" If your local IP address is returned as 169.254.y.z with a subnet mask of 255.255.0.0, the IP address was assigned by the Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) feature of Windows XP Professional. This assignment means that TCP/IP is configured for automatic configuration, that no DHCP server was found, and that no alternative configuration is specified. This configuration has no default gateway for the interface. " i have this problem and can't get internet. how do i correct it? should i use a static ip? how do i obtain a class c ip when xp assigned me a class b? any help would be appreciated.

subnet mask is 255.255.255.0

Need more information on your network setup. Do you have a router or Internet Connection Sharing enabled? Are you using standalone modem, USB or Ethernet? Are you on cable or ADSL. I am assuming you are using broadband. If not you probably need to manually configure an IP address. Stuart

i'm using dsl. i'm sharing the internet with 3 other roommates using a router.

assuming that the other two can get the Internet fine which would eliminate any problems with the router. Check the cable is plugged in and you have a link light at either end. Go to a command prompt and type ipconfig /release Then ipconfig /renew Stuart

Check your firewall. The XP firewall is supposed to detect that it's on a router but sometimes it doesn't; there's a menu screen where you pick the typc of connection you have and it should say, "Connect to the Internet through a router" or something like that. If you're using another firewall product make sure IP range 192.168.0.1 through 192.168.255.255 is "local" or "trusted". The PC's TCP/IP settings should be "Assign IP Address Automatically" and "Use DHCP server for WINS resolution".

i'm not using a firewall on the computer except the gateway firewall.