Windows 7 Connected to router, but not Internet ("Connection...is broken")

[oldandslow]

UPDATE! RESOLVED BY UNINSTALLING "Update for MS Windows KB2732500"

Hardware setup:

• Dell Studio 1558 laptop, Windows 7 Home Premium, Service Pack 1, 64-bit O/S, Intel Core i3
• Linksys E1200 wireless router
• Comcast cable modem (by Motorola)

After functioning on my home WLAN for over a year, my Dell Studio laptop suddenly refused to connect to the internet:

• Via the WLAN
• Via an ethernet cable connected to a wired port on the Linksys router
• Via an ethernet cable connected directly to the Comcast cable modem

Initially the error displayed by "Troubleshoot problems" was: "DNS server not responding".


Now, after all my troubleshooting efforts, the displayed error is: "The connection between your access point, router, or cable modem and the Internet is broken"


All the following devices function normally on the WLAN:

• Dell Latitude laptop, Win XP SP3
• Toshiba Satellite, Win Vista Home Premium SP2
• iPhone 4 (two of them)
• iPad 2

Other than installing Windows updates a few days before, I had not made any changes to this laptop or to my WLAN (at least none that I can think of)


I have done the following in an attempt to troubleshoot:

• Searched this forum (tried most of the suggestions in the "DNS server not responding?" thread)
• Rebooted the PC, modem, and router (multiple times, in different sequences)
• Updated to the latest drivers for the DW1501 Wirelss-N WLAN Half-Mini Card to 5.60.48.35
• Updated to the latest drivers for the Realtek PCIe GBE Familyh Controller to 7.61.612.2012
• Used "Device Manager" to uninstall both of the above, then re-added using "Scan for hardware changes"
• Tried to connect on a public AT&T WiFi network
• Installed a USB WiFi adapter
• Turned on SSID broadcast
• Turned off MAC filtering
• Turned off the McAfee firewall
• Ran "Troubleshoot problems" after most of the above changes
• Rebooted after most of the above changes
• Confirmed that "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties" was set to:
• - Obtain an IP address automatically
• - Obtain DNS server address automatically
• Tried manually setting the DNS server to 192.168.1.1

I have NOT yet attempted to reinstall Windows or "restore to an earlier point in time" (not sure how to One of the threads suggests this worked, but I'll admit to being nervous about trying it!!


An suggestions for other troubleshooting would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.
Rob

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you've gone through quite a bit of troubleshooting already to try and resolve the connectivity issue on your Dell Studio 1558 laptop. Since you mentioned that uninstalling "Update for MS Windows KB2732500" resolved the problem, it's great to hear that you were able to identify the specific update causing the issue. In case you encounter similar network issues in the future or if you want to explore additional troubleshooting steps, here are some suggestions: 1. System Restore: - If you encounter network issues in the future, performing a System Restore to a point before the problematic update installation can sometimes resolve the issue. To do this: - Click Start, type "System Restore" in the search box, and then select it from the results. - Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point from before the update installation. 2. Network Reset: - Windows provides a network reset option that can help in fixing network-related problems. To perform a network reset: - Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status. - Under Network reset, select "Reset now" and follow the on-screen instructions. 3. Check Network Adapter Settings: - Double-check the settings of your network adapters. Ensure that they are configured correctly, especially if any settings were changed during troubleshooting. 4. Check Firewall Settings: - After turning off the McAfee firewall, make sure to check the firewall settings if you turn it back on. Sometimes, firewall settings can block network connections. 5. Run Network Troubleshooter: - If connectivity issues persist, running the Windows Network Troubleshooter can help diagnose and fix common network problems automatically. 6. Check for Malware: - Sometimes, malware can interfere with network connectivity. Running a full system scan with an updated antivirus program can help in identifying and removing potential threats. 7. Check Router Configuration: - Double-check the configuration settings on your Linksys E1200 router, ensuring that there are no restrictions or settings that could be causing the connectivity issue. If you encounter any specific errors or issues while trying these troubleshooting steps, feel free to provide more details so that we can offer more tailored assistance. It's great that you've been proactive in trying various solutions to resolve the network problem. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!