Help please - can't connect to internet

julianhj · 7 May 2011 at 10:28

I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to networks, routers etc, but I've been asked to assist my in-laws with an issue.

They've recently upgraded from an old (non-wifi) ADSL modem to a Thompson TG585v8, supplied by Pipex. Their desktop is an ancient AMD XP1900 running XP SP3. It connected perfectly well to the net using their old modem, but doesn't want to play ball with the new one.

I've tested the Thompson with my laptop, and it connects without any issue at all - so the issue with with the desktop setup.

I've clicked on the network symbol in the tray(?) (bottom right corner of the screen) and it brings up the Local Area Connection Status. In the General tab the Status stays on "Aquiring network address". Activity states 5 packets sent and 7 received. It just hangs there.

On the support tab the Address Type is "Invalid IP Address". The IP Address is 0.0.0.0, as is the Subnet Mask.

So, the question is, should the IP address be changed to solve the problem, and if so, how?

Thanks!

julianhj · 7 May 2011 at 10:39

Further to the last, on opening Internet Explorer the 'cannot display webpage' screen appears. I've gone in to Internet Options; Tools; Connections; LAN settings and put in the address 192.168.1.254 as per the Thompson instructions - no result.

My Father-in-law has spent considerable time on the phone to Pipex trying to sort it out, also to no avail.

3dcandy · 7 May 2011 at 11:08

was the old modem connected via USB and this one via ethernet? If so, check drivers for network card, make sure network car (onboard probably) is enabled in BIOS, check to see cable is connected correctly (are there any led's lit up on connector on pc?)

If the network card/onboard connector is not setup correctly then you won't be able to connect!

julianhj · 7 May 2011 at 11:17

The old modem was USB. I've unplgged and reconnected the ethernet cable, the lights adjacent to the port are flashing.

I'm sure the issue is software-related, I just don't know how to identify it.

steven_belfast · 7 May 2011 at 12:44

Greetings,

Need to know a bit more information,

1 - what is the connection ? wired ethernet / usb or wireless ?
2 - how many computers are connected to it ?
3 - do any of the computers work ?
4 - if using ethernet have the has the computer worked on any other networks ?
5 - What operating systems are being used ? what windows is it ?

julianhj · 7 May 2011 at 12:57

Thank you
- it's wired ethernet
- there are no other wired devices, but currently two laptops and a smartphone using the wireless
- the laptops and smartphone work fine wirelessly, and I've plugged my laptop in to the ethernet, which worked fine straight off. The desktop with issues does not have a wireless card
- the desktop previously worked fine with the ADSL USB modem, but has not been used with ethernet before
- the desktop runs Win XP Service Pack 3

steven_belfast · 7 May 2011 at 13:00

Greetings,

So we know the connection its self is ok wireless and wired,
So its just software based with this pc,

First off check network connections and tell me what is listed in there,
Look at the network icon on the right by the clock,
Right click on it and go to network connections,

Read out all thats listed in network connecitons,
What the connection is and the ststus of the connection,

Also do you have any Anti virus or firewall software if so what ?

julianhj · 7 May 2011 at 16:07

I've just turned the machine back on to get that info and a Windows - System Error dialogue box stating "There is an IP address conflict with another system on the network".

Under Network Connections we have:

Broadband:
(Name)Broadband Connection (Status) Disconnected, Firewalled
(Name)Pipex (Status) Disconnected, Firewalled

Both of the above are dial-up I think, and the device is listed as WAN Miniport (PPPOE)

We also have

LAN or High Speed Internet:
(Name) Local Area Connection (Status) Aquiring Network Address

This is the Ethernet connection I think, and the device is NVIDIA nForce MCP Networking Adaptor

steven_belfast · 7 May 2011 at 16:14

Greetings,

Really there is no need for the dial up connections,
if you dont use these delete them,

Code:

Broadband:
(Name)Broadband Connection (Status) Disconnected, Firewalled
(Name)Pipex (Status) Disconnected, Firewalled

As for

Code:

LAN or High Speed Internet:
(Name) Local Area Connection (Status) Aquiring Network Address

Check the ip settings,
Right click on Local Area Connection go to properties look Internet Prottcol (TCP/IP)

High light it an properties make sure its set to auto for both the ip and dns settings, click on ok then close, give it a few seconds and it should change to status connected.