Re: Trouble obtaining IP address

Dual Trace wrote:
I’ll try to make this as short and clear as possible and then reply with details as needed / requested.

I have an old computer connected to internet via DSL modem which used to work fine. Decided to connect a new computer to internet using the same modem, so I moved the Ethernet cable from the old one to the new one. The new one was not able to get the IP address. Went back and forth through the ipconfig deal with Verizon tech support, but could not make it work. Tried the same maneuvers with the old one, just to prove modem and connection are fine and indeed everything worked fine when the old computer was hooked.

Tech support from the new computer (HP) advised me to go through the system recovery because some Windows socket registry might be corrupted. Done the recovery and was able to connect the new computer. IP address, etc. were acquired and all was OK.

Now I switched the Ethernet cable to the old computer again and guess what: it shows the same symptom. Cannot obtain the IP address. Verizon tech support said I cannot switch Ethernet cable from one computer to another and expect to work because the last computer obtaining an IP address will somehow keep that route occupied and the attempt of another one to get an IP address will fail. They said I need a router.

Well, how come it worked after restoring the new computer? At that stage of the game, the old computer had obtained an IP address and then the new one was able to connect and get his as well.

Note: When trying the ipconfig command, both IP and Subnet Mask seem to get valid addresses, but none is shown for Default Gateway.

I know this is not black magic, but it certainly looks to me.

Any help is appreciated.
Thank you,
Dual Trace

I agree with you. You do not need a router if what you intend to do is to keep the new one as the only computer connected to the Internet once you get all your data transferred to it.

Let's start with the basics. What is the device that you are calling a DSL modem" (make and model)? Often, these boxes are not just modems but one-port routers as well.

A related question: when you were able to connect using the old computer, did you have to enter your userid and password, or was it an "always on" connection? If you go to Network Connections on the old computer, did the active connection show as a "Local Area Connection," a "WAN Miniport (PPPoE)," or something else?

What does ipconfig /all show (on both computers)?

--
Lem -- MS-MVP - Networking

To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
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