Here are some things I would check. What version of PicKit3 are you using to flash the conductor? I believe you need to use v1 from the Wiki. Are you connecting directly from the PC to the etherdongle? If so, you may want to try a cross-over cable. Some older PCs will not auto detect and switch. Also, try to disable you Windows Firewall. This will ensure that packets from the Etherdongle are not being blocked. If you have more than one network adaptor (wireless) disable wireless. Check the battery on the RTC.