Mac OSX 10.3

Click on the Apple Menu (top left side of the screen) > System Preferences > Network

Set Location to: Automatic [Fig. 1]
Set Show to: Built-in Ethernet (or any other ethernet device you are using)


Figure 1

Check that the Lock at the bottom left side of the window is open [See above Fig. 1]. If it shows Locked [Fig 2], ["TCP/IP", "PPPoE"... tabs dimmed] you will need to unlock it by entering in an administrative username and password to continue modifying settings.


Figure 2

Select "TCP/IP" and make sure "Configure IPv4" is "Using DHCP", *** if it has selected "Using PPP" then proceed to the step Disabling PPPoE ***

If your Apply Now button is not dimmed please click on it to allow your computer to grab a proper IP address from the server, or else click on "Renew DHCP Lease" ("Renew DHCP Lease" will only show up in OSX 10.3 or above!)

Check the IP Address to make sure you do not have a blank address or a 169.xx.xx.xx, If you have a router you may have a 192.xx.xx.xx address or a 10.xx.xx.xx address or 172.xx.xx.xx address depending on your router setup, If you get a 192.xx.xx.xx address and you don't have a router then check your cable modem for a button that will allow you place the modem into or out of a Stand-by/Hold/Sleep Mode.