Windows 7 Network nightmare

[Sdeve]

Firstly, I apologise if this is a bit confusing, but I'm a bit confused. (Old fart with too many computers)

My main computer is a relatively decent Win 7 Home Premium setup. It is/was part of a wired network which contains 3 other computers, 2 XP, and one old MiniMac. I also have/had connected a WD Netbook. All cobbled together with the aid of a couple of switches. It all worked fine as an XP based setup and a wired internet connection.

Internet access is gained through a '3' network Android mobile phone on the 'One Plan'. Slow by most standards but faster than the copper wire connection I used to have.

So, current problem/s

The main computer is connected via wireless to the phone. Internet is fine, providing I disable the wired network. As soon as I enable that, there's no internet connection via wireless, or anything else. Neither is the wired network connecting to any other of the wired computers available, even if I disable the wireless adapter.

I've looked around on this forum for some time and tried a few of the various fixes offered up for similar sounding problems, but to no good effect.

I am rather at my wits end here. Can anyone offer a solution that is not too tech head please?

TIA

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you're facing connectivity issues with your network setup involving multiple computers running different operating systems, along with an Android phone providing internet access. Let's try to break down the situation and see if we can find a solution for you: 1. Main Computer Setup: - Your main computer running Windows 7 Home Premium is wirelessly connected to an Android phone for internet access. - You also have a wired network setup with three other computers (2 running XP and an old MiniMac) along with a WD Netbook. These are connected using switches. 2. Issue Description: - When the main computer is connected to the Android phone wirelessly and you disable the wired network, the internet connection works fine. - However, enabling the wired network disrupts the internet connection via wireless and the connectivity to other wired computers, even with the wireless adapter disabled. Now, let's try to troubleshoot this step by step: - Check Network Configuration: - Ensure that the network settings on the main computer are configured correctly for both the wired and wireless connections. Check for any IP conflicts or incorrect settings. - Network Adapter Priority: - The issue might be related to network adapter priority. You can try adjusting the network adapter priority to give precedence to the wireless connection over the wired network. This can often be done in the network settings of Windows. - Network Sharing Settings: - Verify that network sharing settings are correctly configured on all computers, especially on the Windows 7 machine. Make sure file and printer sharing are enabled. - Firewall and Antivirus Software: - Sometimes, security software can interfere with network connections. Temporarily disable any firewall or antivirus software you have to see if they are causing the issue. - Network Troubleshooter: - Use the built-in Network Troubleshooter in Windows 7 to diagnose and potentially fix common network connectivity issues. You can access this tool in the Control Panel. If you've tried these steps and are still facing issues, it might help to provide more specific details about any error messages or unusual behavior you observe when trying to connect to the internet or other computers. This information can assist in further troubleshooting the problem effectively.