how do i reconnect the network cable?

i recently cleaned the registry on my acer aspire 9300 laptop that runs vista.
i used registry mechanic and ever since then i am not able to connect to the internet. i only connected one time. i went to the network connections window and under the two icons there it says network cable unplugged.

my dads laptop and my moms desktop computer both get internet.
so idk what the problem could be.
can anyone help?

re: how do i reconnect the network cable?

This implies that the network cable is unplugged, so check if it's plugged in on both sides (PC and wall outlet). The cable could also be broken. If that's not the problem, try checking the Link Speed & Duplex settings of your network adapter. Make sure they're on Auto.

Steven

re: how do i reconnect the network cable?

This message appears when there is no recognizable signal over the cable, so check up on both cable connections and networking devices (modems, routers..) you may have. If another laptop can connect through the same connection, then it's obviously not the problem.

If that doesn't help you or you are certain that it's not a connection problem, try going into "Safe Mode with Networking" to ensure it's not some firewall or malware issue. While you are on it, make sure you have all drivers properly installed. You haven't disabled your onboard LAN card in the BIOS have you?

If you still run into problems, get yourself some 'nix LiveCD and check if you can connect to the network with it. If you can connect with the LiveCD, then your OS is busted and you should make a clean install.

If you still can't pinpoint the issue, then I hope you PC is still in waranty because your hardware is likely to be malfunctioning.

re: how do i reconnect the network cable?

"If you can connect with the LiveCD, then your OS is busted and you should make a clean install."

I would first uninstall you network card and reinstall the drivers from scratch. This is usually a lot easier and quicker than reinstalling the OS. You can also try a windows repair which may fix some other issues and save you from having to back everything up and reinstalling.