Tech support please!!!

[Patryn]

I'm usually pretty good with this sort of thing...not to toot my own horn, but I am. However, this morning my beloved Mac decided it didn't want to load key system components (namely the Finder) on boot. So long story short, after trying everything else I could think of, I had to clean reinstall the OS. Here's the thing...I disconnected my cable modem during the process, and when I plugged it back in, it was down. I couldn't get a signal.

Now, what I wonder, though I know it's highly unlikely, could any problem with the cable modem have caused my system problems even though the computer was off? It's connected the typical way, ethernet to the cable TV line.

It should be fixed tomorrow, until then, I'm stuck using the archaic computers at work.

My system seems OK from what I can tell, testing things out offline, but all my millions of fonts, prefs, and assorted extensions were lost. This is going to take forever to get everything back to normal.

 

[ShyGuy68]

Patryn I know how it is when you have to do a total reinstall of your system, and loosing all your info and such. I can't count the times I've lost all my e-mail addys.

Unfortunately I can't help you with your Mac vs. cablemodem problem, I don't know didly about Mac at all.

Hope you'll get it all up and running soon!

 

[Bonnie Wee Lassie]

Wow wish I could help but I don't know a thing about Mac computers. Sorry

 

[Patryn]

Okay, let me put it to you this way since I know there aren't too many other Mac users here. Does anyone know if it's possible for a cable modem to effect system files on a PC? Basically, the connection and communication aren't too much different on a Mac. Well, they are, but not on the base level of the hardware/mechanics/and TCP etc...

I know it wasn't a virus (scan came out OK) and I wasn't hacked (firewall), so...I'm at a loss.

 

[funny_guy]

To quote someone on this board's favorite movie:
"Inconcievable."
It would require an outside program to do that, unless you did it accedentaly (which could happen). What browser do you use? I, too, am a PC guy, but I can try to help.

 

[Weird Harold]

Does anyone know if it's possible for a cable modem to effect system files on a PC?

The modem itself, No way it can cause a problem.

The driver for the ethernet card, i.e. networking software, can cause all sorts of problems if it's corrupted. How or why it got corrupted, I can't say -- How's the weather been? If you don't have your computer connected through a surge protector, get one. A thunderstorm on the far side of town can cause spikes and surges through the entire power grid. A static mat to control static discharges wouldn't be a bad idea either. You can damage data or your computer with a static discharge that isn't even strong enough for you to notice.

The fact that your OS doesn't naturally recognise an ethernet card and needs some form of networking software to be able to "see" it is probably the reason your cable modem doesn't work anymore. You need to re-install the driver for the ethernet card the modem connects to.

 

[Patryn]

The fact that your OS doesn't naturally recognise an ethernet card and needs some form of networking software to be able to "see" it is probably the reason your cable modem doesn't work anymore. You need to re-install the driver for the ethernet card the modem connects to.

It's standard system software...it should have reinstalled when I installed the OS. It's not on the install CD by itself, nor is it anywhere on the restore CD.

 

[Bliss]

You can download the driver at work, save it to disk and take it home and install it. Assuming you know the make and model, you can probably find the right driver at http://www.DriverGuide.com/





[Edited by Payne on 08-17-2000 at 04:08 PM]

 

[Unclebill]

Since an Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC) is not typical of a home system, it was probably installed when you got your cable Internet service installed.

If the Mac OS does not have automatic detection of new hardware devices (ala Windows95/98 Plug-n-Play), then the person who installed the NIC would have installed the drivers for it as well. If you got software from the ISP (browser, et al), the drivers may be located there for the NIC. Presuming the ISP provided the NIC, they would also provide and install the drivers for it.

Once the drivers are installed, you must also set up your system with your assigned IP address or their server won't recognize your system when you try to connect using your browser. With a cable ISP, you have a fixed IP address since you're essentialy connected to the Internet all the time. If you don't have that recorded somewhere, you can call your ISP and likely get it from them. They must have some means of tracking the IP addresses they have assigned and who has them. (We dial-ups get a new IP address each time we log on from a rotating pool of IP addresses assigned to our ISP's.)

Good luck and when you get it solved, how about letting us know the results and solution.

 

[Laurel]

Wow wish I could help but I don't know a thing about Mac computers. Sorry

Ever play with an Etch-A-Sketch?

Ow! Quit hitting me, guys!

 

[Never]

Ever play with an Etch-A-Sketch?

Ow! Quit hitting me, guys!

*Tosses a few tomatoes at your back for fun then looks innocent and points to Expertise when you turn around*
He did it Madam Laurel. I saw him do it. He's a naughty boy and tossed those tomatoes at you. He should get the stick!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[April]

Oooh, Let me punish him, please!

 

[Never]

*nods seriously*
Yes April, you need to punish him. Remember, he might beg and plead but it's for his own good and he'll thank you afterwards.
*slips over to the Chest of Many Things* Ohh, there's Deb's packer and Nikki's switch and Hecate's crop. What do you think you should use on him? *finds a packet of Ben-Gay and pockets it for later*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Laurel]

Okay, April, but I get to watch...

 

[April]

He must be restrained first. I have my own.
But if I may, I'll borrow Mistress Hecate's crop.


On second thought, maybe I'll just tie him to my bed and have my evil way with him. After all, y'all saw what I did to Roland, and that was just words! Expertise doesn't stand a chance with me.

 

[April]

Okay, April, but I get to watch...

Wanna help?

 

[Savage Kitten]

I dunno nothin about tech support or Mac's for that fact... I just think you're a sweety so I thought I'd come over and lend some moral support hehe *hugz*

 

[Never]

Weeelll.. *looks around nervously* She's not here and it's in this jumble of stuff. If anyone asks we can say that we didn't know it was hers. *grabs it quickly and shoves it in Aprils hands* It wasn't me..

Tie? How's about white, silk handkerchiefs? *hold up two*
Will these help? Oh, where is the guest of honor?

 

[April]

If you wait around for a few hours, he'll be here. I've got to run off to bed now. Trying to mend my ways, you know. It's hard, what with being a confirmed night owl, but sacrifices must be made.

I'll be back.

Sorry, couldn't help it.

Gotta love me!