Wireless connection but cannot connect directly with LAN cable

Question

Hi, I'm posting here as I have had success in the past. This is a bit of an unusual enquiry as it seems that most people have the reverse problem. About a year ago I set up a Netgear Wireless router to supply my Inspiron with internet access. I am with Virgin (at the time Telewest) and have had no problems. Recently I have wanted to change the encryption details for my router (so we can get a DS connected to Wifi), can't remember my password and need to reset the router. Before doing so I wanted to check I could still connect to the internet directly through my modem and found a problem. Basically: when my modem (Motorola Surfboard 4200) has its ethernet cable plugged into my Netgear router I can connect wirelessly with good speeds, no problems. BUT if I unplug the ethernet cable from my router and plug it into my PC, my Local Area Network Connection only ever reads: 'Acquiring network address' followed by 'Limited or no connectivity' which means I cannot browse the internet. If I unplug the LAN cable from my PC and plug it straight back into the wireless router I am browsing the internet again immediately. I have also tried plugging the modem directly into my PC with the USB cables and receive the same message. I tried the same with m girlfriend's PC and get the same problem (though her PC is a HP). We are both running Windows XP and as far as I can tell we haven't got SP2 running (though I don't know how to check this). Does anyone have any suggestions?

MRF4700 · Answer

Are you power cycling your network each time after switching the cables, or components?

momentsawayfrom · Answer

Hi, I have tried connecting with and without a power cycle and on both ocassion it works through my wireless and not through my PC. Really confused!

MRF4700 · Answer

If you've never configured your Inspiron for a ethernet connection before, try running the Network Connection wizard. If that's not the problem, check the Internet protocol (TCP/IP) Properties to see that the connection is acquiring IP and DNS addresses automatically. Also, check the Device Manager to see if there are any driver conflicts for the connection?

dbramlet · Answer

In addition to MRF4700  suggestions make sure the onboard network card is enabled. Many times people disable this to get wireless.

momentsawayfrom · Answer

Thanks for your suggestions guys, I ran the Network Connection wizard and have managed to get everything working again. I have recently had to replace my hard drive and as I am so used to connecting to the internet without thinking about it (and could get onto the wireless straight away with my new drive) it didn't occur to me to start from scratch. Cheers!

MRF4700 · Answer

Glad it helped!

jmwills · Answer

Yes you will need to power down the modem (and laptop) and then power back up waiting for the modem to reset for about 5 minutes.  It is trying to find the MAC address of the router and all it sees is the NIC card.   This should solve your issue.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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