being hooked up to your ethernet between the computer and model (or router/switch) is not the same as being on the internet.

The ethernet connected icons (if you're looking at the screen i think you're looking at) simply means that your NIC is working and cable is plugged into at either end.

For my dsl connection, I need to tell windows to create a new connection - the wizard should be available from view network connections screen.
(I know, its an ms wizard, but it's not completely crap).

If you didn't get any software (common with xp as it has the standard pppoe software needed for dsl) then you probably just need to tell it to use them. The wizard should ask all the right questions to get the info out of you.

Joe

GO TO A COMMAND PROMPT

IF IT SAYS SOMETHING LIKE
C:\WIndows\My documents then type cd <enter> until you get to C:\

THEN TYPE IPCONFIG /RELEASE (INLCUDE THE SPACE)

THEN TYPE IPCONFIG /RENEW


THIS SHOULD SOLVE IT

ALSO UNPLUG YOUR CABLE MODEM AND WAIT 30 SECS THEN REPLUG.

I don't have DSL but i do have cable and when ever i change from one computer or an other or hook up an router i have to call my cable provider and they have to reset the modem on their computers might want to give that a try. Its a real pain when ever we have a LAN.