We had several power outages today, now one of my computers can’t get an IP address from the router. It’s connected on the same subnet as this one I’m using–my laptop. Obviously I have connectivity, but that doesn’t mean I can get an IP, since the laptop has a battery and didn’t reboot during the outages. Is there any way I can find out what is wrong with the other PC (running WinXP Home Edition)?
Is it possible that the router for this subnet has connectivity but won’t let it get an IP address? Is the network card in the PC toast? I’m stumped.
The network configuration is: Cable modem connected to router. Two PCs plugged into that router. Long cable from that router to a 2nd in my home office. Laptop and problem PC plugged into 2nd router. Three happy lights on 2nd router–uplink and 2 computers. Wiggled all network cable connectors to be sure they’re plugged in tight; they are.