My computer can't detect my network

Hi all,

Umm... I just bought a new desktop computer and when I plugged in the cable that connects to my home router, the computer doesn't detect it at all. No warning signs, no queries nothing.

When I called up the shop that sold me the computer, they said that they already tested the internet capability and managed to go to the internet with my computer. Now they said that it could be that my router is old.

Well my computer uses a ASUS M2N-X Mother board and my router is the Dynalink RTA300.

He then suggested that I should manually type in the IP Address for the router instead of telling my computer to automatically find my router.

But I don't know how to do that as the guys there weren't that helpful -_-

So can anyone please tell me, in detail, where to go? I know as much about computer stuff than a fish knows how to walk. (Exxegeration of course but you get what I mean)

Thanks in advance.

Hey. here's how you do the IP setting stuff. It might be different on vista, but shouldn't vary too much

Go to My network places->view connections->right click the connection and choose properties-> right click the TCP/IP and choose properties.

Start | run | command |type ipconfig is a helpful tool in troubleshooting network connectivity. Try to do a ping command like "ping www.yahoo.com" or an nslookup "nslookup www.yahoo.com". The ip address of the gateway should be your router ip address, your subnet should be 255.255.255.0 and you should have an ip address something like "192.168.X.X"

If you type in 192.168.1.1 in a browser window that will normally get you to the login screen on most routers, they are usually accessed with username 'admin' and password 'admin' although you might have to check your router manual if this doesn't work. I'd also check with another cable (it is possible to accidentally plug network cable into modem ports and obviously this won't work), make sure your network card is switched on and functioning (worth checking BIOS and device manager) as these are all things that can cause it not to function.

Remember he said that his connection did not work <At All> if the computer is not recognizing the router, then typing any adress in any browser won't make it better...

The first thing you must do is check when you plug and unplug the wire, does the router's light go on and off, meaning there is a physical connection...

If you don't have a light going on at all, check in your connections in My Network Place>Show available connections and see if your ethernet card is <disabled>

If everything is enabled, if you get a signal on your router, you have to check if it says its <CONNECTED> (even though internet might not work)

So once youve made crystal clear sure that your PHYSICAL connection is working, then we can start inquiring on the rest of the problem!

Do as Geforce says, if everything checks out go to Start - Run & type CMD
From the command prompt type: ipconfig /all
You should get a list that will include your Ethernet adapter, In there you should see your IP address, subnet mask DHCP server etc. It should also say if DHCP is enabled, if it is not that will be part of your problem. The shop may have set it up with a static IP address. This may not be in the same range as your router. This should be changed so that DHCP is working & you get you IP address from your router, as long as DHCP is enabled on it (most are by default).
If DHCP is not enabled got to Control Panel - Network & Internet connections - Network Connections & right click on Local area connection. Choose Properties then highlight Internet Protocols & click Properties. Under the General tab, you should have Obtain an IP address automatically, enabled & the same with the DNS server address.
You will need to reboot or go back to your command prompt & type: ipconfig /release Then type: ipconfig /renew
This will release your old IP address & renew from the DHCP server. The first (release) may not be required & may fail, so just try ipconfig /renew
Hope that makes sense. If all else fails with the above ipconfig commands reboot.