Router will not give a workable I.P. address--

[spaceman_333]

Howdy,

I have a home network based around a Linksys BEFSR41 V.2 Router/ 4 port switch and a Comcast cable connection. All are using either Win98 or Win98se O/S.

For the past couple of weeks, I am unable to get workable I.P. addresses from my router to the ethernet cards in several of my computers. My hobby is building/repairing "vintage" computers for my family and friends. So for the past year or so, it's been great to just plug in, connect, and download with great speed.

All of these computers have NIC's that are correctly installed and have been on my network at one time or another. Now, when I plug one in----all I keep getting is the Windows default I.P. address 169.248.12.17. Of course, it won't connect. I change the I.P. in the Network Properties Config and still it's a no go. My router is not seeing the computer that I trying to connect.

I can plug in a USB to Ethernet adapter and it works great!! Valid I.P. addresses and instant connections with any and all computers.

It works with the NIC's in two of my computers....my wife's and my main personal computer and they both have ethernet cards.

Your help and advice will be greatly appreciated.

I guess my question is, "How do I get this thing to give the computers with NIC's a valid I.P. address?"

Spaceman