About two weeks ago, I started having problems with my desktop connecting to the internet. When I tried to load anything connected to the internet (ie: my sign on screen, internet explorer, etc.) it would time out or just keep trying and freeze. Once I was able to load IE and I got an error message saying I couldn't load fttp (I think) sites. Well, today I called my ISP, they could not help me, saying the DSL connection was working just fine. I decided to try and reformat and now I'm still not able to connect. Computer stating that the network cable is unplugged, but I've double and triple checked everything. I even changed my ethernet card, nothing is working. I am still able to access the web via my laptop (and have been able to the whole time) via my wireless router, but I haven't a clue what's going on with my desktop. I've tried pinging my IP address and the default IP address and lost all four packets each time. Can someone out there help me???? Thanks

Good troubleshooting - but I have a question - when you changed the NIC (network interface card) did you remove the old drivers and then install the new drivers?

Also, are you 100% sure the card you tried to use is working?

How do you connect to your DSL modem, through a router or directly? If directly, have you replaced the cable? If through a router, have you tried another port and / or replaced the cable?

There is an integrated card and a card that plugs into a pci slot. I changed to the pci card today, when the integrated one was not working trying to see if it was the problem. have not unistalled the old drivers, unsure how. We connect through a router, into an external dsl modem. Have not tried replacing the cable but have switched it around as per the instruction from our isp provider.
Thanks for the quick response. will try a new port first, then let you know.

Thanks for all your help. it was a bad cable after all. I was hoping it wouldn't be but it was. I am responding from the host computer now and I am so happy. Thanks again johnlgalt I appreciate it a lot.

Glad you figured out the problem. And, conversely, thanks for posting back with your solution.