Doing a reality check on services paid for: new seagate hard drive installed along with moving to a new OS (from Prof-windows 2000 to window 2000).

Need to know if this was sloppy work or not: If you do a complete new OS install, will the NIC driver install correctly? Had an issue with the driver not the hardware, right before installing W2k server.

Wasted hours.. Which would FIRST prevent me from accessing the internet:

DHCP (Client & Server) not changed from manual to automatic
Or
A new NIC driver (Realtek) reinstalled for the W2000 server OS
Or something else

Appreciate your response!

Could you please try and explain what you are trying to do as your question doesn't make much sense.

To answer the NIC part the answer is: You will probably (90% chance) have to download the correct updated driver for it, as 2000 is an OutDated OS now.

I'm happy to help in any way I can, recently gained MSCE 2003 ;)

Curlyben:

A "technical" friend of mine helped me out. I just want to know if he followed the right steps and should use his services again. Here is what transpired:

- replaced my hard drive (Western Digital to Seagate)

- upgraded from w2000 to w2000 server.

- he only had a dialup and I had no modem so we couldn't test internet access

And

- device manager listed a PCI device not working (Realtek)

After I installed the w2000 OS NIC driver, my friend said to call him. Over the phone he then took me through changing the DCHP from manual to automatic.

I was able to go online... do the DCHP settings have anything to do with internet access?

THanks and sorry this is so long.
tana :rolleyes:

First I question installing W2K server on a stand alone machine. If he didn't give you the disks then you most likely have a bootleg (i.e. illegal) copy.

Second, The rest of it sounds OK. And yes. DHCP would have a bearing. DHCP allows a PC to automatically obtain an IP address from a DHCP server. When you dial into an ISP or connect via a broadband modem, you are assigned an IP by your carrier. If you have manual set, it won't get the IP and therefore won't allow a connection.

Scott:

The copy of W2k server is mine and I got it legally while working for a MS gold partner.

Appreciate your reply about the DHCP... so I suspected.

I also have W2003 server but my friend said 2k is more stable. Do you agree?

I wanted it installed because I want to learn... set up a network here at home.

Thx for being a resource... if I can help you, send me a reply.

;)

Hi, tana,
Thank you for asking questions here at askmehelpdesk.
Just for information, you don't have to apologize or provide explanations as to why you are doing something.
Some experts use the terms "illegal", "unethical", etc, all the time.
Please don't take it personally.
Have a great day,
fredg

Scott:

The copy of W2k server is mine and I got it legally while working for a MS gold partner.

Appreciate your reply about the DHCP...so I suspected.

I also have W2003 server but my friend said 2k is more stable. Do you agree?

I wanted it installed because I want to learn...set up a network here at home.

Thx for being a resource...if I can help you, send me a reply.

;)

Tana,
Ahh, that makes sense, but If you want to learn server admin, you do need a server to practice on. And that's the point, it has to function as a server. Running W2k (or 2003) Server edition on a machine that is also being used as a work station and doesn't function as an authentication server on a network really gets you no where. As for 2003, I haven't heard of major problems, but if you want to learn Active Directory, which is an important subject, then 2003 is better.

Hi, tana,
Thank you for asking questions here at askmehelpdesk.
Just for information, you don't have to apologize or provide explanations as to why you are doing something.
Some experts use the terms "illegal", "unethical", etc, all the time.
Please don't take it personally.
Have a great day,
fredg

Fred,
First of all, I didn't see any indication that Tana was apologizing for anything. Second, how are we supposed to help people if they don't explain why they are doing something? This case is a prime example. By explaining that she was looking to setup a server on a network for learning purposes, I was able to provide some additional information for her.
Third, I don't know anyone who uses the terms illegal or unethical "all the time". You have this penchant for making exaggerated claims like that. I do use those terms when they apply. And it clearly applied in this case. I raised the issue to protect not accuse.
Fourth, Since she thanked me for being a resource, its clear she didn't take any offense and my response.

You have suggested to me, on several occasions, to keep my opinions to myself. You really should follow your own advice, especially when those opinions constitute bad or erroneous advice as your post did here.