Win XP - Can't connect via Cable Modem

[macellarius]

I'm a WinXPHome/Cable Modem user.

Last night I was trying to network my desktop (WinXP) to a laptop (Win98) via PCMCIA/Crossover cable.

WinXP networking wizard was unable to setup the connection for some reason, so I gave up.

After this I have not been able to connect to Comcast via my cable modem. I have no Windows System Restore points available because I had it turned off lately.

I worked with Comcast Tech Support and the discovered that my IP Address is:

169.XX.XX.XXX

The tech said, "Oh, it looks like you have a bridge setup", can you undo it? I looked in MyNetworkSettings and there was a "network bridge" that XP setup while I was trying to network to the laptop, so I deleted it.

I then tried to realease and renew my IP address in DOS, but I lept getting an erorr that said something like "cannot complete for a networking device that has no socket", etc.

I have tried unistalling both NIC ports in Device Manager and reinstalling and rebooting,etc.

Tech tried a command in DOS that restores TCP/IP to factory settings (don't remember the exact command)

Tried Disabling Virus and Firewall

I've verified TCP/IP settings are correct

My Cable modem has 4 green lights and a yellow and the Comcast tech said he was talking to the modem just fine.

So what did I screw up that uninstalling the NICs and rebooting couldn't fix?? How can I get a new IP address assigned that's out of this 169. range?

MSI K7N2-Delta
Athlon XP 2Gig
1Gig PC2100
10/100 NIC Card
onboard NIC
Motorola Surfboard Modem
McAffee Anti Virus/Firewall

Network Devices Installed:

10/100 LAN Card
Onboard NIC
1394 Port (Firewire Card)


Thanks in advance for your help...you guys at PCGuide always save my *@$

[macellarius]

Looks like I found the solution guys...I'll have to give it a try when I get home today..


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;817571&Product=winxp

[classicsoftware]

Run, don't walk to the nearest computer store and get a Linksys router. You can get it here (http://www.buy.com/retail/product_jump.asp?sku=10235958&SearchEngine=Shopper&SearchTerm=10235958&Type=PE&Category=Comp&dcaid=15889).

In addition, once you fix the setup problem and install the router get a regular patch cable fo rthe notebook to attach to the router. Then get a software firewall here (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp?lid=zadb_zadown).

Going on-line in the broadband world without a firewall hardware and software is like asking for trouble in the worst possible way.

As for your problem, please check to see if the connection is active in my network places, you may need to activate it.

[macellarius]

Yes. You're right.

I will do that.

I've had a software firewall for a while (McAffee), but routers sure are cheap now.

Thanks!

[Mark Miller]

Just a note, use both firewalls. Your new router keeps stuff from coming in but I don't think [not sure] that it checks whats going out.
I use both, router and McAfee and there is no problem.
Mark