All the drivers are in place on the computer, and the service pack is 1. I downloaded service pack a while back onto the computer. But now the computer is back to factory settings it is not there. Boy I hate to do this I am going to ring a guy to come and try to back back online with this computer.
Many thanks for getting me this far.
Michael

Here is one thing to try:

You cannot create a network connection after you restore Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/329441

As a last throw of the dice I rang my cable company yesterday. They said that the cable box was over 7 years old, so they would send me a new box and cable lead. I asked what cable lead they were sending they said a ethernet cable. So I brought one today to try. Hell it works like a good 'en.
I would now like to thank for for all of your help. I am a chocolate maker in my spare time. If you care to give me your address I would like to send you a couple of bars made by myself. It's very good
Michael

Glad to hear all is well. Let us know if we can help further.

Thanks for the sweet offer but I had my sweet tooth removed a while back.

Enjoy it for me!

:freaksmi: