Problems Configuring a Motorola SB5100 modem

JaseUK · 7 Jan 2007 at 17:52

Guys I am having a right job installing above mentioned modem on my mates new computer.

I have installed said modem fine but it is unable to obtain an IP address from DHCP. After a minute or so the Local Connection shows the Limited or No Connectivity error. This error I have seen a thousand times on new builds etc ...... but am I hell as like able to resolve it.

I have uninstalled the modem drivers and replaced with newer drivers. My mate even contacted the PC supplier who emailed with a Regedit solution and web links to mobo chipset and LAN drivers. I have downloaded these, installed them but still the same error.

I have carried out ipconfig /renew flushdns etc..but nothing. What on earth is the problem.
I believe his mobo is a Asus P5B - TMW?
OS - Win XP

The funny thing is when I plugged his modem into my laptop, wam bam it worked instantly.

:confused:

Duke · 7 Jan 2007 at 18:51

You don't need to install any drivers to get a cable modem working, if you are using a network card. It should be plug & play as per your laptop.

The modem will only remember one MAC (computer) address at one time so make sure you turn it off for a minute between switching computers.

JaseUK · 7 Jan 2007 at 19:31

So how do u account for it working on the laptop but not the PC.

Valo · 7 Jan 2007 at 19:57

JaseUK said:
So how do u account for it working on the laptop but not the PC.

The modem has stored the laptops MAC address or hardware address, which will be different to the new machines MAC address your trying to connect the cable modem to.

Unlug the cable modem from the mains electric and leave it for 15-20 mins. Then plug it back into the mains and connect it to the new pc. It should hopefully then work.
As said before you do not need - drivers, registry edits etc to get a cable modem to work. It just needs time to update it's self to the machine mac address it's connected to.

One other thing don't connect it via USB use CAT5 cable instead.

JaseUK · 7 Jan 2007 at 21:10

Ok I will try turning the modem off for a while.
When I installed it on the laptop it had just been unplugged from the PC but still worked.

I will let my mate know but I am a little sceptical

Avalon · 8 Jan 2007 at 12:08

Doesn't matter if you're sceptical or not Duke and Valo are quite correct, unless you are using USB (WHY?!) no drivers are required and the modem will not allow you to hot swap between pc's without power cycling.

JaseUK · 10 Jan 2007 at 10:33

The problem was that my mate had installed Bullguard firewall.
I advised him to uninstall it and when he did hey presto it worked.

Anyroad I thought I would post this resolution to assist others if they come across the same problem.