Home > Cable Internet > Connect a used computer (used to be networked) to existing cable internet connection?

Connect a used computer (used to be networked) to existing cable internet connection?

February 17th, 2009
Goto comments Leave a comment
cable internet
Nicholas A asked:


I received a used computer from college (Dell) (Windows XP) so it used to be part of a network. I need to connect it to the internet at home which is cable and the modem is working and everything but the computer will not connect to the modem. All lights are on, on the modem, power, internet, ethernet and the last one not sure which one it is but they are all lit. I want to connect to internet.

Cable Internet

  1. MrMcQ
    February 18th, 2009 at 11:18 | #1
    Reply | Quote

    While you’re used computer is plugged into the ethernet cable (lights blinking), try reassigning the IP address designated to this used computer by going to Start Menu > Run > Type “cmd”, press {OK}. Now in Command Prompt, Type “ipconfig /release”, Enter, then Type “ipconfig /renew”.

    Let me know if this helps!

  2. Luis A Montero
    February 20th, 2009 at 13:33 | #2
    Reply | Quote

    There is a chance your computer has a fixed ip address.
    Login as Administrator, go to Control Panel / Network and Internet Connections / Network Connections
    Here, you will see the Network card (NIC) icon.
    Go to “Properties”, select”Internet Protocol (IP)” and choose “Properties”.
    Then, you will find two tables. Check the very first of the check box at each table so the rows remain with blanks.
    Click on “Accept” / “Accept” / “Close”.
    Now, your computer will accept a dynamic ip address.
    Close the Windows session and log in again as normal user

  1. No trackbacks yet.