Bought a new computer with vista instead of XP and cannot connect to internet via the ethernet line from my cable modem. what is the secret? Usually plugging it in is enough when I have moved or changed services with XP

Not possible, since the "input" to the 2WIRE modem is a 4-wire telephone-line, not an 8-wire Ethernet cable.

Instead, spend about $40 to buy a D-Link Wireless G modem, and connect its WAN port to the cable-modem, and connect up to 4 Ethernet cables to "wired" computers, and configure the "wireless" component of the D-Link router.

if you connect the computer to the modem, does it work ?
If that works then the modem is working working properly.
now connect the modem and the computer to the router. open the set up page of the router.
here you can change the settings of the router.
You don't need CD to set up router
Click here to know more about how to set up router.

hiiii
Since internet is working in one of the computer then it seems that the other modem is not working correctly so you must reset your modem.
For further help you can visit http://techbuddies-robin.blogspot.com/2009/06/free-computer-related-technical-support.html

If you computer has already a ethernet card installed on it, just need to get a ethernet cable and connect it to your modem and the other to the computer and make sure the USB is disconnected already, then power off your modem and restart the computer then power the modem back on and check if internet is already working, if its not working you may need to contact your ISP and tell them to enable the ethernet connection of your modem....

I'm not an expert in window based units but since it worked with Vista OS and not with XP. Sounds like you might try re-installing XP again. Take note on any windows that refer to the ethernet port during installation. It is likely you might of hit "next" without reading all the text. I know I have in the past. I changed over to mac and I know longer have any problems only at work but give then I give it to the IT Dept and wait and wait and wait.

it will as long as the modem/router is connected to a phone line, instead of the pc, the only cable connected to the pc should be a ethernet cable; or you have the pc networking set that it connects via another pc instead of through a gateway, re run the wireless network wizard.

If you are connecting via usb you will need to install all software and drivers on your pc before plugging modem in. If you did install them already you may need to reinstall
If you connect through ethernet (RJ45 terminated network cable), you may have a firewall preventing regular acess to network.

solutions

1) restart pc and modem it may work just with this

2)USB only: reinstall all modem software, then restart all.

3)Ethernet only (network cable), |Restart all and disable firewall. If this does not work you may need to change network settings on your computer (fo example change IP from static to dynamic).

regards

Any router will work, TCP/IP is a network standard, definately double check the cables. Your DSL modem is usually 192.168.254.254. and the router is usually 192.168.1.1. Check your documentation for the default IP. Once you know it type it in to the broswer in your Mac. Before doing so connect with an ethernet cable, purchase a new one if necessary. Connect from the <--> labeled port on the mac, or ethernet port. These wires are not like phone lines, they have 8 wires instead of 4/6. The router usually has ports on the back labeled 1, 2, 3, 4, and WAN. the 1-4 ports are LAN and that is also labeled on there. Plug the mac into port 1 and any other computers in after you get internet. once the physical connection is recognized. Go to your browser in the mac and proceed. if you get a web based router configuration page your router is working, then make the WAN connection to the ethernet port on the back of the dsl mode. Be sure your cables are good. Also go to your control panel and make sure your internet is enabled in your network section.

You didn't state what kind of net connection you are using, dial-up, cable, sattelite.
If, for instance, you have cable, is the modem connected directly to one computer, or several, via router and ifso on the router is it "wireless" or cable connected?

If you are using anything OTHER THAN dial-up, I recommend, that you unplug the router AND modem, look for "resets" on both, sometimes the reset will look like a small resessed pin that must be pushed on with a pen or toothpick.(hold down for 30 seconds) Leave them unplugged...I would advise 5 minutes, then reconnect cables and power supplys and try again.

If none of this works and you have had electrical storms,(and sometimes wind damages cable if pole mounted) you may have surge-damaged routers/ and or modems. I usually have to reset mine after every lighting storm, and had to replace a damaged router twice. Sadly on another note, I would not recommend vista to anyone, I would however recommend XP media center for computers that have specs for it.
Hope this will help.

Ok I have done it a little different sometimes... try this approach... First connect up the DSL Modem to the PC via Ethernet.. Configure the modem from the PC using the Connect to the Internet Wizard... enter all ya ISP details Logon, Password etc. Once this is going OK.. Disconnect the Modem... and then connect it up to the "Router" using the "Uplink" port and when connect ya Modem to the router... then connect another Ethernet cable from Router to same port on ya PC. Then simply use the network setup Wizard to set up an Internet Connection and connect up via ya router thru ya modem... generally works for me....