Computer Hope

Internet & Networking => Networking => Topic started by: JulieMills on August 02, 2010, 03:14:54 AM

Title: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: JulieMills on August 02, 2010, 03:14:54 AM
Firstly, I'm not a techie... so bear with me!
My laptop is saying I'm connected to my wireless router, but I am unable to access the internet  ???
I've just returned from holiday and was using my laptop whilst away, but have since been unable to get back on my home network.
I'm using Windows 7.
Any help welcomed!
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on August 02, 2010, 03:24:11 AM
Quick test, unplugnyour router's power cable for about 20 seconds and connect to it again, see if your interner connection returns.
I sometimes get the same problem. Just gotta restart the router.

If it works, let us know.
If not, well, let us know too. ;)
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: JulieMills on August 02, 2010, 03:53:26 AM
It worked briefly - on a linksys network (which isn't my default), but has disconnected again....
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: JulieMills on August 02, 2010, 03:59:36 AM
Duplicate post.
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: grandpa_simpson on August 02, 2010, 04:33:29 AM
Do you have a cable you can use to connect to the router, instead of wireless, just to confirm the problem is exclusive to wi-fi ?
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: JulieMills on August 02, 2010, 04:40:32 AM
I'm using the same network to access my cable connected pc, so the problem definitely is a wi-fi one...
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: grandpa_simpson on August 02, 2010, 05:26:44 AM
I'm not sure what you mean by that..  Is the other computer able to connect to the Internet ?




Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on August 02, 2010, 05:33:24 AM
Just to clarify, wired and wireless both have the problem?

On any computer, go to Command Prompt and type the follow
Code: [Select]
ipconfig /allAnd press Enter.

Post the Default Gateway. We may need this.
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: JulieMills on August 02, 2010, 06:52:25 AM
I have a desktop that is connected via cable and a laptop which is wi-fi - the desktop is working fine, but the laptop is connected but has no internet access.
I'll key in the config details from the lap top....
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on August 02, 2010, 07:11:09 AM
Oh so the desktop computer is always connected, whereas the wireless laptop periodically loses connection?
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: grandpa_simpson on August 02, 2010, 07:11:20 AM
Ok good..  We've confirmed that the router is indeed working and there is a working Internet connection.  

Now we need to make sure you got a connection to the dhcp server (in your case, the router) and that the router is rendering you an IP address. Next step is to do what Carbon said...   Click START, type "RUN" into the search box, when it shows up in the menu click on it.. type   CMD  into the RUN dialoge box and press enter..

type IPCONFIG at the prompt and press enter..

Does is show a default gateway address, IP address, and subnet mask ?
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: JulieMills on August 02, 2010, 07:47:25 AM
This is from the desktop pc:

        Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : D525JF1J
        Primary Dns Suffix  . . . . . . . :
        Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Hybrid
        IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
        WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
        DNS Suffix Search List. . . . . . : home

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

        Connection-specific DNS Suffix  . : home
        Description : Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller
        Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-0F-1F-5D-ED-D3
        Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
        Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
        IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.70
        Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
        Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.254
        DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.254
        DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.254
        Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : 02 August 2010 10:46:16
        Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : 03 August 2010 10:46:16



This is from the laptop:


        Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . :
        Primary Dns Suffix  . . . . . . . :
        Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Hybrid
        IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
        WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
        DNS Suffix Search List. . . . . . : home

Wireless LAN adapter Wireless Network Connection 2:

Media State : media disconnected
Description : Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter
Physical Address: 2A-81-58-F0-F0-3C
Dhcp Enabled: Yes
Auto configuration Enabled : Yes

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:
Media state: Media disconnected
Connection-specific DNS Suffix:
Description: Marvell Yukon 88E8059 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller
Physical Address: 00-24-BE-BC-AB-8F
DHCP Enabled: YES
Auto configuration Enabled: Yes

Wireless LAN adapter Wireless Network Connection:
Connection-specific DNS suffix: home
Description: Atheros AR9285 Wireless Network Adapter
Physical Address: 2C-81-58-F9-F0-3C
Link-local IPv6 address: fe80 : : c42a : 5da9 : e09f : 2eb8%11 (preferred)
IPv4 address: 192.168.1.68 (preferred)
Subnet Mask : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.1.254
DHCP server: 192.168.1.254
DHCPv6 IAID: 184559198

There's more info, but I'm manually keying it in... :( Hopefully the above will be helpful in the meantime...
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: Allan on August 02, 2010, 07:50:12 AM
If you were using it while you were away the network is set up to use the wireless connection that no longer exists. Go into Network Settings and choose your wireless connection as the default.
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on August 02, 2010, 07:53:32 AM
Yep, and make sure your network has top priority in the list.


Quick Q, have you tried the laptop via Internet cable to make sure it's not a laptop problem?

In addition to that, can you tell us the model number of your router.
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: JulieMills on August 02, 2010, 08:10:16 AM
My network is showing as my default (and is top of the list) - saying connected, but no internet...?
I haven't tried using a cable to connect, but will...
I'm not sure how I get my router model number.... It's a BTHomeHub.2.0 if that helps?
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on August 02, 2010, 08:22:00 AM
Interesting....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BT_Home_Hub

Neve heard of such devices until now. Router combined with phone....



If you look here, is it e same problem you're having?

http://www.fmforums.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=112966
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: grandpa_simpson on August 02, 2010, 08:27:04 AM
My intent on using a cable was to help determine whether there is a working Internet connection.  The other computer works with the cable so there is certainly Internet connectivity and the cable is not needed.  If the laptop is able to connect using a cable, we still have to get the wi-fi fixed. 

We've now determined that you are recieving an IP address from the router, but no Internet connectivity..

Restart the computer and tap F8 until you see "advanced boot options", select "safe mode with networking" and press enter.. When it boots up, try connecting to the Internet with wi-fi..
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on August 02, 2010, 08:28:56 AM
Did wifi adapters work in Safe Mode? I thougt they were disabled?
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: grandpa_simpson on August 02, 2010, 08:37:29 AM
yes, "safe mode with networking" loads the necessary drivers for networking..   :)      Including wi-fi drivers


edit: safe mode with networking really doesn't fix anything either... even if it works, it only serves as a basic referrence as to what is wrong... (SOFTWARE)

Virus scans and a good software shake-down will need to be done



Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: JulieMills on August 02, 2010, 08:40:12 AM
Restart the computer and tap F8 until you see "advanced boot options", select "safe mode with networking" and press enter.. When it boots up, try connecting to the Internet with wi-fi..
When you say restart the computer, I'm presuming you meant laptop (the one that I can't get connected?  I rebooted but the F8 function did nothing...?
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: Allan on August 02, 2010, 08:40:57 AM
can you ping?
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: JulieMills on August 02, 2010, 08:42:31 AM
can you ping?
I don't know how! I told you all, I'm totally out of my comfort zone here!
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: JulieMills on August 02, 2010, 08:44:31 AM

Virus scans and a good software shake-down will need to be done

My McAfee is disabled on the laptop too - so no virus scanning!
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: JulieMills on August 02, 2010, 08:47:51 AM
I don't know how! I told you all, I'm totally out of my comfort zone here!
No, I can't ping - saying ping request could find host.
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: grandpa_simpson on August 02, 2010, 08:52:44 AM
My McAfee is disabled on the laptop too - so no virus scanning!

When we get to that, we'll cross that bridge... no worry for now

I'm sure she can ping because she is getting valid ip address from the router... Wouldn't hurt to check though..

Try getting into Safe Mode with networking and ping from there...  Try again.. Restart and immediately tap F8 until you see alternate options... select safe mode with networking...     
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: Allan on August 02, 2010, 08:54:52 AM
Okay. First, I am not a fan of McAfee. But it's better than nothing and you should not be running your system without an active antivirus utility. Also, as CD suggested above please try a wired connection to your modem and let's make sure that works.
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: grandpa_simpson on August 02, 2010, 08:57:36 AM
No, I can't ping - saying ping request could find host.

guess I missed that....    It could be viruses or software
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on August 02, 2010, 08:58:09 AM
My advice for a first step; try wired.
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: JulieMills on August 02, 2010, 09:02:35 AM
@Grandpa Simpson - I'm in F8 - I was too slow last time...   - what now???!
I think your now all trying to tell me to plug in ;D I will do it now!
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: grandpa_simpson on August 02, 2010, 09:06:15 AM
Well since your there, don't plug in, YET... Try connecting with wi-fi..   Make sure you select Safe Mode with Networking


I can feel it, this is going to be a six-pager   8)

Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: JulieMills on August 02, 2010, 09:08:32 AM
I haven't plug in yet, had to find the charger for my laptop - let's make that a 7 pager!!
Ok, back to safe mode then...
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: grandpa_simpson on August 02, 2010, 09:10:26 AM
Safe Mode with Networking !!

Once you boot up, try connecting with wi fi
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: JulieMills on August 02, 2010, 09:14:24 AM
In safe mode WITH NETWORKING and the song is the same - it's saying I'm connected to the HomeHub (router), but I have no internet access  ???
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: grandpa_simpson on August 02, 2010, 09:20:51 AM
What's the make/model of the laptop ?


 


I have to go for now... be back later, if you haven't fixed it...  Post your specs..


Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: Allan on August 02, 2010, 09:27:42 AM
Please try the wired connection.
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: JulieMills on August 02, 2010, 12:40:08 PM
Can't get online with wired connection as I'm not sure of passwords, etc to set up a new connection.
The make/model of my laptop is: Sony Vaio VPCEB1EOE
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: Allan on August 02, 2010, 12:59:35 PM
you shouldn't need a password to set up a connection. It should just be plug & play.
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: JulieMills on August 02, 2010, 01:22:48 PM
Just tried again and it's not recognising the connection....?
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: grandpa_simpson on August 02, 2010, 04:09:42 PM
Download this (WinsockFix) from another computer and put it on a thumb drive..

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/Network-Tweak/WinSockFix.shtml

Run it on the problem laptop, reboot and try connecting via wifi

Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: grandpa_simpson on August 02, 2010, 05:49:09 PM
btw, what did you ping earlier ?

It wouldn't make any sense to trying pinging a website, but pinging the default gateway would determine a certain level of functionality..

PING 192.168.1.254


is what you should have done...
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: JulieMills on August 03, 2010, 12:21:55 AM
btw, what did you ping earlier ?

It wouldn't make any sense to trying pinging a website, but pinging the default gateway would determine a certain level of functionality..

PING 192.168.1.254


is what you should have done...
Pinging IP worked - what does that tell us (by us I mean you, it clearly tells me nothing!)
I'm not sure what a thumb drive is  ???
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: grandpa_simpson on August 03, 2010, 01:01:06 AM
Pinging IP worked -

That confirms that you don't have a hardware problem anywhere.  This is clearly a software problem...  A thumb drive is a flash drive, you know, those little memory sticks that you store on your keychain ?  They have a million names and they go into a USB port.

Download that program from another computer, put it on a thumb drive, walk it over to your problem laptop and run WinsockFix, reboot the comupter and try connecting via wifi...   If it doesn't work, the only other thing I can suggest is using a bootable anti-virus program to check for viruses or backing up all your data and reinstalling...  I don't think it's worth putting much more time into..
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: JulieMills on August 03, 2010, 01:16:27 AM
I'll give all that a go then! Many thanks  :)
Title: Re: Connected, but unable to access internet...?
Post by: grandpa_simpson on August 03, 2010, 01:22:32 AM
yep     :)