A 169.254.x.x is an APIPA address.
Either you don't have connectivity, or the DHCP server is refusing service. Is there a DHCP log that you can check on the server?
If no clues from the server, check the LSP / Winsock subsystem.
If XP RTM or Service Pack 1:
1. Backup and delete the following registry keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock2
2. Reboot.
3. Open the network connections folder, right click your network connection, and click Properties.
4. Click Install | Protocol | Add.
5. Click "Have Disk...", type "\windows\inf" in the box, and click OK.
6. Click "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)", then click OK.
7. Reboot.
If XP SP2:
1. Start - Run - "cmd".
2. Type "netsh winsock reset catalog" into the command window.
Give LSP-Fix <
WinsockFix <
or WinsockXPFix <
a shot.
If no help yet, reset TCP/IP.
Start - Run - "cmd". Type "netsh int ip reset c:\netsh.txt" into the command window.
Cheers,
Chuck
Paranoia is not necessarily a bad thing - it's a normal response to experience.