Cable Internet Service Down - Possible lightning strike!! - ISP No Help!!! - What do I do?

Question

Saturday night, we had a thunderstorm, but I was surfing the net just fine. I left the PC for awhile, we had a big lightning strike, at which time, I'm sure I heard a "pop" noise in the apartment. When I returned to the PC, my cable internet service didn't work anymore. I called my ISP, but they say they did a "remote test" of my cable modem. They say the modem checks out fine and that it's my problem. I notice that now in my system tray, I get a message stating that a network cable is unplugged. I tried to install a new network card, but it doesn't work through that card either. All other functions of the PC work properly.

Anyone have any idea what might have happened or how I can fix it?... Other than get a new ISP :)

Answer 1

not realy. there was no strike around me lately, and my modem is malfunctioning too. that pop may be a blown circit.

Answer 2

The problem could still be their modem.  While they can test that the modem works, they cant test that the jack is functional that you plug into.

Have you done the "sniff test". Sniff the modem and see if you smell anything.  Also sniff your computer.  If something popped it likely had an odor.  If you tell them the modem has an odor they will come do a service call.  You can always say it doesn't smell anymore.  :)

Answer 3

Can you log onto your modem? Can you ping the modem? Can you see the modem's welcome page? If not request service. Most ISP's will send out a tech for a service call. The modem belongs to them, generally, and they are responsible for the service. The lightening strike may have reset the modem and you may need to input the IP addresses and such.

Dealing with most Indian help desks is the hardest part of being a tech. Completely incompetent, arrogant  b***s.

You say you put in a new NIC, is it configured properly? Hare you replaced your cables, ethernet that is. I would try that too if all else fails.

Cheers