[extralov]

OK. have you tried to test you connectivity? Open your command (cmd) prompt. Try pinging something. Try pinging www.google.com. If that doesn't work try IP 216.239.39.99. If that works try a "tracert www.google.com". If it doesn't work do a "ipconfig /all" and tell me what happens.

[Bigpig]

I have a desktop running Windows xp home, with same identical symptoms. I've swapped nic cards, cables, reloaded drivers, I just can't get connected to the router, yet when I unplug the ethernet cable from the desktop into my laptop, bingo! it's works! I really don't want to do a xp reload. Help!

[sPlAtOiD]

Have you checked with your provider.To see if everything is OK with your account. Just a long shot

[Bigpig]

why would an isp be involved? I can't get to the router with the desktop. Sorry, don't see the connection here.

[CrashAbbott]

In a similar instance that you speak on,, and there is a lot of great info here, however,, have you considered that the cable modem unit is fried,,,

I have rogers, and i went through a 4 day period of pulling hair trying to figure out a similar issue with my PC's at home,,

turns out the Modem was fried and it was dropping the connection every 20 mins,, I had to reboot continuously, both modem and PC,,,

Pain in the A$$,,,,

In the end the cable guy brought me a new modem ,, and for $50 bucks gave me unlimited free cable,, *( heh heh, just kidding,, just reminded myself of CABLEGUY the movie,, when Matt broderick offers money to Jim Carey to "FIX" his cable),,,

cheers,

[Bigpig]

I did not think to try this before, but I went and did a System Restore (turns out the day before things went bad, the system had a restore in place). Hallelujah, it's working again! Thanks to all trying to help.