I wish it was that easy

unfortunately, it's a regular patch cable...

Here's some other info real quick (in case it helps)

-Windows XP Pro
-3com nic card w/ a netgear hub..
-currently the only 2 devices on the ethernet network
-computer also has a dsl modem
-owner is willing to try ANYTHING to get this to work again.

Thanks again,
-Teo