Vista - What's different connecting directly to a cable modem?

**xcountryTom** · 07-23-2008

I had a similar problem. The cable modem only recognized one network adapter and if I switched to another, it didn't recognize it. I called the cable company and they had me power cycle the modem (unplug it from the wall for about 45 seconds) and all of a sudden it worked perfectly with a card it refuse to work with for months.

07-23-2008

Quote:

>> The router on my computer is set to obtain the IP address on the WAN
>> side automatically, DHCP is enabled on that separate tab of the router's
>> HTML control interface. As I am only using the wired functions of the
>> router, I have deactivated the Wireless Access Point.

Barb Bowman wrote:

Quote:

> what router? does it have the latest firmware? do you have the
> latest driver for the wired adapter?
>
> see http://support.microsoft.com/default...b/928233/en-us for
> the Vista computer.
>
>
>
> On Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:12:10 -0400, RobertVA
> <robert_c72athotmail@xxxxxx> wrote:

MY router is working fine. I was only trying to connect through my cable
modem without the router with the intent of taking my computer to the
relative's home to determine if her cable modem is working properly. As
it didn't work here I didn't think there was much point to further
disconnection of my computer and taking it over there.

It's the relative's brand new computer with an integrated network
adapter that's having trouble recognizing the proper IP address
information. The relative doesn't have a router, and since the cable
modem is supposed to work without one prefers to remain directly
connected to the cable modem (router, 2nd Ethernet cable and the
router's power supply would be unnecessary). I suspect the manufacturer
would have configured the computer to install the network adapter
drivers automatically (probably as part of the drive image before
installing the hard drives in the computers).

Thank you for the effort though.

07-24-2008

RobertVA wrote:

Quote:

> Main issue is a problem getting a relative's new computer to connect to
> the Internet.
>
> The relative has been operating a non-branded Windows 2000 computer for
> several years with an Ethernet cable connecting the computer directly to
> a cable modem. That computer developed registry problems that it cannot
> recover from with the "last known good configuration" option. Windows
> 2000 can't start in safe mode either. The relative doesn't have a
> Windows 2000 installation CD and there's no indication there's a
> recovery partition on the small hard drive. She decided to acquire a
> replacement computer.
>
> The new Vista Home Premium SP1 64 bit computer doesn't appear to be
> recognizing the IP address setting from the ISP. As a result the
> Internet is inaccessible and the computer is reporting limited
> connectivity to an "Unidentified network". By comparison to articles on
> the ISP's web site (obtained and printed out on another computer at
> another location) the cable modem is connected to the computer in the
> recommended way (directly with a standard cat 5 cable) and the various
> TCP/IP settings are as the ISP recommends. As prompted in a telephone
> conversation with one of the ISP's customer service representatives I
> rechecked the TCP/IP settings, disconnected and reconnected the Ethernet
> cable at both ends and cycled the power on the cable modem to reset it.
> the CS representative reset the modem via remote control as well and
> indicated that his terminal indicated that the computer's network
> adapter was visible through the cable modem. All the resets, power
> cycling and cable reconnect ions resulted in the computer reporting the
> disconnection and attempt to renegotiate the connect. Unfortunately the
> computer always resumed the "limited connectivity" to the "unknown network"
>
> The relevance to the Windows XP group IS coming!
>
> MY computer is running Windows XP SP2 and I am using a different brand
> cable modem with dual USB and Ethernet interfaces (same ISP). When I
> upgraded to broadband I was using the USB connection between the
> computer and cable modem (loading a driver was required). I later
> acquired a router and the additional cables to connect the components.
> The computer had no problem detecting the different connection.
>
> With the intention of taking my computer to my relative's residence to
> see if her cable modem was working properly I bypassed my router. With
> the same Ethernet cable I normally use between the router and the
> computer connected directly to MY cable modem in my residence my windows
> XP computer appeared to be having the same problem the relative's new
> Vista computer was having! My settings also correspond to those listed
> in the ISP's web article.
>
> Not wanting to spoil my settings for operating through the router I am
> reluctant to make any changes to my computer's settings. I haven't had
> the opportunity to try the router on her system and she would prefer not
> to use the additional piece of equipment with the additional power
> supply and cables.
>
> Do cable modems normally require a driver when connected directly to the
> computer's Ethernet adapter? My router doesn't appear to require one. Is
> there some difference between the communications protocols required by
> the Ethernet side of a cable modem and the computer side of a router?

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

I'm hoping the ISP's customer service representative (and/or his script)
was prepared to reset any authorization protocols on their end to accept
the relative's new computer with the new computer's MAC address if that
is required for the ISPs authentication. I'm also hoping anything that
could have be achieved by reseting the modem would have responded to the
multiple times he remotely instructed the modem to reset. On each of
these resets I was able to report indicator light patterns that the CS
representative accepted as indication the modem had properly reset.

While I'm not certain, I believe the ISP is using an ID number in the
modem for authentication. My modem carton is labeled with an number
labeled "HFC MAC ID..." with is duplicated on the modem itself (there
are four spare stickers like the one on the modem). The stickers also
bear a "USB CPE MAC ID...". I see no mention of a CPE Ethernet MAC ID.
When I switched from the USB connection to the Ethernet connection
through the router on my computer the connection was promptly
established and has been operating properly (at least through the
router) for several months since. My cable modem was purchased over the
counter at the ISP's service and payment center.

While I did use the modem's installation CD to get the USB interface
running, I didn't find it necessary to use the ISP's setup CD for either
the connection via USB or connection via the router. The ISP
installation CD I have predates the release of Windows Vista and refuses
to run on the relatives Vista system.

My relative has made an appointment for a field technician, so my quest
has been reduced to an educational exercise in the event she or some
other acquaintance has future problems. I doubt she will be able to
understand what the field technician does well enough to relay it to me.
In the near future I will be visiting with some blank DVD-Rs to make a
set of recovery disks and help her with issues like the OS and Office
suite (trial version) user interface changes. I'm not certain how long
it will take to convince her to buy an external hard drive for other
backup purposes. On her Windows 2000 machine she never burned a CD-R.

07-24-2008

yes, you CAN take a chance and connect directly to a cable modem,
but the protection a router offers should be evaluated on its own.

On Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:43:37 -0400, RobertVA
<robert_c72athotmail@xxxxxx> wrote:

Quote:

>The relative doesn't have a router, and since the cable
>modem is supposed to work without one prefers to remain directly
>connected to the cable modem (router, 2nd Ethernet cable and the
>router's power supply would be unnecessary).

--

Barb Bowman
MS-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/e...ts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com

07-24-2008

who is the ISP?
using Ethernet is much preferred over USB.

On Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:38:31 -0400, RobertVA
<robert_c72athotmail@xxxxxx> wrote:

Quote:

>While I'm not certain, I believe the ISP is using an ID number in the
>modem for authentication. My modem carton is labeled with an number
>labeled "HFC MAC ID..." with is duplicated on the modem itself (there
>are four spare stickers like the one on the modem). The stickers also
>bear a "USB CPE MAC ID...". I see no mention of a CPE Ethernet MAC ID.
>When I switched from the USB connection to the Ethernet connection
>through the router on my computer the connection was promptly
>established and has been operating properly (at least through the
>router) for several months since. My cable modem was purchased over the
>counter at the ISP's service and payment center.
>
>While I did use the modem's installation CD to get the USB interface
>running, I didn't find it necessary to use the ISP's setup CD for either
>the connection via USB or connection via the router. The ISP
>installation CD I have predates the release of Windows Vista and refuses
>to run on the relatives Vista system.

--

Barb Bowman
MS-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/e...ts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com

07-24-2008

Did you reset the cable modem. ???? Connect to the computer and unplug the power source to the modem in the back for 5-10 seconds and plug it back on. Now open your computer and it will recognize the modem and vica versa

--
Peter

Please Reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others
Requests for assistance by email can not and will not be acknowledged.

"RobertVA" <robert_c72athotmail@xxxxxx> wrote in message news:%231gOUhI7IHA.5024@xxxxxx

Quote:

> Main issue is a problem getting a relative's new computer to connect to
> the Internet.
>
> The relative has been operating a non-branded Windows 2000 computer for
> several years with an Ethernet cable connecting the computer directly to
> a cable modem. That computer developed registry problems that it cannot
> recover from with the "last known good configuration" option. Windows
> 2000 can't start in safe mode either. The relative doesn't have a
> Windows 2000 installation CD and there's no indication there's a
> recovery partition on the small hard drive. She decided to acquire a
> replacement computer.
>
> The new Vista Home Premium SP1 64 bit computer doesn't appear to be
> recognizing the IP address setting from the ISP. As a result the
> Internet is inaccessible and the computer is reporting limited
> connectivity to an "Unidentified network". By comparison to articles on
> the ISP's web site (obtained and printed out on another computer at
> another location) the cable modem is connected to the computer in the
> recommended way (directly with a standard cat 5 cable) and the various
> TCP/IP settings are as the ISP recommends. As prompted in a telephone
> conversation with one of the ISP's customer service representatives I
> rechecked the TCP/IP settings, disconnected and reconnected the Ethernet
> cable at both ends and cycled the power on the cable modem to reset it.
> the CS representative reset the modem via remote control as well and
> indicated that his terminal indicated that the computer's network
> adapter was visible through the cable modem. All the resets, power
> cycling and cable reconnect ions resulted in the computer reporting the
> disconnection and attempt to renegotiate the connect. Unfortunately the
> computer always resumed the "limited connectivity" to the "unknown network"
>
> The relevance to the Windows XP group IS coming!
>
> MY computer is running Windows XP SP2 and I am using a different brand
> cable modem with dual USB and Ethernet interfaces (same ISP). When I
> upgraded to broadband I was using the USB connection between the
> computer and cable modem (loading a driver was required). I later
> acquired a router and the additional cables to connect the components.
> The computer had no problem detecting the different connection.
>
> With the intention of taking my computer to my relative's residence to
> see if her cable modem was working properly I bypassed my router. With
> the same Ethernet cable I normally use between the router and the
> computer connected directly to MY cable modem in my residence my windows
> XP computer appeared to be having the same problem the relative's new
> Vista computer was having! My settings also correspond to those listed
> in the ISP's web article.
>
> Not wanting to spoil my settings for operating through the router I am
> reluctant to make any changes to my computer's settings. I haven't had
> the opportunity to try the router on her system and she would prefer not
> to use the additional piece of equipment with the additional power
> supply and cables.
>
> Do cable modems normally require a driver when connected directly to the
> computer's Ethernet adapter? My router doesn't appear to require one. Is
> there some difference between the communications protocols required by
> the Ethernet side of a cable modem and the computer side of a router?

07-25-2008

RobertVA wrote:

Quote:

> Main issue is a problem getting a relative's new computer to connect to
> the Internet.
>
> The relative has been operating a non-branded Windows 2000 computer for
> several years with an Ethernet cable connecting the computer directly to
> a cable modem. That computer developed registry problems that it cannot
> recover from with the "last known good configuration" option. Windows
> 2000 can't start in safe mode either. The relative doesn't have a
> Windows 2000 installation CD and there's no indication there's a
> recovery partition on the small hard drive. She decided to acquire a
> replacement computer.
>
> The new Vista Home Premium SP1 64 bit computer doesn't appear to be
> recognizing the IP address setting from the ISP. As a result the
> Internet is inaccessible and the computer is reporting limited
> connectivity to an "Unidentified network". By comparison to articles on
> the ISP's web site (obtained and printed out on another computer at
> another location) the cable modem is connected to the computer in the
> recommended way (directly with a standard cat 5 cable) and the various
> TCP/IP settings are as the ISP recommends. As prompted in a telephone
> conversation with one of the ISP's customer service representatives I
> rechecked the TCP/IP settings, disconnected and reconnected the Ethernet
> cable at both ends and cycled the power on the cable modem to reset it.
> the CS representative reset the modem via remote control as well and
> indicated that his terminal indicated that the computer's network
> adapter was visible through the cable modem. All the resets, power
> cycling and cable reconnect ions resulted in the computer reporting the
> disconnection and attempt to renegotiate the connect. Unfortunately the
> computer always resumed the "limited connectivity" to the "unknown network"
>
> The relevance to the Windows XP group IS coming!
>
> MY computer is running Windows XP SP2 and I am using a different brand
> cable modem with dual USB and Ethernet interfaces (same ISP). When I
> upgraded to broadband I was using the USB connection between the
> computer and cable modem (loading a driver was required). I later
> acquired a router and the additional cables to connect the components.
> The computer had no problem detecting the different connection.
>
> With the intention of taking my computer to my relative's residence to
> see if her cable modem was working properly I bypassed my router. With
> the same Ethernet cable I normally use between the router and the
> computer connected directly to MY cable modem in my residence my windows
> XP computer appeared to be having the same problem the relative's new
> Vista computer was having! My settings also correspond to those listed
> in the ISP's web article.
>
> Not wanting to spoil my settings for operating through the router I am
> reluctant to make any changes to my computer's settings. I haven't had
> the opportunity to try the router on her system and she would prefer not
> to use the additional piece of equipment with the additional power
> supply and cables.
>
> Do cable modems normally require a driver when connected directly to the
> computer's Ethernet adapter? My router doesn't appear to require one. Is
> there some difference between the communications protocols required by
> the Ethernet side of a cable modem and the computer side of a router?

Status report:

ISP's customer service representative couldn't get Ethernet connection
directly to the cable modem working. TCP/IP settings checked. Modem
reset multiple times through remote command and disconnect/reconnect of
modem's power cable.

Chain retailer was able to get a connection at their facility, but don't
have information about weather connection was through the store's LAN or
directly to a cable modem.

The ISP's field technician wasn't able to get the new Vista system to
make a connection with the Ethernet cable connected directly to the
cable modem either. Field technician was able to get his notebook to
connect when connected directly to the cable modem. Replacement cable
modem didn't work connected directly to the new Vista system either.

Relocated my router to the relative's home. Found new modem completely
powered down. After connecting router between computer and modem turned
the equipment on (modem, router, then the computer). New Vista system
recognized the network. SUCCESS!!! Router isn't exactly the latest model
(no WPA on WAP) but wired functions work well. WAP is deactivated.
Plenty of entertainment from the numerous LEDs on the front panel! I was
wondering for a while, since Vista promptly downloaded over 70 MB of
Microsoft's various updates.

Since it wasn't looking like she was going to be going online without
the added equipment (despite the earlier Windows 2000 computer not
requiring the router) the relative settled for the addition of a router.
She is now using the router I had been using and I acquired a nice new
802-11g router for on sale for only $40 (before sales taxes).

I spent a while using the new computer's function to manufacture optical
recovery media (in case the HD failed). It took three DVD-Rs! Glad I
wasn't trying to use CDs! I set up her parameters for Windows Mail and
called it a night. I'll educate her about the security advantages of
using a router at a later date.

07-25-2008

well, at least she has the protection of a router. this was a good
solution.

On Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:30:34 -0400, RobertVA
<robert_c72athotmail@xxxxxx> wrote:

Quote:

>I'll educate her about the security advantages of
>using a router at a later date.

--

Barb Bowman
MS-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/e...ts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com

07-26-2008

On Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:42:22 -0400, Barb Bowman <barb@xxxxxx>
wrote:

Quote:

>there are a lot of routers that work with Vista and don't need
>regedits, etc. I'd start with something from the listing on
>http://winqual.microsoft.com/HCL/Pro...=v&cid=712&g=d

That's a lamely short list and omits 95% of the routers in use - and
does not include what most ISP's install.

07-23-2008	#11 (permalink)
xcountryTom Vista Home Ultimate x64 10 posts	Re: What's different connecting directly to a cable modem? I had a similar problem. The cable modem only recognized one network adapter and if I switched to another, it didn't recognize it. I called the cable company and they had me power cycle the modem (unplug it from the wall for about 45 seconds) and all of a sudden it worked perfectly with a card it refuse to work with for months.
My System Specs

07-23-2008	#12 (permalink)
RobertVA n/a posts	Re: What's different connecting directly to a cable modem? Quote: Quote: >> The router on my computer is set to obtain the IP address on the WAN >> side automatically, DHCP is enabled on that separate tab of the router's >> HTML control interface. As I am only using the wired functions of the >> router, I have deactivated the Wireless Access Point. Barb Bowman wrote: Quote: > what router? does it have the latest firmware? do you have the > latest driver for the wired adapter? > > see http://support.microsoft.com/default...b/928233/en-us for > the Vista computer. > > > > On Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:12:10 -0400, RobertVA > <robert_c72athotmail@xxxxxx> wrote: MY router is working fine. I was only trying to connect through my cable modem without the router with the intent of taking my computer to the relative's home to determine if her cable modem is working properly. As it didn't work here I didn't think there was much point to further disconnection of my computer and taking it over there. It's the relative's brand new computer with an integrated network adapter that's having trouble recognizing the proper IP address information. The relative doesn't have a router, and since the cable modem is supposed to work without one prefers to remain directly connected to the cable modem (router, 2nd Ethernet cable and the router's power supply would be unnecessary). I suspect the manufacturer would have configured the computer to install the network adapter drivers automatically (probably as part of the drive image before installing the hard drives in the computers). Thank you for the effort though.
My System Specs

07-24-2008	#13 (permalink)
RobertVA n/a posts	Re: What's different connecting directly to a cable modem? RobertVA wrote: Quote: > Main issue is a problem getting a relative's new computer to connect to > the Internet. > > The relative has been operating a non-branded Windows 2000 computer for > several years with an Ethernet cable connecting the computer directly to > a cable modem. That computer developed registry problems that it cannot > recover from with the "last known good configuration" option. Windows > 2000 can't start in safe mode either. The relative doesn't have a > Windows 2000 installation CD and there's no indication there's a > recovery partition on the small hard drive. She decided to acquire a > replacement computer. > > The new Vista Home Premium SP1 64 bit computer doesn't appear to be > recognizing the IP address setting from the ISP. As a result the > Internet is inaccessible and the computer is reporting limited > connectivity to an "Unidentified network". By comparison to articles on > the ISP's web site (obtained and printed out on another computer at > another location) the cable modem is connected to the computer in the > recommended way (directly with a standard cat 5 cable) and the various > TCP/IP settings are as the ISP recommends. As prompted in a telephone > conversation with one of the ISP's customer service representatives I > rechecked the TCP/IP settings, disconnected and reconnected the Ethernet > cable at both ends and cycled the power on the cable modem to reset it. > the CS representative reset the modem via remote control as well and > indicated that his terminal indicated that the computer's network > adapter was visible through the cable modem. All the resets, power > cycling and cable reconnect ions resulted in the computer reporting the > disconnection and attempt to renegotiate the connect. Unfortunately the > computer always resumed the "limited connectivity" to the "unknown network" > > The relevance to the Windows XP group IS coming! > > MY computer is running Windows XP SP2 and I am using a different brand > cable modem with dual USB and Ethernet interfaces (same ISP). When I > upgraded to broadband I was using the USB connection between the > computer and cable modem (loading a driver was required). I later > acquired a router and the additional cables to connect the components. > The computer had no problem detecting the different connection. > > With the intention of taking my computer to my relative's residence to > see if her cable modem was working properly I bypassed my router. With > the same Ethernet cable I normally use between the router and the > computer connected directly to MY cable modem in my residence my windows > XP computer appeared to be having the same problem the relative's new > Vista computer was having! My settings also correspond to those listed > in the ISP's web article. > > Not wanting to spoil my settings for operating through the router I am > reluctant to make any changes to my computer's settings. I haven't had > the opportunity to try the router on her system and she would prefer not > to use the additional piece of equipment with the additional power > supply and cables. > > Do cable modems normally require a driver when connected directly to the > computer's Ethernet adapter? My router doesn't appear to require one. Is > there some difference between the communications protocols required by > the Ethernet side of a cable modem and the computer side of a router? Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I'm hoping the ISP's customer service representative (and/or his script) was prepared to reset any authorization protocols on their end to accept the relative's new computer with the new computer's MAC address if that is required for the ISPs authentication. I'm also hoping anything that could have be achieved by reseting the modem would have responded to the multiple times he remotely instructed the modem to reset. On each of these resets I was able to report indicator light patterns that the CS representative accepted as indication the modem had properly reset. While I'm not certain, I believe the ISP is using an ID number in the modem for authentication. My modem carton is labeled with an number labeled "HFC MAC ID..." with is duplicated on the modem itself (there are four spare stickers like the one on the modem). The stickers also bear a "USB CPE MAC ID...". I see no mention of a CPE Ethernet MAC ID. When I switched from the USB connection to the Ethernet connection through the router on my computer the connection was promptly established and has been operating properly (at least through the router) for several months since. My cable modem was purchased over the counter at the ISP's service and payment center. While I did use the modem's installation CD to get the USB interface running, I didn't find it necessary to use the ISP's setup CD for either the connection via USB or connection via the router. The ISP installation CD I have predates the release of Windows Vista and refuses to run on the relatives Vista system. My relative has made an appointment for a field technician, so my quest has been reduced to an educational exercise in the event she or some other acquaintance has future problems. I doubt she will be able to understand what the field technician does well enough to relay it to me. In the near future I will be visiting with some blank DVD-Rs to make a set of recovery disks and help her with issues like the OS and Office suite (trial version) user interface changes. I'm not certain how long it will take to convince her to buy an external hard drive for other backup purposes. On her Windows 2000 machine she never burned a CD-R.
My System Specs

07-24-2008	#14 (permalink)
Barb Bowman n/a posts	Re: What's different connecting directly to a cable modem? yes, you CAN take a chance and connect directly to a cable modem, but the protection a router offers should be evaluated on its own. On Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:43:37 -0400, RobertVA <robert_c72athotmail@xxxxxx> wrote: Quote: >The relative doesn't have a router, and since the cable >modem is supposed to work without one prefers to remain directly >connected to the cable modem (router, 2nd Ethernet cable and the >router's power supply would be unnecessary). -- Barb Bowman MS-MVP http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/e...ts/bowman.mspx http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/ http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com
My System Specs

07-24-2008	#15 (permalink)
Barb Bowman n/a posts	Re: What's different connecting directly to a cable modem? who is the ISP? using Ethernet is much preferred over USB. On Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:38:31 -0400, RobertVA <robert_c72athotmail@xxxxxx> wrote: Quote: >While I'm not certain, I believe the ISP is using an ID number in the >modem for authentication. My modem carton is labeled with an number >labeled "HFC MAC ID..." with is duplicated on the modem itself (there >are four spare stickers like the one on the modem). The stickers also >bear a "USB CPE MAC ID...". I see no mention of a CPE Ethernet MAC ID. >When I switched from the USB connection to the Ethernet connection >through the router on my computer the connection was promptly >established and has been operating properly (at least through the >router) for several months since. My cable modem was purchased over the >counter at the ISP's service and payment center. > >While I did use the modem's installation CD to get the USB interface >running, I didn't find it necessary to use the ISP's setup CD for either >the connection via USB or connection via the router. The ISP >installation CD I have predates the release of Windows Vista and refuses >to run on the relatives Vista system. -- Barb Bowman MS-MVP http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/e...ts/bowman.mspx http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/ http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com
My System Specs

07-24-2008	#16 (permalink)
Peter Foldes n/a posts	Re: What's different connecting directly to a cable modem? Did you reset the cable modem. ???? Connect to the computer and unplug the power source to the modem in the back for 5-10 seconds and plug it back on. Now open your computer and it will recognize the modem and vica versa -- Peter Please Reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others Requests for assistance by email can not and will not be acknowledged. "RobertVA" <robert_c72athotmail@xxxxxx> wrote in message news:%231gOUhI7IHA.5024@xxxxxx Quote: > Main issue is a problem getting a relative's new computer to connect to > the Internet. > > The relative has been operating a non-branded Windows 2000 computer for > several years with an Ethernet cable connecting the computer directly to > a cable modem. That computer developed registry problems that it cannot > recover from with the "last known good configuration" option. Windows > 2000 can't start in safe mode either. The relative doesn't have a > Windows 2000 installation CD and there's no indication there's a > recovery partition on the small hard drive. She decided to acquire a > replacement computer. > > The new Vista Home Premium SP1 64 bit computer doesn't appear to be > recognizing the IP address setting from the ISP. As a result the > Internet is inaccessible and the computer is reporting limited > connectivity to an "Unidentified network". By comparison to articles on > the ISP's web site (obtained and printed out on another computer at > another location) the cable modem is connected to the computer in the > recommended way (directly with a standard cat 5 cable) and the various > TCP/IP settings are as the ISP recommends. As prompted in a telephone > conversation with one of the ISP's customer service representatives I > rechecked the TCP/IP settings, disconnected and reconnected the Ethernet > cable at both ends and cycled the power on the cable modem to reset it. > the CS representative reset the modem via remote control as well and > indicated that his terminal indicated that the computer's network > adapter was visible through the cable modem. All the resets, power > cycling and cable reconnect ions resulted in the computer reporting the > disconnection and attempt to renegotiate the connect. Unfortunately the > computer always resumed the "limited connectivity" to the "unknown network" > > The relevance to the Windows XP group IS coming! > > MY computer is running Windows XP SP2 and I am using a different brand > cable modem with dual USB and Ethernet interfaces (same ISP). When I > upgraded to broadband I was using the USB connection between the > computer and cable modem (loading a driver was required). I later > acquired a router and the additional cables to connect the components. > The computer had no problem detecting the different connection. > > With the intention of taking my computer to my relative's residence to > see if her cable modem was working properly I bypassed my router. With > the same Ethernet cable I normally use between the router and the > computer connected directly to MY cable modem in my residence my windows > XP computer appeared to be having the same problem the relative's new > Vista computer was having! My settings also correspond to those listed > in the ISP's web article. > > Not wanting to spoil my settings for operating through the router I am > reluctant to make any changes to my computer's settings. I haven't had > the opportunity to try the router on her system and she would prefer not > to use the additional piece of equipment with the additional power > supply and cables. > > Do cable modems normally require a driver when connected directly to the > computer's Ethernet adapter? My router doesn't appear to require one. Is > there some difference between the communications protocols required by > the Ethernet side of a cable modem and the computer side of a router?
My System Specs

07-25-2008	#17 (permalink)
RobertVA n/a posts	Re: What's different connecting directly to a cable modem? RobertVA wrote: Quote: > Main issue is a problem getting a relative's new computer to connect to > the Internet. > > The relative has been operating a non-branded Windows 2000 computer for > several years with an Ethernet cable connecting the computer directly to > a cable modem. That computer developed registry problems that it cannot > recover from with the "last known good configuration" option. Windows > 2000 can't start in safe mode either. The relative doesn't have a > Windows 2000 installation CD and there's no indication there's a > recovery partition on the small hard drive. She decided to acquire a > replacement computer. > > The new Vista Home Premium SP1 64 bit computer doesn't appear to be > recognizing the IP address setting from the ISP. As a result the > Internet is inaccessible and the computer is reporting limited > connectivity to an "Unidentified network". By comparison to articles on > the ISP's web site (obtained and printed out on another computer at > another location) the cable modem is connected to the computer in the > recommended way (directly with a standard cat 5 cable) and the various > TCP/IP settings are as the ISP recommends. As prompted in a telephone > conversation with one of the ISP's customer service representatives I > rechecked the TCP/IP settings, disconnected and reconnected the Ethernet > cable at both ends and cycled the power on the cable modem to reset it. > the CS representative reset the modem via remote control as well and > indicated that his terminal indicated that the computer's network > adapter was visible through the cable modem. All the resets, power > cycling and cable reconnect ions resulted in the computer reporting the > disconnection and attempt to renegotiate the connect. Unfortunately the > computer always resumed the "limited connectivity" to the "unknown network" > > The relevance to the Windows XP group IS coming! > > MY computer is running Windows XP SP2 and I am using a different brand > cable modem with dual USB and Ethernet interfaces (same ISP). When I > upgraded to broadband I was using the USB connection between the > computer and cable modem (loading a driver was required). I later > acquired a router and the additional cables to connect the components. > The computer had no problem detecting the different connection. > > With the intention of taking my computer to my relative's residence to > see if her cable modem was working properly I bypassed my router. With > the same Ethernet cable I normally use between the router and the > computer connected directly to MY cable modem in my residence my windows > XP computer appeared to be having the same problem the relative's new > Vista computer was having! My settings also correspond to those listed > in the ISP's web article. > > Not wanting to spoil my settings for operating through the router I am > reluctant to make any changes to my computer's settings. I haven't had > the opportunity to try the router on her system and she would prefer not > to use the additional piece of equipment with the additional power > supply and cables. > > Do cable modems normally require a driver when connected directly to the > computer's Ethernet adapter? My router doesn't appear to require one. Is > there some difference between the communications protocols required by > the Ethernet side of a cable modem and the computer side of a router? Status report: ISP's customer service representative couldn't get Ethernet connection directly to the cable modem working. TCP/IP settings checked. Modem reset multiple times through remote command and disconnect/reconnect of modem's power cable. Chain retailer was able to get a connection at their facility, but don't have information about weather connection was through the store's LAN or directly to a cable modem. The ISP's field technician wasn't able to get the new Vista system to make a connection with the Ethernet cable connected directly to the cable modem either. Field technician was able to get his notebook to connect when connected directly to the cable modem. Replacement cable modem didn't work connected directly to the new Vista system either. Relocated my router to the relative's home. Found new modem completely powered down. After connecting router between computer and modem turned the equipment on (modem, router, then the computer). New Vista system recognized the network. SUCCESS!!! Router isn't exactly the latest model (no WPA on WAP) but wired functions work well. WAP is deactivated. Plenty of entertainment from the numerous LEDs on the front panel! I was wondering for a while, since Vista promptly downloaded over 70 MB of Microsoft's various updates. Since it wasn't looking like she was going to be going online without the added equipment (despite the earlier Windows 2000 computer not requiring the router) the relative settled for the addition of a router. She is now using the router I had been using and I acquired a nice new 802-11g router for on sale for only $40 (before sales taxes). I spent a while using the new computer's function to manufacture optical recovery media (in case the HD failed). It took three DVD-Rs! Glad I wasn't trying to use CDs! I set up her parameters for Windows Mail and called it a night. I'll educate her about the security advantages of using a router at a later date.
My System Specs

07-25-2008	#18 (permalink)
Barb Bowman n/a posts	Re: What's different connecting directly to a cable modem? well, at least she has the protection of a router. this was a good solution. On Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:30:34 -0400, RobertVA <robert_c72athotmail@xxxxxx> wrote: Quote: >I'll educate her about the security advantages of >using a router at a later date. -- Barb Bowman MS-MVP http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/e...ts/bowman.mspx http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/ http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com
My System Specs

07-26-2008	#19 (permalink)
+Bob+ n/a posts	Re: What's different connecting directly to a cable modem? On Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:42:22 -0400, Barb Bowman <barb@xxxxxx> wrote: Quote: >there are a lot of routers that work with Vista and don't need >regedits, etc. I'd start with something from the listing on >http://winqual.microsoft.com/HCL/Pro...=v&cid=712&g=d That's a lamely short list and omits 95% of the routers in use - and does not include what most ISP's install.
My System Specs

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