience with firewall settings and if I knew where they were, I would disable them. The network cable is good, I've connected it to other computers with no problem. The DHCP client service is running. There is nothing wrong with my router, I have reset it numerous times and I have other computers connected to it with no problem. This Dimension 4550 is not recognizing the connection, The light is on, indicating a connection, but no IP address is being assigned. Is this enough information? I really appreciate you taking the time to look at this. In the meantime, I am painstakingly copying all my daughter's music (almost 10GB) by copying to a USB memory stick (128MB at a time) to my laptop so I can start over from scratch and reload everything, which I really don't want to do. I was not able to connect my 2 computers to directly copy the files quickly. (guess you know by now that I'm a person who knows just enough about computers to get in trouble, but not enough to resolve my own problems). Thanks again for any advice. BT   Message from volcano11: It is oh so difficult to answer several peoples questions in the same thread. It gets very confusing and is very rude to the person who posted the orignal problem.  Please start a new thread and give us all the details of your problem.  Although it may sound the same as other people's problems, with networking, each problem is unique.  All that has to be messed up is one setting and the network won't work.   The solution is in the details.  Have you uninstalled any programs recently (uninstallation of Symantec products sometimes results in a dead network)?  Have you used any spyware removal progams (removing spyware sometimes breaks a network)?  Are there any devices listed in Device Manager as problem devices?  (People often times reinstall Windows and forget to install the chipset drivers.  Without the chipset drivers there is no way that a network card will work).  Firewalls are essential, but unless they are properly configured they will stop legitimate network connections.  Have you disabled all firewalls or at least read the documentation and learned to configure the firewall so that it will allow legitimate connections?   Are you sure the network cable is good?  Is the DHCP client service running?  If you are connecting through a router, can you connect directly to a broadband modem (after resetting the the modem whenever you change what it is connected to)?  What troubleshooting steps have you taken?  Steve

ctalia4000 · Answer

I would get the computer connected to the internet without the router, even if you have to call tech support at the broadband company and Then deal with the network.  You need a virus program and firewall program working.

BebeT · Answer

The problem is (was) with the computer and not the router. I went ahead and reinstalled my OS and I've been updating, reinstalling, updating and reinstalling all night and day. Things are actually working great, as I expected they would once I did a complete reinstall. Thank you for taking the time to read my post and offer advice. My issue is now resolved. At least this one is.

Thanks again,

BT

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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