If you try with your Ubuntu Linux Live CD it should auto-connect using
auto-detect of DHCP. If it doesn't then the Cable modem is more like DSL, where
you have to have your ID and password. After you do connect, I hope you'll be
able to apply that info to your installed set-up.

If you are able to connect via live cd and are still having problems
with your install connecting, open a terminal and post the output of:
cat /etc/network/interfaces

Your ISP gave you instructions on how to do it. You just need to translate them
from Windows to Linux.

Thanks for your suggestions and I need a bit more help.


What/where is the Ubuntu Linux Live CD? The only CD I have is the Ubuntu Linux
10.4 LTS CD. My laptop is using 10.4. Is this what you are talking about or is
it another CD. If it's another CD, where can I find it online.

If you downloaded Ubuntu 10.4 LTS ,you have burnt an iso disk which includes
the Live option . If you obtained a CD from a vendor it will highly likely
be the same disk ie including the Live option ( see start menu)

That Ubuntu 10.04 is also a Live CD. When you boot Live from it, it should give
you a menu after it detects itself on your hard drive for a repair. Or others
here more knowledgeable with it can advice further.

By the way, once lightning zapped my stuff, too. I replaced the desktop power
supply, battery, and reset the CMOS...success. Never had a cable modem, though,
but when I replaced my old DSL with a used $5.00 model, my router worked.

You might try re-entering manual set up. Right click connection manger
and edit connections. Set up a new wired connection and name it "Auto
eth0 " without parenthesis. The name of your network goes at SSID. If
you have security set up as WEP or WPA and so on - type in the pass
phrase (security key) on the next tab. Choose the appropriate security
level WEP WPA or None. It should automatically connect within a second
or two or simply reboot and it should automatically connect at start up.

The other suggestion was to re-insert your Linux CD to run it as Demo
(Live Distro CD) and not reinstall. In the Live Distro Demo - it
automatically connects to broadband/dsl - ethernet cable from your
broadband/dsl modem to ethernet connection on computer - or from the
Router out ehternet wired connection as opposed to using wireless. There
should be at least one or two of these ethernet cable ports on the
router and you must have your broadband/dsl modem plugged into the
Router at the appropriate port (modem port - from modem to router). This
is a good trouble shooter and quick enough to see if anything else is
damaged. In other words rule out. See what is working and what is not
easily.

Did it work ? Do you have a second pc to try connections ?

Getting back online with my Linux laptop was so simple. All I had to do was
connect the Linux laptop by an ethernet cable to the cable modem, unplug the
modem, replug the modem and let it search for probably an IP address and I'm up
on the internet with my Linux laptop. I dedicate this laptop to primarily
surfing and email. This frees up my Windows XP laptop to run photography
applications without dragging it down. I can now connect up all 3 laptops, one
at a time. As soon as I get a new router, I should be able to get my system back
where it was in a few days.