Hey
So I have two computers. One laptop one desktop (both are windows xp). I got loaded with viruses on the desktop and so i popped in the windows xp installation disk into the desktop and cleared the partitions, and put in a new fresh install of windows. Everything's working out ok except i can't connect to the internet!! I'm writing this off the laptop because the laptop connects wirelessly to a D-Link DI624 router which gets the internet from the modem. I then have a setup where I have an ethernet cable from one of my 4 ports going straight into the back of the desktop. Before the viruses, this setup worked flawlessly. Now, the desktop won't even recognize the internet connect (that obviously works cuz i'm writing this) and it doesn't have any registered LAN or local area connections or anything. If you could please help me set this up, I would greatly appreciate that. ALSO I HAVE NO SETUP DISK. The box even says it doesn't have one. Thanks in advance

click start, control panel, internet icon
run the network set up wizard. (watch for errors) if you have one, it will likely indicate that no network card is installed if this is the case, go back to control panel, click system, click hardware, click device manager. go down to network adapters. if it is not there, click scan for new hardware
if there is a red X or yellow /!\ double click select update drivers.
if it does not find any, go to the manufacturers site and download and install the drivers for the card
also check that your cables are connected and plugged in tightly.
if the network card is installed properly, but the network set up fails, power down your entire system, then power up in this order.. modem , router, pc or (laptop, laptop or pc)
if still not able to connect, remove the router from the system, try to connect directly from pc to modem to internet.
you may have to create a new connection
but if you have the drivers installed for the network card, it should connect. if it does, put the router back and follow the steps to connect via the router as per the instruction manual. (probably just create a new connection) router may be "always on" so simply turning your computer off, and then on might force the network card to register on the network

Since you reinstall the Windows, you need also to install all the drivers for your desktop.Such drivers are sound driver, LAN driver, video driver, etc... If your LAN is onboard, you need to look for the motherboard driver so that you can install it. Or, you can also download it using your laptop. Just look at the LAN card model and search it on the net.

I think you need to go through the add a new connection that is in network connection.

I think you said you have nothing for a LAN showing up in network connection, so adding a connection is what is needed.

If you do have a LAN icon in network connections, click in and enable it.

Hope this helps