Thanks for always being there trying to help.

I did what some of you suggested. I formatted the harddisk and installed a
MS original
Windows XP Pro on the HP desktop 4400+ dual core AMD. Instread of being
stuck with the overloaden Windows xp by HP..

It installed OK but before going any further I wanted to establish a
connection to the Internet and E-mail. but the new installlation did not
create a Local Area Connection and having tried the Wizard a number of times
did also not create the Local Area Connection..But I now succeeded with a
Microsoft Local area connection called "Microsoft Loopback Adapter"

I am using a Westall6100 DSL modem and D-link wireless, both of which work,
because I am sending you this message from the laptop.With those 2 pieces of
hardware.

I have called HP and Verizon but as usual, it is the other guy's fault and
the help was useless.

In the device Manager it shows only the 1394 Connection, not a local area
connection. But again. it does show the Microsoft Loopback Adapter.

How do I proceed from here?