Internet and XP

[ramayes]

I'm using ATT broadband for my connection. Until tonight, everything was fine. However, one computer quit connecting to the internet at all. I was working on it and comparing to another. Both with XP Pro.

When looking at the computer that worked, I notices I had three connections listed. A 1394 connection, a MAC Bridge, and a Ethernet LAN. All looked good. I accidentally disconnected the ethernet from from the bridge and now I can't get on the internet. I tried reconnecting and even a few different flavors (ex: all three, just the bidge and the 1394 in case my memory was wrong).

The error I get when trying to repair/reboot is that the IP renew fails. I'm running a linksys router. I've narrowed it down to the computer since my wife's lap top works (as this post demostrates) and am able to see my router, wireless access point and print servers.

I've also tried the network wizard, and putting in a static IP. Nothing seems to work. I've reset the router, computer, etc.

I don't know if I need to reinstall Win to get past this, I hope not!!

Thanks for all your help.

Edited:
Note: I have a dual boot and was able to start in WIN 98 and get on the internet without problem. That tells me it's not the NIC, cable, router, or cable modem.

[bailey]

could you give some better details on how everything is connected ?

modem
router with built in switch
wired with cat-5 cable
wireless ?

[ramayes]

computer>switch>linksys router>cable modem.

All Cat 5, NIC, router, cable modem all Linksys. Switch is Link-max(generic)

The router is 4 port, but I'm only using the one that connects to the switch.

[bailey]

ok thanks, now do this one step at a time.
turn off and disconnect everything.
power up the modem, look for the link light.

connect the router and power it up
look for the link light.

power up the switch, and check the lights.
connect and power up one computer.
check the activity link lights on the nic and the switch.

connect to the internet, make sure its all working ok.

then do the same for each of the computers one at a time
and check the connectivty to the internet.

all should be working good now.

[DragonNOA1]

I don't know about that brand but for me I just unplug my switch and plug it back in after a minute to reconfigure, then my XP connects up fine.

[andyms18a]

try system restore

[ramayes]

Thanks for the responses. I'll try it when I get home from work.

One thing that surprises me is that the 98 computers can all get on, but no the XP.

I'll post my results.

[glc]

The problem is the bridge. This is a common problem in XP when you run the networking wizard incorrectly. The correct way to run it when you use a router is to select "other", then "this computer is connected directly to the Internet". In order to share files and printers on your LAN, you then have to turn OFF the XP firewall.

Make sure the bridge is *gone* - you should only have the 1394 and the local area connection. Go into the properties of the local area connection, make sure the IP address and DNS are set to obtain automatically, and click Advanced, make sure DHCP is enabled in the WINS section.

[ramayes]

Thanks fo the info, glc. I was able to do a system restore on my computer. It seems to have done the trick.

I'll try getting rid of the bridge on my daughters. I hope that helps.

[ramayes]

I've had some time to work on this issue. I still can't get it to work. I belive now that it's a software problem.

I've reinstalled Windows XP.
I've set up the network based on the above post.
Still no luck.

Here are some other things that I've done.[list=1][*]I've tested the wiring by connecting my lap top the wall jack: everything worked fine.[*]I've tested the wiring by connecting my laptop to the wall jack: everthing looked fine[*]Entered a static IP address: I was able to ping the other computers on the network, but couldn't get to the Internet[/list=1]

Any troubleshooting tips would be welcome.