I had DSL working through a SpeedStream 5200 modem connected to the USB port on my PC running Windows XP. 2 other PCs, both running XP networked to the main PC through a Netgear EN104 hub shared that DSL connection with no problems.
DSL always had some problems pulling an IP address from the DHCP server whenever I shut off the PC so usually left my PC on for days/weeks at a time. Computer shut down on Monday, turned it back on - no IP address (used internal one). After trying to reboot and doing ipconfig /release /renew several times, power cycling modem, PC crashed and hard drive was wiped.
Reinstalled Windows XP (no SP) out of the box, ran the appropriate networking wizards and got DHCP timeout errors when trying to connect to internet. Had solid DSL light, solid USB light. Tried ethernet, same problem. Tried plugging modem in to ethernet port and usb port on 2 other computers in the house. Same problem.
Tech guy from ISP comes out, checks the lines, config etc. plugs the Speedstream into his laptop ethernet port (Win 2K), works perfectly. I try my laptop running Windows XP SP2, same DHCP error.
So in summary, this is where I stand:
1) DSL modem/cables/ISP configuration seems to be fine since Tech guy could plug his Win 2K laptop into his ethernet port and immediately pull up an IP address.2) Pristine install of Win XP cannot pull up an IP address either through USB or Ethernet. (Used USB previously and just installed new Linksys network card to try ethernet)
3) 3 Existing installs of Win XP SP2 which on Monday worked by sharing connection with main PC, cannot pull an IP when plugged directly into Speedstream modem through either ethernet or USB. (Doing ipconfig /renew /reset, repair and power cycling modem)Is there something that XP requires or some quirk with XP that this does not work for 4 different XP PCs, but works for a Win2K laptop????