Laptop won't connect to internet

[compEngineer]

I just got a HP Pavillion dv9000z, but I can't get it to connect to internet through the nvidia nforce wired connection. i keep getting limited or no connectivity warning. i have a cable modem that connects to a linksys switch. my main desktop and my laptop connect through the switch, but I can't get my laptop to work. any ideas? thanks.

[fffreak]

try updating your drivers. check crossover cable connections to make sure they are secure, and check the cable itself for defects.

[compEngineer]

the drivers are updated and all cables are brand new. is there a difference between a regular cable and a crossover? i'm just using cat5e and a linksys switch. thanks.

[Rob Pomeroy]

I think fffreak is a bit confused about the term "crossover".  Yes a crossover cab;e is different from a straight through ethernet cable, but no, you don't need one.

You could try manually configuring your laptop's IP settings - do you know how to do that?  You might want to read the networking FAQ - see my signature.

[compEngineer]

yeah i know how, but i didn't really want to have to do that because my internet connection changes. sometimes i'm at my parents house and other times at my apt. it happens in both places though and seems to be a problem connecting to dhcp according to ipconfig.

[Rob Pomeroy]

At least if you try manual settings, you'll know what's at fault.

[compEngineer]

k, i'll try that then