How are the 2 computers connected to the cable?  Usually, a single cable modem
is the portal or connection to the cable, with a router then directing traffic
to each pc via wireless or cat5 cable.
.
In NY, it's illegal to sell something 'used' as new unless labeled.  One option
would to return it to the store and request a sealed unit.  However, many
machines are delivered with sample documents, photos, etc. that look like
genuine letters or photos.
.
Second option, most pc's today come with a cd that will automatically restore
the hard drive to 'as-delivered' condition by erasing and restoring everything.
  This will remove the word documents and other traces of a previous owner, and
reset factory settings.  You would then need to reinstall any software you added
and redo your cable setup.  That may be the cleanest way to clear up your
problems.  If you created your own files and documents, you may want to copy
them to floppies, etc. first.  They will be deleted in this process.
.
Third option is to contact the cable providers help desk for assistance in
checking settings and software.  You may also need to contact the router people
to check that setup.

Dan & Debb Smith wrote:

> Hi!
> I am a novice pc user (read...did not have computers in high school...) and don't know where to turn to get help for my problem.
>
>  Recently I upgraded my computer to a HP Pavillion a265c.  At the same time, I changed internet providers from a modem to a high speed cable connection.  I have a router installed and have my old computer also linked to the cable connection in another area of my home.  My problem is that on the new computer, I am constantly getting 'knocked off' the internet.  The other day my husband was on the internet for approximately 1/2-hour and was knocked off 3 times.  Sometimes you are just taken back to the desktop and are able to re-connect to the internet.  Other times, the computer is frozen and we have to turn it off, then back on (I know that's not good, but we have found no other way to re-boot).  It seems we do not have this problem on our old computer.  I also would like to add that we purchased our new computer from a 'big box' store.  When we brought it home, we think that someone else my have bought it, then returned it as there were some names and addresses on a Word
document that had not been erased from the computer.
>
> Do you have any ideas as to what my next step should be?  Do I contact the HP help desk?  Do I contact my internet provider?
>
> Thanks so much in advance.
>
> Debb Smith
>

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