[deevee]

Someone gave me a computer that he built - it is a via tech system model kt400-8235 running windows xp home edition.

He reinstalled windows before giving it to me - so it has nothing on it. There is an ethernet card - when I try to connect to internet it won't. I checked IP address and it shows 169.254.153.32 - which I have learned is a default IP assigned by windows?

I have called my internet provider (comcast broadband cable) - they tell me to buy a new ethernet cable. It works fine with another computer so I don't think its the cable.

I have also reinstalled windows - uninstalled/reinstalled ethernet in device manager - tried to have IP reissued/reassigned. Nothing has worked so far.

I need to figure out what to do to be able to connect to internet. I'm probably beginner+ level knowledge (just enough to be dangerous - not enough to know what I'm doing).

Any help will be appreciated - thanks in adanvce.

[renegade X]

OMG!!! Comcast's customer service is about as good as their internet service!!!!!! If the cable was bad you would not even get THAT address.
That IP indicates that a DHCP server is not available. Try to following:

1) Go to the Control Panel
2) Open Network Connections (Click on "Classic View" if you do not see this.)
3) Right-click Local Area Connection and select properties
4) Double click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
5) If you are connected directly to your cable modem, make sure to select "Obtain an IP address automatically".

If that was already selected, please let us know everything about your home network.

[Wanderer2]

You don't mention a router. Without one you can't get multiple pcs on the comcast link.

Comcast also, at least in my neck of the woods, logs your pcs mac address. You would need to "clone" this address for you to get an ip from them. Usually you would do this in the router. You can do this with a pc also if just via hub or direct connect to modem.

[deevee]

I'll try your suggestion when I get home.

There is nothing fancy at all about how I connect - I have a comcast broadband modem - and I connect via ethernet directly from the cpu to the modem. No router in between. Only 1 computer connected.

It shouldn't be this hard to get on the internet...should it? lol

[deevee]

One more thing - my LAN icon at the bottom of the screen shows "limited or no connectivity" when I right click it.

[TerryNet]

If you have a modem only you have to power cycle (unplug for 30 seconds or so) it when switching the device connected to it.