Connected but disconnected

Question

Hi Inspiron 5100 TrueMobile 2300 On 28/10 at about 11am, internet became unavailable on the above laptop. This seemed strange, as there was a strong signal and the wireless connection was apparently available. However, when I viewed the wireless networks it said 'disconnected'. This situation prevails. Further details are as follows; * Internet works when modem is plugged directly into the laptop. * The wireless connection is not bridged nor firewalled (despite the best efforts of MS). * A PC also connected via the hub (not wirelessly) cannot access internet. * No access for firefox, IE or netscape. I have tried turning off all devices and then back on. Several times. Once, earlier today, the network was 'connected' (in view wireless networks) but still no access to mail/internet. On doing a little digging, it appears that there has been a windows update (826942) entitled 'Wireless update rollup package for Windows XP'. Now, maybe this was a coincidence, but this update was released on 28/10. The very day my network became scr*wed up. I note that another user experienced similar issues - see thread 'Connection but no internet'. With this in mind, I have just tried a system restore. Obviously it didn't work and am now totally ****** off having spent the whole weekend trying to fix this. Any help appreciated and desperately needed. Smashing up my computers and taking up an agrarian lifestyle is looking decidedly attractive right now. Thanks in advance Paul

MRF4700 · Answer

domallele Is your Windows firewall enabled? If you have any third party firewall software(Norton Internet Security, McAfee, etc)is that enabled as well?

domallele · Answer

Hi Windows firewall is not enabled. However, I do use Sygate Personal Firewall.

MRF4700 · Answer

domallele Each time that you connect thru the router, or bypass it connecting straight to the modem, you have to recycle the network as follows: Power off computer, router and modem > wait 5 minutes > power on modem > wait another 5 minutes > power on router > power on computer. Try that? Also, have you configured the Sygate firewall to allow network connection?     Message Edited by MRF4700 on 10-31-2005 06:13 AM

domallele · Answer

Thanks for your reply MRF4700

I have tried shutting down twice previously after reading this recommendation on another thread. No success then or for the third time.

Had a look at Sygate and thought the problem had been cracked. It was configured for the broadcom card and not the wireless one. So I switched it. Clicked 'OK' and then went back in to check. It was rejecting the wireless card and automatically switching to Broadcom. So I disabled Sygate.

At this point I had an excellent signal and connection with absolutely no firewalls (McAfee Viruscan was enabled though). Yet no internet access. Infuriating. This may I add, directly after shutting everything down.

Sigh.

Are there any further options?

thanks
Paul

MRF4700 · Answer

domallele In reviewing your original post you state that you have a laptop, a 'hub' and a modem. Just so that I'm not confused, do you mean that you have a wireless router when you say 'hub'?

domallele · Answer

Yes, that's correct. Apologies for the confusion.

MRF4700 · Answer

domallele Does your wireless card still show in system Device Manager under Network adapters? Any yellow marks? In the web-based utility for your router, is your Inspiron recognized? What model router do you have?   Message Edited by MRF4700 on 11-01-2005 05:49 AM

domallele · Answer

Yes, wireless card is in device manager under network cards without any yellow marks... Not sure about the web-based utility. The wireless utility in control panel is fine but that isn't web based. Please could you advise how I can check this? The router is TrueMobile 2300 Thanks

domallele · Answer

Update...

Ok, I have now reinstalled the wireless network driver. This means the connection is now, apparently, connected (in the View Wireless Networks) - where previously it said disconnected.

Needless to say, hopes were immediately dashed. No internet is available still in IE or firefox. I have just immersed myself in the MS troubleshooting search. They state something to the effect of 'if a wireless connection is available, with a strong signal, apply standard TCP/IP troubleshooting'.

This appears relevant to me as it described my situation aptly. Of course, I know absolutely nothing about TCP/IP troubleshooting. Configuration is below;

Inspiron 5100
Truemobile 2300
IP address is static (I think)
Assigned by DHCP
Encryption is disabled
Windows firewall is disabled
Sygate firewall is enable but recognises the wireless NC. However still no internet connection when Sygate is disabled
Using ipconfig in command prompt lists IP, subnet mask and gateway correctly

Connection, by the way, is cable modem at 2mb which works perfectly when directed straight into the laptop.

What else can I check?

thanks

P.s. There is no access to email or FTP either (obviously)

Message Edited by domallele on 11-02-2005 07:27 AM

MRF4700 · Answer

domallele As with all things, the 'web-based utility' has multiple names... I'm refering to the router's software that you should have configured as part of the installation process for recognition of computers in your network, MAC addresses, wireless and internet accesses... Any of this sound familiar?

domallele · Answer

Erm...actually I'd forgotten all about that. After a rummage through my box of discs it was located and subsequantly reinstalled. All is now well in wireless is connected land. Guess the reason for the problems will never be know. Not that I'm going to lose any sleep over that!

Thanks for your help. Much appreciated.

MRF4700 · Answer

domallele Your welcome! Glad to help...

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Connected but disconnected

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