In Need of Computer Help

[Randolf]

So I've got this five-year-old Gateway which was kindly donated to me. It had nothing on it of any consequence, but was running a bit poorly due to many mismatched settings as well as being clogged with many useless files. Thusly do I use System Restore to send Microsoft XP back into a functional state.

This machine uses 504 RAM and 3Ghz, and after the restore, it runs like a dream. Fast, powerful and almost 200 gigs of storage just waiting for my stuff.

Problem is, try as I might, I can't make it recognize my cable modem. I can't get the Internet on it.

It's a Motorola Surfboard cable modem using an Ethernet cable. This cable fits into only one port on the whole Gateway machine (the LAN port) and for some reason this port lights up yellow and green. I screwed around with the settings in IE, then all sorts of Broadband settings. Finally, it managed to come to the conclusion that there was a connection, but it did this even when the modem was physically disconnected from the computer (it also seemed to think that this fantasy connection was running at 400Mbps).

Summary: how do I get this machine, which is far and away better than the aging Dell I'm using right now, to accept my mighty Internet connection and work like a good computer ought to?

Your help is much appreciated.

[Yuko-san]

I have a small amount of expertise in this area, so I think I can help you.

Did the modem come with an installation disc? If it did then simply use said disc to install the firmware for your modem, plug in your ethernet/ phone jack cable and have fun.

If it did not come with a disc then go to said modems website, go to downloads and look for the installation files needed for your system. Put the files on a flash drive or burn them to a disc. Open installation files on desired computer. Follow instructions above.

If this doesn't work you may have to go to advanced settings in your modem. And for that you have to call some help desk in India.

[Randolf]

I'm almost certain its a driver issue, as it seems to just be ignoring the modem completely. I didn't get a disc with it (or maybe I did and I forgot all about it; I was standing next to the cable guy almost the whole time he was working, so I think I'd have seen it if he used one) so I guess looking the drivers up online might help. Thanks, Yuko.

Anyway, though, I need to take some time off from fighting with it. These PC parts are heavy and with my arthritis acting up hauling them back and forth across the table to keep doing tests one way or the other is starting to wear me out. I'll give it another shot in a day or so.

[EyeOfPain]

Are you using the same ethernet cable between your modem and new computer that you used to connect the old computer? If not, give that a try. Also, try powering off the modem for 30 seconds to 5 minutes, but when you turn it back on, make sure the Gateway machine is plugged in. The modem may not have been designed to switch between different hardware.

If those weren't the problem (very unlikely, but easiest fix), open up the Control Panel and select "Device Manager" and look for the section titled "Network Adapters." Does your computer see a network card? Is it reporting any problems?

Those are the best ideas I've got at the moment. It's kinda hard to troubleshoot without more detailed information.