[vtlaw1995]

First thing - our house was hit by lightning last night.
Second - I am a computer idiot. But I follow directions even though I may not understand what I am doing.
Third - I have an iMac connected through a hub to a cable modem and an HP LaserJet 4000tn.

The cable internet is out so I thought the self-assigned IP address in Sys Prefs was due to that. But then I tried to print a document through the ethernet hub but the computer said the printer was not responding. I then noticed that the port on the hub for the ethernet coming out of the computer was dark.

So - I figure the port is fried. Tried other e-net cables. Nothing. Restarted everthing. Nothing. Connected the computer directly to the printer. Nothing. Plugged in the bluetooth and connected through my cell phone and started searching for answers.

So far I found a forum from 2002 and tried what they suggested. System Profiler sees the built-in Ethernet. ifconfig also sees the Ethernet. Then I did this:

Bonfouca:~ dd$ grep en0 /var/log/system.log
Jun 20 12:34:44 localhost mDNSResponder[182]: SetupActiveInterfaces: v4 socket-1 en0(4) InterfaceID 0180C600 169.254.227.51 FAILED
Bonfouca:~ dd$ grep -i ether /var/log/system.log
Jun 20 12:17:53 localhost kernel: UniNEnet: Ethernet address 00:0a:95:6f:42:36
Jun 20 12:17:53 localhost kernel: AirPortDriver: Ethernet address 00:30:65:2c:1b:3f

I have a very print and internet intensive business and cannot get everything done on this slow bluetooth connection. What else do I need to do to get myself back online properly? Also, I should mention that I have 2 cable modems in the house, one for a strawberry iMac downstairs (internet only) and the one up here for business. I just had them installed and will only be here for 3 months so going wireless should be my last option.............

Thanks for anyone's help!!!!!!!!

[Cold Warrior]

Have you tried powering off your cable modem for a few minutes?

Have you tried both your cable modems?

You should also call the cable company to come out and test the lines and hookup. It's possible some stuff got fried that they'll have to replace.

[ghporter]

Welcome, and sorry you came to us in such dire straits. I would suggest that you run, don't walk, to an office supply store such as Office Depot or OfficeMax and drop around $50 on a ROUTER. Hubs are fine and all that, but you need a router to do the things your cable modem either is not or should not be doing. Frankly, depending on the modem to handle all the IP assignments doesn't sound like the best of ideas anyway, since your ISP can probably query the modem (when it works) and find out a lot about your network that they do not need to know-and perhaps even influence how your LAN works overall. Putting a router into the mix-between the modem and all the other equipment-is a smart thing because not only does it protect the privacy of your LAN, it is smart enough to assign IP addresses, and act as a switch between your LAN hardware (your iMac and printer, for example). When you connect it up, you'll need to tell the iMac to renew its DHCP address, and probably do the same to the printer, but after that you should be able to print to the laser without any major problems.

[OreoCookie]

Yes, I would second the recommendation for a router. Easy to setup, no drivers needed, works with all platforms, etc. etc. etc.

[vtlaw1995]

Ok - on my to do list for tomorrow. What should I look for in the router to make sure I am compatible?

[vtlaw1995]

BTW - Thank you all so much for the info.

A couple of other questions (I really am a computer idiot -but I'm a really good lawyer).

Once I get the router...........

How do I hook everything up? - The only thing I really know how to do is renew the Mac DHCP address, but I am clueless as to the printer etc. I got everything second hand (not really smart but I am a cash poor lawyer) so I don't have a lot of documentation for the computer or the printer.

[OreoCookie]

You don't even have to `renew' your DCHP lease (as long as your iMac is set to get its IP address automatically). Usually router work out of the box (i. e. DHCP is enabled). I suspect that also your printer is set to DHCP (print a status page, that should tell you; if you don't know how to print a status page, download the printer's manual from hp's website).

Just get a router, plug everything into it and try to install the printer. There's a decent chance you don't have to do anything. Once your iMac has an IP address, connect to the printer: find out your IP address (take a look in the System Prefs > Networking) and launch your webbrowser of choice. Your IP address should read something like 10.x.x.x, 172.x.x.x or 192.x.x.x. Assume it's 10.0.0.2 (the last digit should be something other than 1), then enter http://10.0.0.1 in the browser. No matter what the first three numbers are, the last one must be a 1. Then follow the setup documentation of your new browser to enter your internet providers login data. That should connect you to the internet (it might take a minute or two).

[ghporter]

Any commercially available small/home office router is compatible with any Mac and/or PC. Look for multiple LAN ports (they typically have 4). Otherwise, inexpensive works pretty well.

As Oreo says, just plug everything in. Your computers and printers go into LAN ports, and your (eventually repaired/replaced) cable modem goes into the WAN port. You'll probably be able to configure everything you need to configure within about 5 minutes after logging into the router through your browser-the manual will tell you what IP to enter in your browser's address box.

There is NOTHING AT ALL in configuring a router that requires a CD, a "wizard" or any other mumbo-jumbo. A lot of marketing goes into making things incredibly simple for incredibly simple PC users. You don't need any of that. If you don't understand something, just post a question here and we'll make everything clear for you.

The only reason I said you may have to renew your IP lease is that sometimes network devices provide very long lease times, and your Mac won't necessarily detect that it is not connected to the same device anymore. It's a simple procedure (Network Preferences|Built in Ethernet) that takes seconds, and is especially helpful when connecting to a new network device.

[vtlaw1995]

Thank you all, we are up and running for $80.

One problem I did note, the router came with a default wireless off and to configure the router, you had to connect it to the computer through.........you guessed it.......the ethernet port. Thankfully my ex-husband (all around great IT Mac guy) came over with his laptop and configured it for me.

Still having problems with the Strawberry Mac downstairs (no Airport card), the TIVO and the fax, but I figure we'll tackle that over the weekend!

[ghporter]

Congratulations!

Note that almost all (if not absolutely all) wireless routers prefer that configuration be done through a cable-this prevents those unpleasant situations when you make a change and suddenly lose your connection!

One more thing: don't let the cable company charge you for the days you don't have any active cable modems. I am assuming you contacted them right after the lightning strike, so they should understand, but cable companies have a habit of "forgetting" that sometimes customers don't have any service.

[vtlaw1995]

OK, next problem. Strawberry iMac downstairs also appears to have a fried ethernet port. This is my mom's computer and it has no Airport card........

Replace port or install card?