Computer help

[The_Admiral]

I had to reinstall windows XP on my brother's computer because he's an idiot.

Now I have a problem, I cannot connect the computer to the internet. The modem is working and the wire's okay. It's probably something I missed, but what?

[Grinner]

Is it a modem or an ethernet adapter? Also, is it a card, or is it integrated into the motherboard?

You might need to install a driver.

[KillianHawkeye]

Go to the device manager and make sure the device is working properly.

Also make sure you have properly set up your network connection, workgroup, and gotten an IP address from your router, etc. (assuming you are running a home network and not just one computer connecting directly to Internet).

[The_Admiral]

I just found that it's lacking a network adaptor. Where do I get it?
Well, hardware's there already, where's the software?

[Grinner]

You need to find a driver. Find the make and model, and then go to the manufacturer's website. Unfortunately, if you don't already know the make and model and can't find it in the Device Manager, then you'll need to open up the computer. Desktops are fairly straightforward in that regard, and laptops normally have some kind of access panel.

[factotum]

Most modern motherboards have the network adapter built onto the motherboard, so if yours is like that, you ought to be able to get the drivers from the motherboard manufacturer's website--just look for the motherboard model on the POST screen you get before Windows boots.

[The_Admiral]

After stumbling around a bit I HAVE FIXED IT!

THANK YOU! My ears now know peace, for now, until my brother breaks something else.

[Brother Oni]

After stumbling around a bit I HAVE FIXED IT!

THANK YOU! My ears now know peace, for now, until my brother breaks something else.

A tip for the future - give your brother a user account instead of an administrator account. Although this make it somewhat frustrating when he wants to install stuff, it does help prevent future complete OS installs when he's been an idiot.

[KillianHawkeye]

Another tip for you: I always archive my device drivers so I don't have to search around the Internet for them the next time I need to reinstall. Same goes for important software apps.