How do I configure a LAN if Vista won't load?

Do I need to create a log file (and set path) to use the netsh interface ip set or ip add commands?
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It almost smells like a security issue, but it does say "Administrator: X:\windows\system32\cmd.exe" in the title bar of the command prompt window. Still, anytime I try to change the status quo using netsh I get, "The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect." I can use netsh to view things with no problem and if I make a typo. I get a totally different error message.
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I want to link to a Toshiba Satellite with Vista on it (on it, but unusable). The only IP interface that exists is a loopback one with a 127 address.
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I'm trying to create a LAN interface, but even when I type-in exactly the examples provided when I ask, "netsh interface ip set address ?" or "netsh interface ip add address ?", I get the "filename, directory, volume....incorrect" BS.
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I'm curious as to why no default LAN interface is listed when I use ip show addresses. This Toshiba can't load Windows explorer right now (I'm guessing the battery went dead during an update. Not sure. Not my machine.) which is why I have to use command prompt. Do the network configurations get loaded only when Windows loads the desktop and everything? Can I even use the network card under recovery mode? (What can I find out about the network card without using a screwdriver, butter knife, or GUI?)