Trying to get connection from work on my laptop...

[some_guy282]

The computer at my job isn't that great, but the connection it uses is good - a cable modem. The modem is plugged directly into the work desktop. I'm trying to use my laptop isn't of the desktop, but when I plug the modem into my laptop I can't get it to work.

I've checked and I can't find any software from the ISP on the desktop. The connection is always on, and never prompts for a username and password. When I plug the modem into my laptop, the laptop detects it but I get a "Limited or No Connectivity" icon and it doesn't get any connection at all. Internet Protocal (TCP/IP) settings are set to automatic on the desktop. The modem seems to just be plug and play on the desktop, but I can't get it to work on the laptop.

Any ideas?

[degsy]

Are you getting an IP Address?

Does the modem have a config page?

[some_guy282]

No, I don't get an IP address. When I try to repair the connection, it gets stuck at "Renewing IP Address." Config page on the modem? How do I check that? For the record, the modem is...

RCA Digital Broadband Modem
Model #: DCM425

Since when did RCA make modems?

[renegade600]

was the work computer on a network? and connected to a server? or was it regular desktop

[some_guy282]

No network. It's just a regular desktop. It's a real easy job...I'm a concierge at a fancy condo in Soho, Manhattan. Lots of free time, which is great for me because I'm a college student. The desktop is basically here to give the concierge something to kill time with during their eight hour shift. The modem is under the desk and connected to the desktop.

So there's no IT division to go to or anything. The only person I could ask questions of is the head concierge, who works during the week from 8 - 4. She's computer literate but doesn't know about these kinds of technical things. The best I think I could get out of her is a username and password, but there isn't any password prompt and no software from the ISP on the machine that I can find.

The ISP is Road Runner.

[z1p]

:( You may be out of luck unless you want to contact RR. See http://help.rr.com/HMSFaqs/e_chging_comp.aspx

[degsy]

You could try something like this
http://www.klcconsulting.net/smac/

[degsy]

or http://www.nthelp.com/NT6/change_mac_w2k.htm

[some_guy282]

Ahhh... is the service setup so it only works on the MAC address of the desktop?

[degsy]

Seems to be.

[some_guy282]

How do I find out the MAC address on the desktop? I've checked properties on the card, but I can't find it...

[some_guy282]

Seems to be.

Those bastids! Wouldn't that interfere with using a router too? I bet they charge extra for that...

[z1p]

run ipconfig/all in a command window and it will show the Physical Address (MAC address).

As far as a router, most allow you to do MAC cloning, so they can look like the registered PC.

[some_guy282]

As far as a router, most allow you to do MAC cloning, so they can look like the registered PC.
I suppose you're right, but that's something Average Joe computer user wont be able to do. I remember years ago when routers were taking off, how ISPs were advertising them to enhance your connection. "For only an extra $29.99 a month, you can connect up to four computers to the internet at the same time!"

...

No extra bandwith. Just giving you the same router you could buy for $50, and helping you set it up. Blah. RR seems to be trying to run the same scam here.

Anyway, my shift is ending soon so I'll wait to try that fix until next weekend. Thanks for the help guys!

[some_guy282]

or http://www.nthelp.com/NT6/change_mac_w2k.htm

I'm at work again. Just tried this. It worked! First option worked fine, and it was very easy.

Thanks a lot guys. I appreciate it.