I am posting this from another PC.
My Dell laptop XP SP 3 states on control panel/network: "Network Connection Service is enabled" .. no network, no Internet etc.
I had problems with a printer and followed HP's advise and performed 1 or 2 changes at MSCONFIG .... I believe the settings are now again in the position before the changes, however, I am no 100% sure.
Unfortunately, I have NO past recovery point. Any chances to bring the network running again, without loading the whole XP operating system?
Thanks for any help ... I have already taken some Aspirin.

Added: Some other programs are also not running "help and support", "set up a network" ....

OK, may be my question was dumb or very difficult to answer .. here is another question ... it can actually answered with YES or NO:
Can I load MS XP again on my laptop and still keep all other data? I have a MS XP CD. Dell also has a "recovery" on the laptop, but that will probably erase all data. Thanks.

Added:
Found this "If you have the Windows XP installation CD (it's more rare, but some PCs ship with this), you can boot to the CD and begin the system reinstall process. Though you can sometimes choose to keep your personal files, and only restore critical Windows system files, this process is an advanced technique."

here: http://www.andybrain.com/archive/mb/...em-restore.htm

I don't know how familiar you are with Windows, though if you go into Device Manager does the computer even see the network cards as attached?

Based on a similar situation with a friend recently - before you start reinstalling the OS or driving yourself insane with other options, check the physical machine for a switch for wireless network.
If that switch is in the proper position, then also try a plug based solution.

Should those two things *not* solve the problem, then go ahead with other options.
It really can be the simplest things sometimes.

Reinstalling windows is probably not neccessary. Have you tried to reconfigure your network connections from scratch?

Are you connected to a wireless network, or a wired Ethernet network, or directly connected to a cable/DSL modem?
Are there any other computers on the network? Are they connected OK?

redburgundy:
The Dell laptop with the problem "Network Connection Service is enabled" is connected to a wireless router ... like the laptop I am writing right now.... and then connected to a cable modem. The network is working, the Dell laptop with the problem is not.

adambadam:
Yes, the laptop can see the wireless network card ... I have checked My Computer, Device Manager.

callie-girl:
This laptop doesn't have such a switch, my other has ... but thanks.

Mr. camp:
I can't start the Network Setup Wizard ... I get nothing or something like "...system service is not running..".... I get this even when I want to run Help, Support. I also got once "Network Connection Service is enabled" when I wanted to start install a new connection. It's a mess ... and I can not find an earlier recovery point ... the calender shows only November and only 11/22/2008, 12:00PM, when I made the first changes with MSCONFIG. I will try to recover to this recovery point ... may be it helps ... it can't harm, it's already a mess.

Most programs are running fine, some bring error messages or are "empty" ... like AVG anti virus, Windows Defender "0x800106ba" missing. Problem is mentioned here http://support.microsoft.com/kb/931849 and I have removed Windos defender for now.

Anyway, thanks to all.

adambadam:

A small icon even shows: "D-Link Airplus - No Connect" ... that's the installed network card.

BTW, I went back to the oldest recovery point (11/22/2008, 12:00PM), which was offered. Same problems. Unfortunately, the system doesn't show older recovery points. There might be some in October or so, but the system shows only November ... even when I click "back"

I finally got the Dell Laptop running again .. with Dell's website.

This gave me the hint:

================================================== =
Click Start and then click Control Panel.

Click Switch to Classic View in the upper-left corner when available.

Double-click Administrative Tools.

Double-click Computer Management.

Click the plus button to the left of Services and Applications.

Double-click Wireless Zero Configuration.

Choose Automatic from the drop down menu next to Startup Type:, and the click the Start button.

Click Apply and the OK.================================================== =

Actually 50+ services/programs "Services and Applications" showed "enabled" and I switched them to "automatic", some to "manual". I have no idea how this could have changed. I am happy Mrs. USAFAN's Laptop is running again!

Glad it got resolved. Hope it works out nicely from here.