Trouble connecting to the internet

Question

Hello,   I just purchased a Dell Dimension E510 using Windows XP with SP2. After properly connecting everything and booting up just fine, I went to try and get my network connection to work. However, all that happened was Windows spit back a message saying that I have limited or no connectivity. It is unable to attach an IP address and the rest of the information that is required for internet connectivity.   I made sure all the drivers were properly installed, they were--using integrated Intel Pro NIC card. I checked the BIOS to make sure there wasn't something wrong in there with the card, there wasn't (and no, I didn't change any BIOS settings); changed network cables and that didn't do the trick; also checked the physical port itself to ensure that none of the pins weren't bent, they weren't.   I'm not sure what else could possibly be the problem, most likely something simple or minutely obscure that I can't figure out. I'm connecting via Roadrunner University at the college I attend and my old computer--the one I'm writing this with--had no problems with either network cable. All I do is hookup to the network and I'm online.   So if you have any information in regards to this it would be greatly appreciated. I've looked around the boards for something similar to my problem, yet every time the solution was just install the drivers or change cables.   Thanks in advance.

volcano11 · Answer

You say you are connecting through Roadrunner. Do you actually connect to a cable modem? If so, then whenever you change the device connected to the cable modem you need to do a complete reset of the network. Turn off everything then wait 5 minutes. Turn on the cable modem first and wait a few more minutes. Finally turn on the computer connected directly to the cable modem. This should reset the cable modem so that it will recognize the computer connected to it.

Steve

fatlunch · Answer

Oh, I forgot to mention the following in case it helps matters at all: The IP address that is showing up is the manufacturer default 169.###.###.###.   Thanks again.

fatlunch · Answer

I don't connect to an actual cable modem to access the internet; in the dorm rooms on campus there is a hub with four slots that from here connects to the main server and goes out from there. (I'm assuming that's how it works... my network knowledge is a bit subpar these days.)   Any other advice you can give? I just got back from a full reinstallation thinking that it may have been some other software error that I couldn't figure out... no change.   Thanks again.

volcano11 · Answer

Try downloading and running winsockfix for Windows XP from the Here   Steve

fatlunch · Answer

*sigh* Heh. Thanks for that advice... but no change. I don't get it.

If there's anything else you can offer that'd be great. Else I'll contact tech support in the morning or on Monday or something.

Thanks again.

Isntthisfun · Answer

Did you get your problem fixed?

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Trouble connecting to the internet

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