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Problem connecting PC to cable modem

Discussion in 'Community Broadband & Computers' started by section84, Feb 17, 2004.

  1. section84

    section84 New Member

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    I am having trouble getting my desktop PC to connect through my cable modem. The modem and Adelphia's internet service work fine from my laptop (knock wood), but I have never been able to get the desktop PC to connect. Adelphia says they can see the modem connect / disconnect / connect whenever I try to connect with the desktop. One of my co-workers suggested that the desktop PC might need to have its "bindings" re-configured, but I haven't a clue how to do this.

    The laptop is a Dell running Windows XP Home, and I have it connected to the modem via Ethernet. It works fine that way.

    The desktop is a Gateway running Windows XP Pro. I have tried connecting the modem using both the Ethernet and USB connections, and neither has worked. This PC has been a problem from day one (it's on its third motherboard), but I hate to blame Gateway again if it's just a configuration issue.

    I'm using a Toshiba PCX2600 modem, but I've also tried a Motorola SurfBoard 5100 without any success.

    Does anyone have any other suggestions?
     
  2. brim

    brim Member

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    Make sure you're not trying to use a static IP on your desktop machine. Change the TCP/IP settings from 'Use The Following IP Address' to 'Obtain An IP Address Automatically'. In other words, use DHCP instead of a Static IP.
     
  3. hornerjo

    hornerjo Senior Member

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    When you first set up the Adelphia, did you use your notebook?

    Because it sounds like it's trying to only let one mac address connect (that happened to me).

    I used my desktop at first, then plugged in my router. Nothing worked. I have to clone (copy) the mac address of my computer into my router. Then it worked.


    ---------------
    Got Broadband?
     
  4. section84

    section84 New Member

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    I first tried (and tried and tried) with the desktop. I was never able to connect with it, though. Then I got the new laptop, plugged the ethernet cable in, and presto, I connected. I've since tried to get the desktop to connect, but to no avail.

    I don't have a router (yet). I did provide the MAC id for the modem to Adelphia at one point, though. I'm trying to use the same modem for both PCs at the present time. Does the PC itself hav a MAC address?
     
  5. brim

    brim Member

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    Everything with an ethernet port has a MAC address. Adelphia only needs the MAC address of your cable modem so they can add it to their ACL and allow it to sync up.

    Did you try my DHCP/Static suggestion?
     
  6. section84

    section84 New Member

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    I just checked the properties for the ethernet connection, and it was configured to get an IP address automatically. I reconnected the cable to the desktop, and it didn't connect. When I look at the network connection through the control panel, I see its status fluctuate between "enabled" and "unplugged". It never stays at "enabled" for more than a second. And I get a lovely message in the system tray telling me my local connection is unplugged.

    This leads me to think the Ethernet card is bad, so I am going to retry the USB connection instead.
     
  7. section84

    section84 New Member

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    Well, I shut off the modem and the desktop. I disconnected the ethernet cable from the modem, and then I connected the USB cable. I rebooted my PC and connected the USB cable to the PC. The USB connection to the modem shows as "enabled" in the network connections using control panel.

    I still can't connect to the internet. I've tried IE, Netscape, Opera, and Mozilla. No dice with any of them. I've even compared the "Internet Options" for IE on the desktop with those on my laptop. They match.

    I am out of ideas. I'd love to blame it on Gateway, but I doubt it's really their fault.

    Any other suggestions?
     
  8. brim

    brim Member

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    Try looking at the IP Address configuration again, but this time on the USB adapter rather than the ethernet adapter in Network Settings.

    Also, at a command line (start, run, 'cmd') type 'ipconfig' and see if it gives you any IP configuration information. Is a web browser the only program you've used to try to connect to the internet?
     
  9. Dan

    Dan New Member

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    Here's the easy solution. Go and buy a router from Best Buy. You can get a wireless router for $50 after rebates.

    Plug the cable modem to the router and plug both your computers into the router. Then call Adelphia and tell them that you added a router to the modem. They will instruct you to turn off the modem and router. They will reset your connection on their end and log the new MAC address for the router. From this point on if you connect any computer to that router it will get an internet connection. With the addition of a wireless router you will able to go sit on your deck and check emails in the summer.
     
  10. section84

    section84 New Member

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    I'm seriously thinking about this. I still wonder if my desktop PC will be able to connect. But, it's worth a try anyway.
     

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