Question : Internet connection for clean xp sp0 installation

I just did a clean renstall of XP (2002, for which I have a legal CD) on an old but operational PC.  I have copies of the SP1a, 2, and 3 upgrades or thought I did - thought I had what I needed even without MS support.

The fresh reinstall won't access the Internet (there are at least two other quirks) and the SP1a upgrade requires internet access.  IE starts OK. The Network Connection and Internet Connection Wizards run through to Finish but still no web access.   My FIOS connection is working fine-using it right now.

Manuals and help sites assume that the wizards are all you need.  

Please, may I have some suggestions.

Gar

Answer : Internet connection for clean xp sp0 installation

silly question, but have you installed the NIC driver of the machine you are using?
are you using a desktop/laptop and is it branded or homebrew? (reason for asking is to point you in the right direction of a driver if that is the issue)