I have been trying to connect to a shared broadband internet connection in my new place without success. I checked that all my settings are the same as my flatmate's, but I still can't connect. I did find though, that my flatmates connect through something called "1394 Network Adapter" while I try to connect with Local Area Connection in the Network Connections folder. If they try to connect through Local Area Connection, it doesn't work, so I guess this is the problem. The 1394 thing came with their Windows XP, but it's not on my computer (though I also have Windows XP). My flatmates use the same sort of ethernet cable as I do though, plugged straight into the modem. Would one of these firewire/1394 adapter cards solve my problem?? I'm confused, because I don't think I need the firewire socket that seems to come with the cards, I just need the program thing for my network connections folder. Someone please help, I would really appreciate it!!

Emmi

no, I'm using internet explorer. and eclipse internet provider... in the UK.

it's not a wireless network actually. we use ethernet cables that we plug into the modem.

Try going to Device Manager, view> Show Hidden Devices, are there any that have a yellow question mark?

Can you successfully find your 1394 Controller?

If you have the controller already installed and it doesn't work, chances are it a simple matter of finding the proper driver. Try right clicking and searching online for one.

Any problems with other Plug & Play components?

Um, is there any 1394 (firewire) outlet in your PC? If so, all you need is the driver. If not, it seems you'll need an adaptor. It's all odd though. I;m surprised the modular ethernet cable doesn't work.

If you right click the questionable Serial> Properties> any description you can give would be helpful.

As far as I can see, there's no outlet for a 1394 cable in my PC. If I got an adaptor, I'm not sure what cable I could use though? My flatmates just use regular ethernet cables (I think they're called Cat 5) straight from the modem to their computers, but the connection is formed through the 1394 network adapter instead of local area connection. Shouldn't I be able to connect with an ethernet cable if I have a 1394 network adapter installed on my computer? If I can, is it something I can just buy and install?

About the Serial thing, I did something which I'm not sure was sensible. In the Properties it said the device is not working properly, so I followed the Microsoft Help steps to uninstall it and reinstall... but I couldn't reinstall it. I don't have my system disk here at the moment so will have to have it sent over, I suppose I can reinstall the Serial with that?

Mike, no, I wish it was just the cables, but they are fine and my flatmates can plug my cable into their laptops and the connection works on their computers.