Ethernet messed up after installing webcam

[Clever]

After installing a webcam, my friend's internet stopped working and the computer said Ethernet wasn't properly configured. She can't connect to the internet anymore.

First, what's an Ethernet controller? What's an Ethernet adapter? and wth went wrong?

My friend tried unplugging the modem and plugging it back in but that didn't work. I really don't understand the internet information on ethernet so i don't really know how to help her.

[Southern]

An Ethernet Controller is the driver set responsible for configuring and controlling the Ethernet Adaptor, which is the hardware that you use for connecting to a LAN or broadband cable.

Right, first get your cables straight: Modem stuff is for 56K/Dial Up internet, whilst Ethernet is for broadband cable. The connectors are different, so figure out what it is you're messing around with.

It all depends how your friend's Internet is connected to her computer, is it through a LAN gateway (router or hub of some kind) or directly to the internet via a Cable Modem?? The Internet Connection Wizard in Windows XP is good for setting things up properly without going through all the options at once as long as you know what options to chose based on the connection types. Relax, it's not that tricky really! Just go to the network options in Windows and click "create a new connection" and follow the instructions.

Oh yeah, if you keep unplugging and plugging things in, you're liable to make the hardware forget its configuration details, so I wouldn't advise you to do that!