I've done some searching, all my results come up with stuff from year 2005... and everything that worked for those people haven't worked for me. - ip: 169.254.193.59 - ipconfig/release... renew gives exact same ip - error saying can't reach DHCP - ipconfig... gateway is blank - subnet mask is 255.255.0.0 - ping 127.0.0.1 gives 100% success - on board/integrated ethernet port - connect same ethernet cable to different desktop, and I'm able to post this little message (successful connection) - 2nd computer gets ip 71.x.x.x - uninstalled/reinstalled the drivers - have dhcp enabled - on XP Home edition - No router, just direct ethernet to cable modem - I've reset TCP/IP settings by following: http://support.microsoft.com/defaul... - I've tried to repair or to reset Winsock by following this site... http://support.microsoft.com/defaul... - I've also gone as far as formatting the HDD and reinstalling XP from scratch It's a new system so it wasn't that big a deal, but still. Ideas anyone? I'm at my wits end... Stupid dell computer...mummble mummble Is there no end? Word to those that listen.

- No router, just direct ethernet to cable modem It could be your ISP is wiring the IP to the MAC address of your NIC on the computer that does get a proper IP. If this is the case, and it's a possibility, then it won't give out an IP to any other MAC address. Give your ISP a call and find out if that's the case. If it is, buy a SOHO router, connect it and get them to reset it so the router gets the IP and can then provide NAT and DHCP to your PC's and they can then all connect to the internet.

I'm with Curt. You may also be restricted to one IP per account from your ISP. So, check with them. Life's more painless for the brainless.

Thanks to both of you. especially for the prompt reply. I was expecting a day or 2 at the very least... not a few hours lol The following night I brought my router over and plugged it in... pulled a 192 ip so I knew it wasn't the NIC. On the phone with the ISP... turns out I'm a retard lol The modem had a battery backup, so every time I power cycled it... I was secretly just turning off the lights, and then turning them back on. So I hit the reset modem on the back and viola... success. stupid dell... Thanks again :) Word to those that listen.