Can't get to the net!

[BigLar]

I'm finishing up a build on a HTPC, running XP Media Center Edition, and I can't seem to get to the net.

I'm running a cable straight to the router and, in the past, this has been all that I've needed, but here's the wierdness:

1. The cable between the computer and the router, as usual, has LEDs in the connector. The left LED is solid green while the right LED is flashing orange. (i rebooted the router before starting.)

2. If I go to the command prompt and type in "ipconfig" I get a quick flash of the DOS-like screen, but absolutely nothing written on it. The screen disappears in an instant leaving me on the XP wallpaper.

I should add the the OS install was difficult including the temporary installation of a floppy to be able to install the RAID drivers and multiple stops and restarts of the installation itself.

The fios tech said that the flash of the command screen was a software problem. I think I should believe him, but I don't know.

Any ideas or suggestions?

 

[lxskllr]

Does the router need to be set in bridge mode? Does the router work with other computers?

 

[BigLar]

Router seems to be working fine, I'm using it now with another computer to compose this. I don't know what bridge mode is, but I'm guessing that since the one I'm using is patched into the adjacent port, its not needed?

 

[seepy83]

I just want to confirm that you are actually typing ipconfig at the command prompt, and not in the "Run" dialogue box. The behavior you're describing is exactly what would happen if you typed it in Run.

 

[BigLar]

seepy83 is right! I feel kinda dumb...

But when I entered "command" in the Run, the window does come up. When I type in ipconfig at the prompt I get:

Windows IP Configuration

and nothing else but the prompt...

 

[Blazer]

have you run memtest or any hd test, a bad os installation will cause such.

 

[BigLar]

Originally posted by: blazer
have you run memtest or any hd test, a bad os installation will cause such.

Well, the HD is a Raid 0 array declared "Healthy" at start-up.

Haven't run any mem tests yet. Any suggestions?

I'm getting suspicious of the install as I had a boatload of problems getting it going.

 

[Blazer]

memtest86+ run it overnight

even though the raid is healthy you should run an extended test on each drive from boot, download the hd test disk from manufactuer.

if ok run the install again, must be no errors.

 

[RebateMonger]

Check the Device Manager to ensure that your network card is present and has installed drivers. You should see it listed under "Network Adapters", and there should be no yellow "warning mark".

 

[BigLar]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger
Check the Device Manager to ensure that your network card is present and has installed drivers. You should see it listed under "Network Adapters", and there should be now yellow "warning mark".

That is a good idea! I'll check tonight.

 

[TheKub]

Originally posted by: BigLar
When I type in ipconfig at the prompt I get:

Windows IP Configuration

and nothing else but the prompt...

That behaviour is indicative of the network card being disabled. You can verify that in either device manager or network connections control panel.

 

[BigLar]

errrr, ahhhh, mmmmm.....

I guess it would have helped to have installed the drivers for the network card...

On the other hand, all systems are now go!

Thanks for both the help and the patience!

 

[lxskllr]

LoL! Hey, shit happens. I had a computer that wouldn't POST after installing a gfx card once. It took me 2 hours, and I started taking everything apart when I realized I didn't plug the power into the gfx card :^D

I'm glad you got it worked out quickly, and cheaply :^)

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: lxskllr
LoL! Hey, shit happens. I had a computer that wouldn't POST after installing a gfx card once. It took me 2 hours, and I started taking everything apart when I realized I didn't plug the power into the gfx card :^D

I'm glad you got it worked out quickly, and cheaply :^)

I call shens... every video card I've had (FX5900, 9800 Pro, 6800GT, 7800GT, 7900GTX, 8800GT) that requires a power connector has an incredibly annoying audible alarm as well as a visual warning when you power up the computer without the power connect plugged in.

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: Jeff7181

Originally posted by: lxskllr
LoL! Hey, shit happens. I had a computer that wouldn't POST after installing a gfx card once. It took me 2 hours, and I started taking everything apart when I realized I didn't plug the power into the gfx card :^D

I'm glad you got it worked out quickly, and cheaply :^)

I call shens... every video card I've had (FX5900, 9800 Pro, 6800GT, 7800GT, 7900GTX, 8800GT) that requires a power connector has an incredibly annoying audible alarm as well as a visual warning when you power up the computer without the power connect plugged in.

It might have beeped... Nothing terribly annoying though. The computer would start, then nothing... It just wouldn't POST. I think it was my 7900GS, but it could have been my 8800GT.

I'll see if I can find my old emails where I discussed it...