to your two options/suggestions;
If restoring to factory settings didn't do it, then it looks like the network card got fried.
Current ideas:
1) buy new network card and put in expansion bay, cheap enough and probably the best option.
2) get another PC to hook to cable modem will prove the cable modem is working.
Mark
I'm giving advice on a friend's PC that has lost internet connectivity. I'm currently stuck.
PC (more details forthcoming):
OS = Win XP
~4-5 years old
brand = HP
Network adaptor is believed to be built into board
PC connected to cable modem directly (e.g. no router, switch, etc)
What Happened:
1) eletrical storm that knocked out a few devices in the house (surge protector on PC didn't trip)
2) PC would not turn on at all
3) Power supply replaced; no internet connectivity (ISP = Comcast) everything else works fine. HP advised restoring system to factory settings. Comcast confirmed proper communication with box
What I suggested doing & has been done:
1) Ensured TCP/IP was set to get IP automatically
2) Cable modem was turned off & disconnected totally for 5 minutes, then power cable plugged in, followed by network cable. PC rebooted also.
3) In PC Management, network card was uninstalled and rebooted. Received error code 768; network card was not recognized again.
Current ideas:
1) buy new network card and put in expansion bay
2) get another PC to hook to cable modem

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