Windows XP forum: can't connect to internet after installing Win XP

Some restore CDs install more apps or an out of date Norton. An out of date Norton blocks the internet.

More at http://community.norton.com/t5/Norton-Internet-Security-Norton/Expired-Norton-Stops-PC-from-Connecting-to-Internet/td-p/167489

Norton definitely is not on the PC. it's bare bones. nothing is on here except Windows XP SP2

it's a Dell Dimension 8400. the XP disk is a Reinstallation DVD for MS Windows XP Media Center Ed 2005 that came with the PC. you could be onto something with the drivers but i can't find any other disks that came w the PC that would have additional drivers except a disk that has info on a Dell modem which i don't have.

it is the disk that came w the PC but it says right on the disk that it's not for reinstallation of programs or drivers.

i'm confused why the 1394 Net Adapter is listed under Network Adapters if it's for fire wire and why when i unplug the fire wire and Ethernet cable the icon in the notification area still shows i'm connected. The only other problem i can see is under Other Devices i have some "!"s. One of them is for Ethernet Controller.

Thanks for the help guys

Standard and normal for Firewire. You are going to have to research the Network controler and Ethernet device. Then install the drivers. If this is built into the motherboard you need to dig out the board specifications. You might visit the Dell web site for Ethernet drivers.

Dimension 8400 start here on a PC that has Internet and enter the Service Tag number for the PC with problems:
http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/19/DriversHome/NeedProductSelection

That will get you to the pages with the proper peripheral and motherboard drivers for the specific service tag entered.

Download and install them and once your NIC has its drivers driving it you will be able to get connected properly.

You said one is for the Ethernet controller. This means no driver is installed. No driver means no Ethernet network which, in turn, means no internet through it. As mentioned, you will need the driver. Why it didn't load automatically from your disk I don't know. I wonder if it's possible that some add in Ethernet card exists in your machine. This is something I have seen to happen when an on board device has failed or the user felt was inadequate. Make sure you don't have 2 Ethernet jacks on the machine. As well, your restore disk just might have the controller on it and a way to navigate to it manually but I can't tell that from where I am sitting. The trip to the Dell site should find your driver if all else fails.