Need computer help, very deep problem.

[Blade7764]

We're having an awful problem with my mom's PC:

Windows XP

We had a power surge the other day, and ever since that we cannot get the internet to work on her computer.

Everything else (as far as we know) works just fine.

The router is just fine because my computer, my brother's computer, and the wireless works just fine. We replaced the ethernet card (PCI) in the computer, so its not a hardware issue.

Windows is saying that it is a Winsock error. We've ran two different guided helps from microsoft, and a program that restores winsock back to normal. This all did nothing.

It is only getting a Autoconfig IP address and a Subnet mask when I do "ipconfig" in command.

We really don't want to have to reformat.

[Blade7764]

Nevermind, got it from help on motown:

"WOW, so I went to our closet that the modem, router, and switch is in and found that my mom's computer was hooked up to the switch. I took the cable and plugged it into the router. Bingo!!! Switch was bad and got fried in the surge.

[Joe]

Glad you fixed it.
One thing to remember when you have a power outage is to shutdown your computer, modem and router.
Boot them up in proper sequence and wait about 30 seconds or so between each one:

1. Cable Modem
2. Router
3. computer

[Bob]

Another thing too is to make sure you have a good surge protector. Most times the plain white 6 outlet power strips wont cut it. APC (no not the rice company) makes very good units.

[Blade7764]

Yeah, we're getting a surge protector for our modem, router, and switch.