Have dell system with win98se. Computer restored and now want to connect to comcast internet. Does have nic card. So, how?

Don't I have to configure in the "network" (from control panel)? Please direct me step by step or direct me to website.

Thanks bunch.

First thing I would look at is if the drivers for the NIC are installed. You can find out easily by looking in device manager.

If the drivers are loaded, by default it should be set for DHCP, so all you really need to do is connect a network cable to the NIC and the Cable Modem or router.

Once connected the first thing I would do is install any available Windows updates....if they still exist for 98. Microsoft no longer supports 98, but updates up until the time they stopped support should still be available.

I restored the sys using the restore cd. After it was done, I looked in the device manager and the nic had a question mark. The landline phone (as dial up adapter) was recognized and other things were recognized, but not the nic. I wanted to connect so I can do an update.

Can I get the updates for win98se from microsoft website using different computer that has xp? Is there a site that I can just download the updates? That way I can burn them onto a cd and use that to update the 98 system.

If you're paying Comcast for service, their techs should walk you through the steps to get you back on-line. Once you get service established, go over to dslreports.com and ask for help on tweaking your settings. Win98 was a sloppy OS and broadband ran like crap out of the box. Also look at dell.com for old files for your system and the OS.

OK, you need to find the NIC drivers. Do you know if the card shipped with the computer or was it added on later? If shipped with the computer you might be able to find the drivers on the PC manufacturer's website.

I would remove the card from the PC and look for anything that may identify the manufacturer & model of the card. It's not always marked, but there should be a part number somewhere on the card. There's usually a sticker with some identifying information. Once found, Google the part number and you should be able to find the manufacturer and model number, along with the drivers.

Yes, you can download Windows 98 updates using another computer, burn to CD and install on the 98 computer. I suggest searching the term Auto-Patcher For Windows 98SE

I tried comcast. They said they don't offer support for win98. But they did walk me through the steps a bit. Basically, my nic was not recognized as one of the adapters in the network window from control panel.

I did the update. That was great. However, did not pick up the nic. I have some drivers (?) I was able to download. Will try them.

The Windows Updates typically don't include hardware drivers. You may see them when performing updates via update.microsoft.com, but I never liked installing drivers via Windows update. Sometimes a component will be wrongly identified.

I found the driver for the wired nic. Now to do a full update. Thanks.