when I try to connect to my modem. (AT&T DSL)

I have two desktops running fine from my NetGear router. (it's capable of being wireless but I have it hardwired to all three PCs)

I'm pretty sure it has something to do with IP addresses and recognizing the modem, (and then the router, once the problem is resolved) but I need help getting the laptop back online.

I have connected the laptop directly to the modem, to the LAN input and into a LAN PC card, both to no avail. I think it's something I'm going to laugh about later, (you idiot!) but right now it has me stumped!!

Any help certainly appreciated.
Thanks,
Rob

Scleros

Post your current IP addressing for all the devices involved.

Also, depending on the modem, you may need to have the router involved, and be unable to connect the PC directly to the modem. Additionally, if it is possible to connect the PC directly to the modem, you may need a crossover cable to do so (idiot?). Are the link lights on the ports coming on?

scudrunner

Scleros,
Thanks for the reply.
It turned out to be a cable issue. I don't know why.
I had both desktops connected to the router with a blue ethernet cable, the laptop too; which obviously didn't work.
Changed the laptop's blue cable connected to the router and the laptop to a yellow ethernet cable and it works now.
I thought you only needed a yellow cable connecting the modem to the router and the others were blue, but apparently not.
Thanks again.
Maybe this cable info will help someone else suffering the same problems as obviously the laptop is different from the desktops.

Press2Esc

Rob, you did'nt list your DSL modem/router, but I suspect you have the DSL modem bridged, which means the DSL modem/router is dumb... You need to connect the notebook to the Netgear, where the DHCP server is likely located.

You will get "limited or no connectivity" error when there is no DHCP server to available.