The "unsolveable" connection problem
Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Windows Vista Annoyances Discussion Forum
Posted by Dan
(4 messages posted)
I've been here several times and always found an answer already posted, but this
one... This problem has defied all attempts by more than five people, including multiple
trained tech support guys (from the States, not foreigners). I hope somebody here
can help!
The Situation:
Wireless router. Multiple computers on the network, some desktop and some laptop,
plus a cell phone and PSP. Only one desktop doesn't work.
The Specs:
HP desktop purchased at Best Buy just over a year ago. Full memory upgrade, 400+
GB hard drive, the works. Zonet Wireless 8185 card is the only addition to the stock
model.
Windows Vista 32 bit. Fully updated as of a few months ago.
NO Anti-Virus, firewall, or other similar programs installed.
Symptoms:
Shows full connection to wireless network, full bars. Unable to access anything through
browsers (IExplorer or Firefox). Unable to ping outside address (like google.com)
What we've tried:
Computer connected to internet in Idaho, family moved to South Dakota and got a new
internet provider. The other computers switched over just fine, this one wouldn't
connect at all.
Tinkered around with settings, found TCP/IP 4 wasn't activated. Clicked it on, double
checked other settings to find them correct. Renewed IP addresses, got one, but it
was a 169. However, the computer finally recognized the network as existing. Connected
with limited access only.
Checked password for accuracy, reset router settings from computer. Reset router
by unplugging power, waiting, plugging in. Renewed IP address. Disabled Windows firewall.
Used three different drivers for Zonet card. Computer still only connected with limited
access only.
Called tech support (the internet provider; HP won't provide support because it's
out of warranty by 3 months). They verified our password as correct, verified that
there were no problems on their end. Verified that the account was set up for 10
simultaneous connections, removing the possibility of us overloading the account
with the six other devices accessing it.
Tech guy disabled router firewall. Used netsh commands to reset IPs and all that
jazz. We verified other settings for accuracy. By the end of the call, few hours
later, we had full connection, but couldn't use it; tried to ping google.com from
cmd and got nothing.
Restarted in Safe Mode with network access. Same results; Windows says it's connected,
but no packets are received, can't ping out, nothing can get through.
Attempted to force manual IP and DNS selections. Using IP provided by tech guy, entering
into Network status -> TCP/IPv6 -> Properties -> Manual selection, we got the error
that it was an "invalid address". What?
Ended tech support call. Uninstalled network card, swapped with totally different
card. Installed, same results: "full connection" without any actual access. Reinstalled
original card, sat down and cried.
Okay, didn't really cry. But yeah. We tried every suggestion through Windows "diagnose"
pop-ups. Looked online for help, found some stuff on MAC addresses, tried that and
locked down the whole network. Had to call tech support again, had them reset router
settings to undo my mistake. Asked the tech support guy for suggestions, swapped
ideas, ended up with the same stuff the first guy had thought up.
It seriously seems like something is blocking the connection, like a mystery firewall
somewhere. But there isn't an anti-virus installed, and nothing else should load
up in safe mode...
So, does anyone have any ideas? None are too simple, none are too complicated. I
want to hear them all.
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