Wired network problems - no network address assigned?
 

So, I started up my desktop the other day and was delighted to find that the network connection isn't working. It says "Limited or no connectivity" due to the network not assigning a network address to my computer. This is really odd, considering I haven't had this problem in the past and nothing has changed. The only thing I can think of is that my computer was off a lot more than normal since I was away at college and only used it occasionally when I came home on the weekends. A couple weeks ago I came home and it didn't work, and I'm just now getting to it since finals are over.

When I view Network Connection Details, there's an IP address (although it's much different than the typical 192.168.x.x one I remember it being), Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway. The DNS Server and WINS Server are blank; I'm assuming that's the problem.

I'm running Windows XP, whatever the final Service Pack was. My computer is connected via wire to a switch, which is connected via wire to a Belkin router, model F5D7230-4. My router's DHCP Server Function is on. I've tried Winsockfix in hopes that might remedy it, but no luck.

Some stuff that I learned from doing IT work for a year is do the easy stuff first.

Try updating the driver for the network card.

Unplug the router and switch. Plug the switch in after the router is completely back up.

Maybe try a different cord.

Try to log on to the switch or router to see if anything has changed.

Sometimes sleep modes require some PCs to restart the Network Cards (i.e. Disable/Enable or reboot) to get them to start working.

You've probably tried most of these but they are worth another try just to make sure it's not just a quick fix.