Socket problem

I am helping my friend setting up PC for internet connection through
ADSL. He installed NIC and attempted to access the modem(router built
in) but could not. He contacted techsupport and went through every
possible trouble shooting steps and then was told it is Windows socket
problem. The techsuport suggested that my friend should call Microsoft.
Problem is ping never go through. The network adapter as shown in
Device Manager looks fine. TCP/IP stack looks OK(Uninstall/Install were
done twice). The modem worked fine with my portable PC which was brought
to his place.
Does anyone have suggestion for me to try?

Kaz