We were given a used laptop a couple of years ago and until about a week ago it worked just fine. We did research online, we had email accounts. Now, we cannot access the internet and have no email. When clicking on the diagnostics icon, here are some of the error messages: 1. problems with the ethernet cable. Is it securely connected? Damaged? We have never used an eternet cable and do not know what they are used for, nor even what they look like. 2. On wireless connection, the error messages are something like this: Cannot connect to HTTP, HTTPS, FTP (and a couple of other things) so check your modem. The modem info says it is working fine. 3. Your network connection is not working. Our router is working as well as ever. Windows XP, SP2, IE8. Questions: we talked to folks at a computer store and were told that without Ethernet cable we could not access the internet nor use email. What do we say to that when in fact we have used both the web and received email on this laptop since we have had it? Have we just had a streak of freaky good luck? 2. we were told to purchase a modem that is wireless and that will take care of both our desk tops as well as the laptop. Again, we have always used just what we now have. If this post makes sense to anyone, please advise. Should we buy another laptop? How have we possibly used this laptop since about '08 with never a problem and with never an ethernet cable and without a wireless modem? We are confused more than usual. TIA Rick and Rana