BleepingComputer.com: URGENT: IP Configuration Problem

Hello everyone,

This is my first post on this site, but I assure you - I know my way around a computer. I am a Virus Removal / Networking Specialist for Iowa State University, and I have run into a unique problem, that I, nor our most skilled technicians have been able to solve.

I have two machines (Client computers, that have been checked in; to utilize our services) that cannot connect to the internet.

Both machines are Dell laptops running Windows XP, SP3: One on Professional, one with Media Center Edition. Both were getting a 0.0.0.0 IP Address. One still is, but I will detail Why the other one is still in question.

We Have done almost EVERYTHING to fix these machines. We started with the obvious: Check Hardware Switch / Software Radio Button. This is working. We removed an IE Proxy from one of them, the other needed to be Auto-detecting the settings. Disabled Wireless, Testing just Wired - same issue.

By now, We started thinking more advanced. We did a winsock reset on both, we reset the userinit, we ran a few virus scans / malware scans (finding nothing) SFC scans failed. We ran ComboFix (and I have the log) but it didn't really fix anything. Eventually, we tried using a boot disc. Everything worked PERFECT in the boot disc So we know it is NOT hardware related. Still nothing in Normal or Safe modes. Just a minute ago, I used System Restore (basically I cheated ) and It seemed to fix one of them; both wired and wireless had valid IP's. Then XP restated itself . For some reason, The system then demanded to run a chkdsk. Upon completing this, It was back to being broken. We tested the same thing on machine 2. The system restore worked, and it has been stable for nearly an hour. I am afraid that If I return this (machine 2) to its owner, that the problem may resurface.

Does anyone know what I am talking about, or need me to elaborate my issue anymore? HELP!!!

EDIT: I forgot to mention, we have tried re-installing the Ethernet/Wireless drivers; as well as the intel pro/SET wireless managers' drivers. Still nothing...

This post has been edited by BlindingLink333: 25 May 2010 - 07:07 PM

I seem to have spoken too soon. Now the other machine has been restarted, and both wired and wireless are "limited or no connectivity" 0.0.0.0 IP address. Ditto for machine 1. Aaaaaargh! :D

Check the hard drives...install PCI NICs, if you want to troubleshoot further.

Louis

As much as I would love to touch the hardware, it is not our department - and are "not allowed" to do so. The hard drives seem fine, They can be read by the BIOS, and have no issues with BSOD's or booting at all.

Not to be patronizing...but hard drives have more symptoms/effects than the ones that you seem to think are indicative of problems.

The hard drive is the foundation...on which the file system lies. Upon the file system lies...Windows.

A problem with any one of the three impacts the system peformance.

You don't have to "touch" the hardware, just test it.

Bootable Hard Drive Diagnostics - Vox - http://usasma.vox.com/library/post/bootabl...iagnostics.html

How to successfully burn or write an ISO-image to cd or dvd - http://iso.snoekonline.com/iso.htm

How to write a CD-DVD image or ISO - http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/write-a-cd-dvd-image-or-iso/.

As for the NICS and your networking problems...good luck.

Louis

Just to update anyone reading this: We have located the problem, but now we just need to find out what keeps resetting it. In services.msc, the DHCP client isn't set to start automatically. Enable it, and it starts up, valid IP and all. Now, we set it to start up automatically..... and Machine 1 works! Machine 2, Still no.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This post has been edited by BlindingLink333: 25 May 2010 - 07:58 PM

You can check the dependencies to see if a key, related service is malfunctioning.

DHCP should be "started" and "automatic".

Louis

This post has been edited by hamluis: 25 May 2010 - 08:36 PM

I am going to begin running some more malware scans now. I believe my original problem to be mostly resolved, and now I can update the software! Thank you!

Good luck .

Louis