Computer Hope

Internet & Networking => Networking => Topic started by: Warrenisit on February 15, 2012, 10:33:53 PM

Title: Wireless Network Connection doesn't have valid IP configuration
Post by: Warrenisit on February 15, 2012, 10:33:53 PM
Hey, guys.  Got a problem connecting to the internet.  I searched the forums but didn't find the same question so here I am.

I have a brand new computer that has worked fine until I called Comcast and had them mess with the connection due to it being super slow.  When they were done and I was off the phone I couldn't connect at all and when I called Comcast back they said it was a computer problem not their problem so they couldn't help me.  They said this because my other computer is connected just fine to the internet. 

When I try to connect it either says "windows was unable to connect" or "Identifying.... no network access."  After I troubleshoot the problem it tells me  "Wireless Network Connection doesn't have valid IP configuration" but it's also said "Problem with wireless adapter or access point." 

I have restarted the computer a few times.  I have unplugged and restarted my router a few times and I'm still lost.  I'm typing this all on my other computer connected to the same router so I don't think it's the router.  Here's all the computer info (for the computer not connecting of course.)

Windows 7 Home Premium, 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1 Build 7601

HP Pavilion dv7 Notebook PC

8 GB of RAM

Using Avast as an antivirus.


I'm pretty positive this isn't virus or malware related.  I haven't had any signs or symptoms of malware/viruses and haven't been browsing any porn sites with this comp.  Thank you for all the help as always and if you need more info please let me know. 

v/r
Paul
Title: Re: Wireless Network Connection doesn't have valid IP configuration
Post by: Warrenisit on February 15, 2012, 10:50:30 PM
It just connected for a minute then disconnected all by itself.  It only disconnected after browsing for a minute. 
Title: Re: Wireless Network Connection doesn't have valid IP configuration
Post by: Transfusion on February 15, 2012, 10:55:48 PM
"...valid IP configuration..." makes me think that it is something related to your router's DHCP server. Try assigning a static IP to your laptop and see what happens. What is the make and model of your router?
Also, are there any issues with a direct wired connection from the router to the laptop?
Title: Re: Wireless Network Connection doesn't have valid IP configuration
Post by: Warrenisit on February 15, 2012, 11:02:07 PM
Not sure how to assign a static IP but the make and model of the router is NetGear N300 Wireless Router WNR2000 v2 and yes, it does connect to the internet when directly connected to the router.
Title: Re: Wireless Network Connection doesn't have valid IP configuration
Post by: Transfusion on February 15, 2012, 11:09:39 PM
This is how to assign a static IP:
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/19249/how-to-assign-a-static-ip-address-in-xp-vista-or-windows-7/ (http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/19249/how-to-assign-a-static-ip-address-in-xp-vista-or-windows-7/) 
Title: Re: Wireless Network Connection doesn't have valid IP configuration
Post by: Warrenisit on February 15, 2012, 11:32:31 PM
DHCP is not enabled with this computer- Fixed

Alright, I'm connected to the internet again and hopefully it doesn't cut out on me again shortly.  Was that all it took to fix or is there more to it?
Title: Re: Wireless Network Connection doesn't have valid IP configuration
Post by: Transfusion on February 15, 2012, 11:34:10 PM
That probably is all. If you wanna stress-test your connection to the internet you can go to http://www.speedtest.net
Title: Re: Wireless Network Connection doesn't have valid IP configuration
Post by: Warrenisit on February 15, 2012, 11:43:15 PM
As I was typing a thank you reply my connection *censored* the bed again.   ???  Any other thoughts on the problem?
Title: Re: Wireless Network Connection doesn't have valid IP configuration
Post by: Warrenisit on February 15, 2012, 11:44:06 PM
Now the connection came back all by itself.....
Title: Re: Wireless Network Connection doesn't have valid IP configuration
Post by: Transfusion on February 15, 2012, 11:47:57 PM
This is getting odd... if the connection keeps dropping again let us know and we'll have more suggestions...
Title: Re: Wireless Network Connection doesn't have valid IP configuration
Post by: Warrenisit on February 15, 2012, 11:50:21 PM
Yup, it just dropped again but before it drops I have full bars.
Title: Re: Wireless Network Connection doesn't have valid IP configuration
Post by: Warrenisit on February 15, 2012, 11:52:47 PM
Now it's back without me trouble shooting or anything but my other computer has kept a steady connection.
Title: Re: Wireless Network Connection doesn't have valid IP configuration
Post by: Transfusion on February 15, 2012, 11:58:14 PM
So now you have limited connectivity. At least we have a little progress.

Is your router upgraded to the latest firmware?
Does your PC WiFi card have the latest drivers?
Try doing this: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/21132/change-your-wi-fi-router-channel-to-optimize-your-wireless-signal/ (http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/21132/change-your-wi-fi-router-channel-to-optimize-your-wireless-signal/)
Title: Re: Wireless Network Connection doesn't have valid IP configuration
Post by: Salmon Trout on February 16, 2012, 12:08:02 AM
my connection **** the bed again.

Could you avoid language of this type?
Title: Re: Wireless Network Connection doesn't have valid IP configuration
Post by: Warrenisit on February 16, 2012, 12:34:01 AM
Tried doing step by step what the link told me to but it's a bit over my head so I've been unable to complete it.  The computer continues gain and lose connection all on it's own.
Title: Re: Wireless Network Connection doesn't have valid IP configuration
Post by: Warrenisit on February 16, 2012, 12:45:41 AM
Salmon- I'm a grown man as is Transfusion I assume.  If I was using that word derogatorily that would be something but since it is just a word only being used to describe a situation there should be ZERO problem with it.  I've only had awesome help on this site without little trolls telling me what words to use when describing something.  Unless you want to help, please mind your business.  If you don't like what is written simply don't read.  If something is written derogatorily toward or about you or anyone else then please notify an administrator.  I don't expect a reply from you.  I expect you read this, see that there is no problem here, and go about your business.  Thanks
Title: Re: Wireless Network Connection doesn't have valid IP configuration
Post by: Transfusion on February 16, 2012, 01:12:21 AM
I'm a grown man as is Transfusion I assume.
I'm not... ;)  but I do have a brain, am not retarded, and don't go spewing profanity all over people in public. Besides, there is always the option to automatically censor such words in your Account settings. I think we should not derail this conversation with unnecessary nitpicking on morality issues and go back to the topic.

Since your other PC works fine with your router, and your WiFi card has problems even with DHCP enabled, it may possibly be a hardware issue. Does your laptop work fine with other access points, like in Starbucks?

If the problem turns out to be with your WiFi card, then you can either replace it, which will involve voiding your warranty, or you can get an add-on Expresscard WiFi module: http://www.expresscard.org/web/site/cons_wtb.jsp#wila or you can get a USB WiFi card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833328012 Of course, we will focus on fixing your internal card first.
Title: Re: Wireless Network Connection doesn't have valid IP configuration
Post by: Raymond Jim Min on March 20, 2013, 07:07:28 PM
I followed the above
Reply #4 on: February 15, 2012, 11:09:39 PM »
 Quote

This is how to assign a static IP:
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/19249/how-to-assign-a-static-ip-address-in-xp-vista-or-windows-7/

It works fine with me on my Window 7. Thanks