Windows 98SE 733 megahertz Intel Pentium III 128 MB RAM Motorola Surfboard Cable Modem SB5101 I have had Charter Communications HighSpeed for less then a month now. Recently I had to reinstall windows, and now I cant get onto the internet. I put the Motorola Disc in, I run the Installation Assistant on the disc, everything runs smoothly until it comes time for it to Test the Communication between Computer and Modem. And then I get this error... "The installation assistant was unable to connect to the cable modem, please check that all your cables are connected securely and then click try again." (which I have checked a dozen times) I have called Charter 3 times and each time I get someone who tells me to try something different, Ive had them tell me to call the manufacturer of my computer, and Ive had them tell me to buy new Video Cards, and that I cant get online without an Ethernet Card. Well being the Charter Guy hooked me up using the USB instead of Ethernet, it DOES work, and buying an Ethernet is not really an option, as Im on limited income. Currently Im using a free dialup service and really missing my highspeed

are you saying you don't have an ethernet card? If you can afford high speed internet you can afford an ethernet card, they're only $5-$15.

Look in "add/ remove programs" in control panel to see if there is a program installed for your cable modem. If so, and you have the install disk, remove the program using the add/remove function, reboot and re-install.

I do not believe that it is a problem with the modem. When you reinstalled Windows, the problem started. That would make me think there is something wrong with your computer. I can build a new computer, install Windows, get all the hardware drivers installed and I can plug the computer into my cable modem and I will be online without doing anything to the modem. Good Luck Smitty

Check in device manager to see if there is any hardware accompanied by a yellow ? or ! If so install the appropriate drivers.

Have you "rebooted" the modem? There should be a reset button on the back of it. You could also try turning it off for a minute and then turn it back on. Life is more painless for those who are brainless.

Update: I didnt know that there was a difference between USB and Ethernet, since Ive had dialup for 10 years, But after talking with several people they all said why didnt the Charter Tech hook up your highspeed using the Ethernet? Well since I wasnt in the room at the time, I really didnt know. So with the help of a another tech figured out my computer does have an Ethernet card, all I needed was a cable, got a cable and problem fixed. Still not sure why my computer chose not to read this disc, the disc was fine I checked it on another computer. Thank you everyone :)