Powerbook G3 issues - connecting to home network

[shoozleboy]

My wife has an older G3 Powerbook that had OS9 on it. She recently upgraded to 10.2.x (don't remember what the x was but the Apple site lists her PB model as upgeadable to this OS.) and now I am having EXTREME difficulty getting her PB to connect to the home network.

I use a Linksys cable modem sharing router to split my broadband connection up to several computers and I set the router to act as a DHCP server when it comes to assigning IP's. The PB with OS9 was able to connect up to the network then and get an IP from the Linksys and access the internet without fail. (as is the 2 PC's that are connected to this router)

Since the update to 10.2.x - it has not been able to connect. I have tried to adjust the network settings under the preferences area on the PB to accept a DHCP connection, but it keeps getting some IP that is no where near what is in the assignable range from the Linksys. It also sets the Subnet mask to a different value as well, and does not allow me to change it back unless I select "Manually" set from the drop down box under network prefs.

When I select "Manually" and then set the subnet mask and IP as well as the DNS servers IP's, I still get a 'no server found' error. (when you select manual - it wants DNS entries in that box to be entered as well - I got them from my ISP)

I know there are numerous Mac gurus on here that may be able to help me identify what the problem may be - like where in the hell is the PB getting the strange IP and subnet mask from?? How can I force it to accept the DHCP assigned IP and subnet?

Would one of you guys (or gals) be so kind as to show me the error of my ways here? (besides just opening up the window and chucking the PB as far as I can throw? )

I checked out the Apple site for their FAQ's and forums, and everything they talk about there is the same things I have already tried..... I'm lost now...

Thanks in advance.

[Faustus]

thats pretty messed up right there!

Have you tried running the Airport setup utility to make sure its getting everything right?

Also could there be another network in the area?

[shoozleboy]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that I am connecting through the built in ethernet connector on the PB - not wirelessly.

It was a choice between buying the OS upgrade or the overpriced wireless card that Apple was recommending and the wife chose the upgrade first... we'll go wireless in a few more months when her job status solidifies a bit more. (she has 4 weeks left on this assignment then it's the door - hence the main reason I would like to get her PB back working again for her at home.... )

Unless I'm misinterpreting what the Airport setup is for... it is for wirless networking, correct?

Thanks.

[Faustus]

yeah, if its not airport then no need for the setup.

When you put it on DHCP does it pull an IP at all? If so what IP does it pull?

[shoozleboy]

It does pull an IP... something like 164.x.x.x (not sure of the exact number at the moment but it's outside of the assignable range for my network.) My network assigns from 192.168.x.x with a subnet of 255.255.255.0 - The subnet that shows on the PB is 255.255.0.0.

[Faustus]

Its not 167.xxx.... is it?

[shoozleboy]

it might be.... I would have to check when I get back home this evening to be for certain, but it might be a 167.x.x.x

I was trying to remember from last night what it was and I do remember it starting with the 16x.x.x.x - for some reason I was thinking 164 - but I'll confirm when I get home from work... I was up till midnight last night trying to get it to work and just gave up at that point....

What would the 167.x.x.x mean if it was an IP in that range?

[Faustus]

I can't remember exactly but there is an IP address that is sometimes pulled that means there is a network card issue.

Do a permissions repair if you haven't already, and though it won't likely help this issue flash the PRAM. If problems persist try an Archive and Install of OSX and see if that helps.

Beyond that I dunno, never ran into a problem with mac networking myself.

[shoozleboy]

Will do... I imagine I can get the flash file I need from Apple.com ?

I'm wondering if one of my Linksys ethernet PCMCIA cards would work in a PB? That would give me another port to try at least.... I'll have to search for a driver.

[shoozleboy]

I see a number of updates for 10.2.8 on the apple site - some even mention about ethernet updates....

Question - Can I download these updates to my PC then burn them to a CD that the PB can read? Probably a newbie question, but I've not done that before and since my Mac experience is limited... hence the question.

Thanks again for your help...