Connects with DSL Modem - Not with Cable Modem

[alphanumeric]

Running ipconfig/release, ipconfig/renew might have got it working. If the laptop has built in wireless installing a wireless router may be the way to go. If the HP also has WIFI you could then ditch the network cables.

 

[boweasel]

Yeah, I was going to take a router over to his house, since his HP tower has wireless capability and I'd already made sure that it worked that way at my house. But his antagonism toward the HP Omni has effectively quashed that, at least foe now.

I just think that somehow the fact his PC always locks up on the starting Windows screen after it's been without power for 10 minutes is a significant part of the problem.

 

[alphanumeric]

That locking up isn't normal that's for sure. Running diagnostics on the hard drive and RAM might be in order. You may want to mention to him that the Router will add a hardware firewall between his PC's and the Internet. Right now his PC is wide open to anybody that wants to try a probe it for openings.