Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Resolved Question

friends having trouble with their dsl connection

Apr 5, 2013 11:45PM PDT

They have AT&T DSL
They are using XP
It is a 4 year old amd computer made for them by a knowledgable tech friend
They have upgraded their modem
They have spent hours on the phone with AT&T
They have had an AT&T tech person over
The internet connection to their laptop works perIfectly
The internet connection to their desktop does not work at all
It was suggested that it might be the ethernet port that has failed.
It has also been suggested that it might be a virus.
Is this a likely senario?
What other possabilities are there for this situation?
Is replaising the panel that holds the ports very difficult?
I thank you in advance for any help

Discussion is locked

kzolady has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

- Collapse -
Yes for some it's difficult.
Apr 6, 2013 3:45AM PDT

Most ethernet cards require you to install a driver so your best bet is to tell them to return the PC to the knowledgable tech friend for a checkup.

In other words, the machine needs to be checked out by a tech. If you are just starting your journey in PC repair, what you need to know won't fit in this small space. It's probably why folk get a new pc rather than deal with a dead one.
Bob

- Collapse -
it is not a new ethernet card
Apr 6, 2013 10:52AM PDT

it was previously functioning. is there a quick way to tell if it is no longer functioning?

- Collapse -
Yes.
Apr 7, 2013 12:03PM PDT

Get the exact same card and swap it. If it's a hardware issue it will instantly start to work.

By the way, you do know you can't troubleshoot without spares.
Bob

- Collapse -
thanks
Apr 10, 2013 1:21AM PDT

I called AT&T and the tech (bless his heart) said we needed a new NIC card. My friends tech friend had put a spare NIC card in the desktop box when he made it, and we are good to go. WooHoo. I get to talk to the tech person first next time. hahaha.