Ethernet/TCP-IP settings.

Hey guys!
Well, I have a problem with a buddies computer. The problem is that when I hook up a broadband connection to his integrated ethernet port, it recognizes the connection but just keeps trying to aquire a network address. To alleviate the problem I tried installing a pci ethernet adapter as well as a wireless adapter and each have thesame problem. I thought it could be the TCP/IP settings but that seems to be configured correctly. Also, I reinstalled the drivers from the Dell website (Dimension 4550). No good. The only other thing I can mention is that when you hook up the patch cable from the router to the ethernet port, the light on the adapter is solid amber instead of blinking green. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!
Randy O.

 

No crossover cable. This is being hooked up to a a prewired PC bench. The cable is definately not the issue. I'm thinking that it is related to something on the OS. To confirm that I am going to slave a hard drive and install a second boot of winxp to see if that alleviates the issue.

Thanks for your help though!
Randy O.