"Network problem."

I am trying to network Mac with a 5 year old Compaq. I am using a cable modem and a 5 port Linksys router. This is mainly to share the cable internet connection. The Mac works just fine. The PC will not connect to the internet. No matter WHAT i do. I have it set up to automatically discover all settings and addresses. But when trying to open a website it says it "detecting proxy settings," and then gives me the dns error- can't find server. On the router the light for Link/Act is lit, but the light for "100" is not. What could this mean? Please help!

Did you get a second I.P. from your cable company? If you have not you will not be able to connect to the internet. If you are trying to split your line to the internet with the router you will find that the performance is very poor best to get a switched hub and second i.p. Your service from the cable company is based on MAC addresses which come from your network cards. If you still want to use the router to split your line, your router will need to be set up with the address of the card on your cable account and the defult gateway. As it is now your mac computer is the one with the mac address for the account that is why it runs no problem to the internet.