Odd happenings Lost networking

OK, this lady over a block had me come look at her computer because she says she can't get her email. I check everything out and it appears that the cable modem is flaking out. The tech support sends out a tech the next day and they replace the modem..problem fixed...nope, same issues can't get an IP. So I take the computer home and I can't get it to acquire an IP here. So I disable the on-board network and install an add on card Netgear FA310. Boom she works like a dream. I shut it down, take it back, same issue can't acquire an IP or it picks the Windows default 169.XXX.XXX.XXX. The tech checks things out and says the modem is working fine. So I load it back up and bring it home, again, and I can't get it to acquire here windows says there's a problem with the adapter. So I put in a different card (this time a new D-Link) go through the install, bang she works great. Reboot and she won't work again, just like the others.

I then decided it was a Windows issue and did a system restore to far enough back that the problem didn't exist, but when I bring it back up I have the same issue.

OK the question is: Does this sound like a Windows issue or a hardware issue? It seems that Windows is killing all networking through it.

If the moderator deems this to be in the wrong forum please feel free to move.

 

Tom,

This is a shot in the dark... it could actually be something as 'simple' as the cable being bad. Try replacing the cable running from the wall to the modem (you can also try replacing the network cable if the first suggestion doesn't work).

This sounds very similar to a problem I experienced a couple of years ago, it drove me absolutely crazy until I had a friend check the signal running through the cable. Cable replaced problem solved... ain't computers fun???

 

Bluzkat, thanks for the suggestion...however I don't think it's the cable because I experience the issue both at their place and mine. Also I took my laptop over and was able to make things work just fine. The Technician who came and checked the modem also checked the cable TV cables all the way out to the pole.

Dang, I wish that would have been my answer. And yea, computer are fun....