non-dell modem not working

Something not quit right here. The cable ISP always provides a modem. Some will allow you to buy your own, but you don't need to. If the modem isn't sync'ing to the cable, then it is a cable company problem.

A don't believe Dell even offers cable modems.

*Could* be that the modem is currently connected to the computer via a USB port, and the tech is suggesting using an ethernet connection instead. A USB connection to a cable modem *can* be problematical. In that case, the computer would need a network card installed, if it did not already have one. Dell does have network cards available, but it would not be necessary to buy from Dell. A network card from your local computer store will work just as well.

Thanks for the reply Derf,

I didn't think it sounded right either.  The tech even had my brother try system restore, without any luck.  So if it were a virus, that would be eliminated since you going back to the 'last known good,' correct?   He has the ethernet connection, because he's already used the internet.  Contacted the cable ISP, and they said the connection is registering fine.  The only thing I didn't ask was if he is using USB.  Good point!

Dell is saying he has to buy their 'modem' or its a ISP issue, and the ISP is saying it's a Dell issue.   My brother may be not using the correct terminology when he was expaining what is going...especially after you said Dell doesn't even sell cable modems.

Unless the tech didn't have him go through the same steps, as outlined in the FAQ, for troubleshooting the cable modem, I don't really know whatelse to say....but send it back.

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to reply Derf.  Have a good weekend!

Andy

 

 

 

  

Brother in MN,

I think that your brother and the cable company are confusing the external cable "modem" with the Network Interface Card (NIC).  The Dimension 4600 has a NIC already built in.  Check this link for info on the type of NIC:

http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dim4600/en/4600i/sm/specs.htm#1105932

Dell can only troubleshoot whether this NIC works correctly and whether Windows is using the NIC correctly.  One of the checks that your brother should make is to check the TCP/IP configuration.  (simpler than it sounds)  Click START->RUN and type in CMD.  Click OK.  A black box will appear on the desktop.  Type in IPCONFIG /ALL  (there is a space before the /).  There will be a lot of information displayed.   The "IP Address" should be something other than 0.0.0.0 or 169.254.xxx.xxx.  There will also be some info about the "Default Gateway" and the "DNS Server" addresses.  These could be almost anything.  Find out from your brother what these addresses are.

Steve

Steve,

Thank you, also, for the helpful reply!

I will follow your instructions to maybe get a better handle on the configuration settings, and to also urge my

brother to try and take/make a few more steps or attempts before simply returning the PC.

Thanks again to all that have commented.  I truely appreciate it the feedback.

Andy