windows XP pro, ethernet cables???

[Fudgemaker]

hey guys, i gots a very frustrating problem at hand where using the same ethernet cable i can't get my windows xp pro based system to recieve internet or even any evidense of showing it is connected. When i connect the same cable to my lap top.. ( mac osX), it works without me having to do anything. On the windows xp pro system i reinstalled the drivers for the ethernet card, and not to mention my system says that it is working properly, but it claims that although the cable is plugged into the computer it claims that it isn't plugged in. I have tried inputting router info from my other pc (windows ME) to the windows xp system to see if that changed anything, but in fact it didn't. The ethernet cable is a Data-grade network cable, level 5/category 5, pvc cable. If this information helps on why i cannot recieve the internet or why the windows xp system doesn't recognize that the cable IS plugged in, then i will be very happy to hear from you guys. May i also mention that i took the network card out and then fit it back in securely although i don't think that would change anything. Thanx

[YeOldeStonecat]

Perhaps the NIC is dead. Do you get a link light when you plug the cable in?

[Scooter33]

:( If you're getting a "media disconnected" error, you need to replace the nic. the only thing device manager tells you is that the drivers are correctly installed.

[Fudgemaker]

HEY NOW>>>> got it working.... the NIC was fine b/c i could get on the internet using a different ethernet cable. I found that the cable was too long and/or the plug on the end that was plugged into the router had failed somehow... although i think the main reason was that it was too long... hense losing the signal b/c we could get it on a mac laptop at the same distance. Macs i guess are less sensitive when it comes to internet based matters. But thanx for your help guys... peace out for now!

[DaveM]

I doubt it was too long.
Cat 5 is good for several hundred feet.

My longest run in the house from my router is 140 feet and The Nic and connection have no problems at 100 mbit full duplex.

[Go-Go-Shocker!]

Cat 5 Cabling is good up to 100 Meters ( equals 328 feet)
But damages easily if stretched over sharp angles or connector is pulled out by the cable and not the connector. Always try a different cable before doing system wide changes.
There are two types of cables as well. Direct connect and cross connect. Always check your manual to see what type your modem requires.(Usually supplied with it)

[Fudgemaker]

thanx for the valuable info. I'll keep this in mind