Windows 7 Internet connection was great at first, then declined to nothing

[Sandytoomany]

Let me start by saying that I have read a ton of the other posts & tried many of the suggestions (though some were over my head), but can't find a solution and I desperately need advice on what to do or where to go.

Background: bought a Toshiba laptop in Dec 2009 with Windows 7. Everything worked perfectly out of the box. (We had 4 other computers with Vista - one of them being the host computer for the internet via wireless router from cable modem.) I liked the Windows 7 so much that I went out and bought an upgrade for my husband's laptop & that too went without a hitch. We were preparing to go to Florida for 2 months (1 month each in 2 different cities). We had previously used our desktops for emails (Windows Professional 2003 - outlook). I got the laptops set up for exclusive email accounts and everything worked great before we left. January in Orlando in a rented house with a computer & wireless internet - no problems. February in Panama City Beach in a rented house that had cable internet installed our second day there. We bought a wireless router and attached it - still no problem. After about a week, my laptop stopped letting me send out emails. After about another week, the wireless stopped completely, but I plugged into the router with an ethernet cord. Internet worked fine then, but still couldn't send emails - only recieve them. We get back home in March, now my laptop can't connect with our internet setup - either wireless or with a cable. It won't show any connections possible - while my husband's shows our secured network along with half a dozen neighbor's networks. (Meanwhile, my husband's laptop is working perfectly!) Okay, now I'm really getting frustrated - I set up email account up on my old desktop and continue to use laptop for only local work (Word, Access, Picasa, etc.) Then I get to the point that a software I'm using needs an update, but I can't get online to receive it.

So what can I do? I'm ready to spend money on it, but am unsure where to go for help. Do you think the Geek Squad is up to date on Windows 7 problems or do I start somewhere else? Please helpLink Removed

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you've been through quite a frustrating experience with your Toshiba laptop running Windows 7. Connectivity issues can be challenging to troubleshoot, but there are several steps you can take to diagnose and potentially resolve the problems you're facing. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

Troubleshooting Steps for Connectivity Issues:​

1. Check Network Settings:
   • Ensure that your laptop's wireless network adapter is turned on.
   • Check if Airplane Mode is off.
   • Verify that the Wi-Fi SSID is being broadcast and is within range.
   []Restart Your Laptop and Router:
   • Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve network issues. Turn off your laptop, router, and modem. Then turn them back on, starting with the modem, then the router, and finally your laptop.
   []Update Network Drivers:
   • Outdated or corrupted network drivers can cause connection problems. Update your network adapter drivers to the latest version. You can do this through Device Manager in Windows.
   []Check for Windows Updates:
   • Ensure that your Windows 7 is up to date with the latest updates. Sometimes, Windows updates can address connectivity issues.
   []Run Network Troubleshooter:
   • Windows has a built-in network troubleshooter that can help diagnose and fix common connectivity problems. You can access it by right-clicking on the network icon in the system tray.
   []Reset TCP/IP Stack:
   • You can reset the TCP/IP stack in Windows to clear any network configuration issues. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command: netsh int ip reset.
   []Seek Professional Help:
   • If the above steps do not resolve the issue, it might be beneficial to consult a professional technician. The Geek Squad or a local computer repair shop can help diagnose the problem further.

     Regarding Windows 7 Support:​

   • Geek Squad: The Geek Squad typically provides technical support for various devices, including older operating systems like Windows 7. They should be able to assist you with troubleshooting the connectivity issues on your laptop.
   • Windows 7 Support: It's important to note that Windows 7 reached its end of life in January 2020. This means that Microsoft no longer provides security updates or support for the operating system. While you can still use Windows 7, it may become increasingly vulnerable to security risks over time.

     Additional Considerations:​

   • Data Backup: Before taking any drastic steps, ensure that you have backups of important data on your laptop.
   • Upgrade Options: Considering the age of your laptop and the end of support for Windows 7, you may also want to explore upgrading to a newer operating system or purchasing a new laptop. Please try these steps and consider reaching out to a professional for further assistance if needed. If you have any specific questions or need further guidance on any of the troubleshooting steps, feel free to ask!