Having trouble connecting old computer to Internet

haris262

Reputable
Dec 25, 2014
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I have a really old computer which had been sitting around in my basement for quite some time, so today I decided to bring it back out and have it do something useful (ideally install pfsense on it). Just to give you an idea of how old it is, here are some of the specs, if you're interested:

CPU: Intel Pentium 4 dual core @3.0 GHz
RAM: 2 sticks of 512 MB DDR2 (1 GB in total)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA 8N SLI PRO (LGA 775 socket)
Graphics Card: nVidia GeForce 6600 (256 MB VRAM)
OS: Windows XP

In order for me to do anything with this thing, I am going to have to establish an internet connection. But here is the problem: after connecting an ethernet cable (CAT 5e in case it matters) from my router to the computer, nothing happens. It's as if I never connected the cable in the first place. Around a decade ago, when the computer was purchased, it wasn't me who had set it up, so I am completely oblivious to as to what I have to do to get his thing to work. If someone could walk me through the process of doing so, or link me to a video or an online guide that would be really appreciated.

Thanks in advance!
 
Solution
Are there link lights on the network connection? If there are, check Device Manager and see if the network card drivers are installed and working properly.
Even if it looks OK, I'd download the drivers for the motherboard anyway on another computer and install them to update things.
Are there link lights on the network connection? If there are, check Device Manager and see if the network card drivers are installed and working properly.
Even if it looks OK, I'd download the drivers for the motherboard anyway on another computer and install them to update things.
 
Solution