two weeks ago i got a new computer .my old computer was a dell inspiron with windows 2000 i plugged it in today in my room and it says that it is connected to the ''local area connection'' but when i try to get on either firefox OR internet explorer it cannot display the web page.......any page for that matter. i tried getting a command prompt and typed:ipconfig/all and i got all the data tried to get online again......nothing....please help me!!!!!

i tried getting a command prompt and typed:ipconfig/all and i got all the data... What exactly did you get on that command "ipconfig /all"? If the ip address is 169.254.x.x, you haven't got an ip address via dhcp. How are you connected to the internet? Are you using a router for that? Is your laptop connected by wire or wireless?

i have a wired connection, no i am connected to a modem....and yes i got the 169.254.***.***

Have you already configured the provider data on the dell inspiron? I don't know, how you have to authenticate to connect to your internet provider, but I think you have to and this must be configure.

Do you have a wi-fi card and driver around that you can install to get you started? I live close enough to "hot spots" to pick up three of them (all public and legal). This would get you started. Also, if you can pick up cell phone service, you can get a wireless modem ( I have one of those, too), and all you have to do is install the driver and it tells you the steps in plain English. I've never messed around with internal dial up settings. It's your choice ( depending on where you live), but whether you have a PC or laptop, wireless is the way to go. Best of luck to you.