got it all reloaded clean instal but cannot for the life in me get the network connection to work. before i just run setup wizzard and hey presto, but i tried selecting allow users to connect etc but nothing

go into Control panel, system, system properties, hardware, device manager - then look for network adaptors and reinstall the driver

Double click on the card (it may be built in the pc but it will still show up) then a box opens click on driver and it gives you various options.

tried that already, no joy thought it could be cable but it registers if it is unplugged etc

When you say the network connection doesn't work, what doesn't work about it? Does it connect and recognise a physical connection but doesn't do anything, or does it work on the internet but not for file sharing or some other combination?

Also turn any firewalls off whilst your trying it just incase its that.

Edited June 3, 200520 yr by DNS Security

turned off all firewalls etc, says something like limited or no availabiluty, then if i try set up for sharing just says cannot accept control messages

Have you changed anything on your network -introduced a switch hub or change a cable or anything like that???

DHCP probably. plug the cable in then click start -> run and type cmd then press enter.

Type ipconfig /release then enter

Type ipconfig /renew then enter

You should get a valid IP address assigned, probably 192.168.something. If there is a problem, Windows will assign a default of 169.something.

If you get the default Windows address try setting a fixed IP address on the machine.

releases ok then when renewing it comes up unable to connect to dhcp server, timed out