Access issues with 'Local area connection'

XP Pro, DSL modem/router (Westell 327)

1. On one PC, the Local Area Connection double computer icon isn't showing. When I go to Network Connections, then try to open 'Local Area Connections' all I get is a "Unexpected error occurred" message that doesn't show in Event List.
I have internet access, but I can't get this to show. I deleted the NIC in Device manager and reinstalled the drivers, but this still doesn't show. I use fixed IP addresses and need to make some changes for other issues.

2. On another PC, when I go into Local Area Connecions and click on TCP/IP Properties to set a static address. After I hit ok and close it out, when I go back to check, it shows it is set to the default 'Obtain a IP address automatically'.
But, when I check ipconfig, the address is the static address I set it for.

Never had either happen before. Any ideas??

 

Since you have 2 pc's connected to this DSL modem that aren't working I would look at the DSL modem as the problem. Have you verified with your ISP there isn't an issue with the modem?

 

Actually, it's one PC, but with two bootable HDD's.
Internet connectivity isn't a problem. What I need to know id exactly what happens after the Bios stage and before the desktop appears between the O/S and a router) assuming this is the problem).

 

So you have windows xp on each hard drive? In other words you have 2 partitions which are a hard drive each and xp on each partition. I'd pull off the one hard drive and troubleshoot one at a time. Or maybe even see if this corrects itself with one at a time in. If not I would run a windows repair after booting to the xp cd in case their is a configuration problem. However, I would do this with one hard drive in at a time. I'd make sure you can get this right with one OS first.

 

Two HDD's, two partitions each (four total) and the O/S on each HDD's 1st partition.

What are all the services required for 'Network Connections' (no dialup)?

 

The only service I know for sure that must be running to pull an automatic ip address is dhcp client service. I'm not sure if any others are required. As I previously stated though I believe you should troubleshoot this one OS at a time by pulling off that other hard drive. If by coincidence there happens to be a windows config problem on both OS's you can fix it with one at first. Did you have to run any software on here from the ISP to have that gives the pc authentication such as a login since this is DSL?

 

Here are the services running.

 

Just checking my pc I don't see anything your missing. I forgot about the manual services that also need to run but yours are all running. I bet a windows repair will resolve this. It doesn't take long but afterward you'll have to install your windows updates again. Just boot to the windows xp cd and then act like your going to do a regular install but it will find your current windows install and then click r for repair. If that doesn't resolve it I would call your ISP who you got the DSL service from. Please let me know what you find out. You can catch me on aim as well. DChristman05 screename.

 

My next guess is a registry issue.

 

The windows repair would also repair the registry. Go with that.