Windows 10 PC has no internet connection.

ChatGPT said:

Thanks — the photos are perfect. Quick summary of what they show and what it means:

• Test‑NetConnection to 216.58.214.14 ports 80 and 443: TcpTestSucceeded = True.
• Test‑NetConnection to 8.8.8.8:53: TcpTestSucceeded = True.
• ipconfig /all shows the PC has IP 192.168.50.216 and DNS servers 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4.
• netsh winhttp show proxy => Direct access (no proxy).
• netsh advfirewall show allprofiles shows Firewall state OFF.
  => Network routing and DNS at the transport/CLI level are working and outbound TCP is allowed. Yet PowerShell/Invoke‑WebRequest and your browser still report name resolution / “no internet”.

That pattern strongly points to a local app / network‑filtering driver or corrupted Windows network stack (LSP/Winsock) or a DNS‑intercepting local agent (VPN, WARP, security product) that affects app APIs but not raw nslookup/Test‑NetConnection.
Next (safe, in order). Run each step, reboot when requested, and tell me what changes (or take photos of any outputs you can’t paste):
1) Restart DNS Client and flush DNS (quick, non‑destructive)

• Open PowerShell (Admin) and run:
  sc stop dnscache
  sc start dnscache
  ipconfig /flushdns
• Then retry a browser and run in PowerShell:
  Try { (Invoke-WebRequest 'https://www.google.com' -UseBasicParsing -TimeoutSec 8).StatusCode } Catch { $_.Exception.Message }
  If it still fails, continue.

2) Reset Winsock + TCP/IP and reboot (fixes LSP/stack corruption)

• In Admin PowerShell / CMD run:
  netsh winsock reset
  netsh int ip reset
  ipconfig /flushdns
• Reboot the PC.
• After reboot try browsing and re-run the same Invoke‑WebRequest test above.

3) Check for local proxy environment variables (can break .NET requests)

• In Admin PowerShell run:
  set | findstr /i proxy
  (or) echo $env:http_proxy; echo $env:https_proxy
• If you see HTTP_PROXY / HTTPS_PROXY set, remove them or unset in Environment Variables (or run: setx HTTP_PROXY "" /M and setx HTTPS_PROXY "" /M then log off/on).

4) Check hosts file & WinHTTP proxy (you already did winhttp; double‑check hosts)

• Open Notepad (Admin) → File → Open → C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts (All Files view).
• Ensure the file has no non‑comment lines redirecting domains (especially msftncsi.com, msftconnecttest.com, google.com, etc.). If unsure, take a photo and upload.

5) Confirm no local DNS proxy (127.0.0.1) is in use

• In Admin PowerShell run:
  Get-DnsClientServerAddress -AddressFamily IPv4
• If DNS Servers include 127.0.0.1 (or another local address), that indicates a local DNS resolver/agent. If so, identify/uninstall that agent (Cloudflare WARP, DNSFilter, security app). If the DNS Servers are 8.8.8.8 (as your screenshot shows), this step just confirms it.

6) Temporarily disable/uninstall third‑party security, VPN, WARP, or DNS filtering

• Do you have any of these installed? (Cloudflare WARP, AnyConnect, Cisco, ESET, Sophos, CrowdStrike, DNSFilter, Pi‑hole agent, security suites, etc.) If yes, fully disable or uninstall them, then reboot and test browsing again. Many of these leave a kernel‑level filter even when “off”.

7) Safe Mode with Networking (diagnostic)

• If the problem persists, boot into Safe Mode with Networking and test the browser. If web works in Safe Mode, a startup app/driver is the culprit — do a Clean Boot to identify it.

If you want me to collect everything for you (so you can upload one file/photo):

• Say “create diag file” and I’ll give a single command that writes all relevant outputs to C:\Temp\webdiag.txt (ipconfig, Get‑DnsClientServerAddress, Test‑NetConnection, netsh advfirewall, route print, etc.) — then copy that file to a USB or photograph it and upload.

Immediate recommended action (most likely to fix)
1) Run netsh winsock reset, netsh int ip reset, ipconfig /flushdns and reboot.
2) If that doesn’t fix it, fully uninstall any VPN/security/WARP/DNS‑filtering app (temporarily), reboot, then retest.
Tell me:

• Did you install any VPN/WARP/security apps recently?
• Run the winsock reset + reboot now and tell me whether browsing/Invoke‑WebRequest starts working (or upload a photo of the Invoke‑WebRequest output and Get‑DnsClientServerAddress after the reboot).

Click to expand...

• You ran winsock + int ip reset — those require a restart to finish. Reboot the PC now, then continue.

• If the first (IP) returns 200 and the second fails with a name resolution error, we still have an app/WinHTTP/DNS interception issue.
• If both still time out/fail, that points more at a filtering driver / AV / LSP issue.

• Winsock catalog will list any third‑party LSPs/filters (look for non‑Microsoft providers).
• Confirm firewall state (it should be Off per your earlier screenshot).

• Do you have any of these installed: Cloudflare WARP, AnyConnect, Cisco VPN, ESET, Sophos, CrowdStrike, DNSFilter, Pi‑hole agent, or other security suites? If yes, fully uninstall (not just “disable”) them temporarily, reboot, and test again.
• If you don’t know or can’t uninstall right away: boot into Safe Mode with Networking and test browsing. If browsing works in Safe Mode, a startup driver/app is the culprit and you should perform a Clean Boot to find it.

• You already have IP routing and DNS at CLI level working and TCP connectivity to web servers is possible, but apps are failing — that pattern is typically an LSP/filter, security/VPN driver, or corrupted Winsock stack. The winsock reset + int ip reset plus SFC/DISM and removing filtering software are the standard, safe remedies.

• Reboot (to complete the resets), then paste the outputs of: Get-DnsClientServerAddress -AddressFamily IPv4 and run the two Invoke‑WebRequest test commands. That will tell us whether the restart completed the reset and whether app‑level HTTP(S) can now work.

ChatGPT said:

Thanks — the screenshot is helpful. The resets mostly succeeded but I see one line “Resetting , failed. Access is denied.” — that means one of the lower‑level resets couldn’t complete. That can happen when a security/driver filter is active or system files are locked. Don’t worry — next steps are safe and targeted.
Do this in order and report back (short answers or photos are fine).
1) Reboot now

• You ran winsock + int ip reset — those require a restart to finish. Reboot the PC now, then continue.

2) After reboot — run these exact commands (open PowerShell as Administrator; copy/paste each line, one at a time) and either paste the short results or take photos:
a) Quick connectivity and DNS checks
Get-DnsClientServerAddress -AddressFamily IPv4
ipconfig /all
Test-NetConnection -ComputerName 8.8.8.8 -Port 53 -InformationLevel Detailed
Test-NetConnection -ComputerName 216.58.214.14 -Port 443 -InformationLevel Detailed
What I’m looking for: DNS servers the adapter is actually using (should be 8.8.8.8/8.8.4.4 if you set them), and that TcpTestSucceeded is True for the two Test‑NetConnection calls.
b) Test app‑level web requests (no weird quoting)
Try { (Invoke-WebRequest 'http://216.58.214.14' -UseBasicParsing -TimeoutSec 8).StatusCode } Catch { $.Exception.Message }
Try { (Invoke-WebRequest 'https://www.google.com' -UseBasicParsing -TimeoutSec 8).StatusCode } Catch { $.Exception.Message }

• If the first (IP) returns 200 and the second fails with a name resolution error, we still have an app/WinHTTP/DNS interception issue.
• If both still time out/fail, that points more at a filtering driver / AV / LSP issue.

c) Show winsock catalog and firewall state
netsh winsock show catalog
netsh advfirewall show allprofiles

• Winsock catalog will list any third‑party LSPs/filters (look for non‑Microsoft providers).
• Confirm firewall state (it should be Off per your earlier screenshot).

3) If the web tests still fail
Run SFC and DISM (fixes corrupted system networking components):
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
After DISM completes, reboot and re‑test the Invoke‑WebRequest lines.
4) If SFC/DISM don’t fix it — check for filtering software and try Safe Mode

• Do you have any of these installed: Cloudflare WARP, AnyConnect, Cisco VPN, ESET, Sophos, CrowdStrike, DNSFilter, Pi‑hole agent, or other security suites? If yes, fully uninstall (not just “disable”) them temporarily, reboot, and test again.
• If you don’t know or can’t uninstall right away: boot into Safe Mode with Networking and test browsing. If browsing works in Safe Mode, a startup driver/app is the culprit and you should perform a Clean Boot to find it.

5) If you want a single diagnostics file (easier to upload)
Say “create diag file” and I’ll give one command that writes the key outputs to C:\Temp\webdiag.txt so you can copy it to USB or photograph it and upload. That file will let me pinpoint the offending driver/service.
Why these steps

• You already have IP routing and DNS at CLI level working and TCP connectivity to web servers is possible, but apps are failing — that pattern is typically an LSP/filter, security/VPN driver, or corrupted Winsock stack. The winsock reset + int ip reset plus SFC/DISM and removing filtering software are the standard, safe remedies.

If you want to try one immediate action now

• Reboot (to complete the resets), then paste the outputs of: Get-DnsClientServerAddress -AddressFamily IPv4 and run the two Invoke‑WebRequest test commands. That will tell us whether the restart completed the reset and whether app‑level HTTP(S) can now work.

I’ll wait for the post‑reboot outputs (or say “create diag file” and I’ll give the single command).

Click to expand...

• Your adapter is using 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4 (Get‑DnsClientServerAddress / ipconfig).
• Test‑NetConnection to 8.8.8.8:53 and 216.58.214.14:443 both show TcpTestSucceeded = True.
• netsh winhttp show proxy = Direct access (no proxy).
• Winsock catalog looks like Microsoft base providers only (no obvious third‑party LSP entries).
• BUT Invoke‑WebRequest (app‑level) times out for the IP and reports “could not be resolved” for hostnames.

• Do you have any VPN / WARP / endpoint security installed (Cloudflare WARP, AnyConnect, Cisco, ESET, Sophos, CrowdStrike, Webroot, DNSFilter, etc.)? If yes, name them and, if possible, temporarily uninstall them (not just “disable”) and reboot to test.
• After you run step 2 above (Invoke‑WebRequest with -Proxy ''), what exactly does it return (status code or error text)? A photo is fine.

• Did you install any VPN/WARP/security software recently (Cloudflare WARP, AnyConnect, Cisco AnyConnect, ESET, Sophos, CrowdStrike, etc.)? If yes, name it.
• Did you already reboot after the winsock/int ip reset? (If not, please reboot now, then run one of the options above.)

• IP/DNS at the system level looks correct (ipconfig shows 192.168.50.216, DNS = 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4). Test‑NetConnection to 8.8.8.8:53 and to 216.58.214.14:443 succeed.
• Winsock catalog looks normal (only Microsoft providers / base service providers). netsh winhttp show proxy = Direct access. Windows Firewall profiles are OFF.
• Yet PowerShell Invoke‑WebRequest timed out and browsers/curl report name resolution errors; that pattern usually means an app‑level filter/agent, WinHTTP/WinINet interception, or a corrupted .NET/WinHTTP stack — or occasionally an environment proxy variable or hosts file entry.

• If you haven’t rebooted since running those resets, reboot now and then continue.

• Run:
  set | findstr /I proxy
  echo $env:http_proxy
  echo $env:https_proxy
• If anything is printed (HTTP_PROXY / HTTPS_PROXY), that will break app requests. If present, unset them:
  setx HTTP_PROXY "" /M
  setx HTTPS_PROXY "" /M
  then log off/on (or reboot).

• Run:
  netsh winhttp show proxy
  sc query dnscache
• Paste or photo the 2 outputs. (You already showed winhttp = Direct access before — confirm again after reboot.)

• Open Notepad (Admin) → File → Open → paste C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts (choose All Files).
• If you see any non‑comment lines mapping domains to 127.0.0.1 or blocking msftncsi/msftconnecttest/google etc., remove them. If unsure, take a photo of the hosts file and upload it.

• Run these exact lines (paste one at a time into an ADMIN PowerShell window):
  Try { (Invoke-WebRequest 'http://216.58.214.14' -UseBasicParsing -TimeoutSec 8).StatusCode } Catch { $.Exception.Message }
  Try { (Invoke-WebRequest 'https://www.google.com' -UseBasicParsing -TimeoutSec 8).StatusCode } Catch { $.Exception.Message }
• Copy or photo both outputs. (If you earlier got the $_ error, that was because the try/catch was executed in the wrong shell/with wrong quoting — run these directly in PowerShell.)

• Do you have any of these installed? (Cloudflare WARP, AnyConnect/Cisco, ESET, Sophos, CrowdStrike, DNSFilter, Pi‑hole agent, other VPN/security suites). If yes — fully disable or uninstall them temporarily (not just “turn off”), reboot, then re‑test the Invoke‑WebRequest commands and browsing.
• Many security/VPN drivers keep a kernel filter active even when “disabled” and that can break app‑level HTTP/HTTPS.

• If you can’t or won’t uninstall, boot into Safe Mode with Networking and test browsing there. If web works in Safe Mode, a third‑party driver/service is the culprit → perform a Clean Boot to find it.

• In Admin PowerShell / CMD run:
  sfc /scannow
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• Reboot after DISM finishes and re‑test.

• Say “create diag file” and run the single PowerShell block I provided earlier — it writes all needed outputs to C:\Temp\webdiag.txt. Copy that file to a USB or take photos of the top ~40 lines and upload them. I’ll read it and tell you the exact offending driver/service and the minimal fix.

• Run (Admin CMD/PowerShell):
  netsh winhttp reset proxy
  netsh winsock reset
  netsh int ip reset
  ipconfig /flushdns
  reboot
  Then test browsing again. You’ve run some of these already, but running them together then rebooting sometimes completes things that failed earlier.

• Tell me which you prefer: (A) run the quick checks above and paste/upload the outputs/photos, or (B) run the single “create diag file” command and upload C:\Temp\webdiag.txt (or photos).
• Also tell me whether you have any VPN/security/WARP software installed (names).

• In Admin PowerShell run:
  set | findstr /I proxy
  reg query "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings" /v ProxyEnable /v ProxyServer /v AutoConfigURL
  sc query dnscache
  sc query WinHttpAutoProxySvc

• It collects everything I need in one place so I can see whether a proxy env or a registry/proxy setting, the WinHttpAutoProxySvc, a hosts file entry, or a leftover kernel filter is the likely culprit — then I can give the exact minimal fix (uninstall that filter, remove a proxy string, or a safe registry workaround).

• Run (Admin PowerShell / CMD):
  netsh winhttp reset proxy
  netsh winsock reset
  netsh int ip reset
  ipconfig /flushdns
  reboot
  You ran parts of that earlier; doing the full sequence then rebooting sometimes completes a reset that previously showed “Access denied.”

• Raw network works (ping 8.8.8.8, Test‑NetConnection to 216.58.214.14/443 succeed).
• nslookup works (so DNS can be queried directly).
• Apps / PowerShell Invoke‑WebRequest and browsers fail to resolve names.
• Winsock catalog looks normal (mostly Microsoft entries). Firewall is OFF. SFC repaired something but issue remains.

• The Windows DNS Client (Dnscache) or WinHTTP/WinINet path that apps use is failing or misconfigured, or
• A leftover VPN / security / DNS‑filter driver is intercepting/resolving DNS for apps only, or
• the winsock reset didn’t fully complete (the “access denied” you saw).

• sc query / sc qc outputs for dnscache & WinHttpAutoProxySvc
• the proxy env + registry proxy lines
• the Invoke‑WebRequest error messages (the red text)
• netsh winsock show catalog (if it changes after reset)
  — I’ll read them and give the exact, minimal fix (most often: start/set DNS Client to auto, remove a lingering proxy/env var, uninstall a filter driver, or re-register a Windows networking component).

ChatGPT said:

Thanks — the photos and your SFC/DISM result helped. Short summary of what we know now:

• Raw network works (ping 8.8.8.8, Test‑NetConnection to 216.58.214.14/443 succeed).
• nslookup works (so DNS can be queried directly).
• Apps / PowerShell Invoke‑WebRequest and browsers fail to resolve names.
• Winsock catalog looks normal (mostly Microsoft entries). Firewall is OFF. SFC repaired something but issue remains.

That pattern usually means either:

• The Windows DNS Client (Dnscache) or WinHTTP/WinINet path that apps use is failing or misconfigured, or
• A leftover VPN / security / DNS‑filter driver is intercepting/resolving DNS for apps only, or
• the winsock reset didn’t fully complete (the “access denied” you saw).

Next steps — please run these exact checks / commands from an elevated PowerShell (Admin). You said you can't copy/paste from that PC into this website — that’s fine. Run each command, photograph the output (or copy the screen to a USB text file if you can) and upload the photos here. Do the commands one at a time and photograph each result.
1) Confirm DNS client & auto‑proxy service status and make sure they’re set to start automatically
sc query dnscache
sc qc dnscache
sc config dnscache start= auto
net start dnscache
sc query WinHttpAutoProxySvc
sc qc WinHttpAutoProxySvc
sc config WinHttpAutoProxySvc start= demand
net start WinHttpAutoProxySvc
What I need to see: the sc query outputs and sc qc outputs. If any net start returns an error, photograph that error.
2) Check proxy settings / environment variables / hosts
set | findstr /I proxy
reg query "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings" /v ProxyEnable /v ProxyServer /v AutoConfigURL
type C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
What I need to see: any HTTP_PROXY/HTTPS_PROXY env vars, any ProxyEnable/ProxyServer/AutoConfigURL values, and the hosts file contents.
3) Re-run the application‑level web tests (no quoting tricks)
Open PowerShell (Admin) and run these two (copy results / photo the output):
Invoke-WebRequest http://216.58.214.14 -UseBasicParsing -TimeoutSec 8
Invoke-WebRequest https://www.google.com -UseBasicParsing -TimeoutSec 8
If they fail, photograph the red error text — that error message is the most useful clue.
4) Re-run the winsock & IP reset properly, then reboot
Sometimes a reset partially fails when some services are running. Run these as Admin, then reboot immediately:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /flushdns
shutdown /r /t 5
After reboot, re-run step 3 (Invoke‑WebRequest tests) and photograph outputs.
5) If step 4 still doesn’t fix it — test Safe Mode with Networking
Boot into Safe Mode with Networking (hold Shift while clicking Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → choose Safe Mode with Networking). In Safe Mode with Networking, open the browser and test. If browsing works in Safe Mode, a third‑party filter/driver is the culprit.
If Safe Mode fixes it, photograph that it works and tell me what third‑party security/VPN you have installed (Cloudflare WARP, AnyConnect, Cisco, ESET, Sophos, CrowdStrike, DNSFilter, etc.). If you do have any of those installed, fully uninstall (not just disable) and reboot.
6) If you prefer I collect everything at once (one file)
Say “create diag file” and I’ll give one command that writes all the key outputs (DNS, services, winsock catalog, winhttp, Invoke‑WebRequest errors, env vars, hosts) to C:\Temp\webdiag2.txt so you can copy it to USB or photograph it and upload. That’s the fastest way for me to read everything at once.
Two quick questions to answer in your next reply (or photograph these screens):
1) Do you have any VPN/security/DNS‑filtering software installed? (List names if yes.)
2) Can you try Safe Mode with Networking and tell me whether browsing works there?
If you run the commands above and upload photos of:

• sc query / sc qc outputs for dnscache & WinHttpAutoProxySvc
• the proxy env + registry proxy lines
• the Invoke‑WebRequest error messages (the red text)
• netsh winsock show catalog (if it changes after reset)
  — I’ll read them and give the exact, minimal fix (most often: start/set DNS Client to auto, remove a lingering proxy/env var, uninstall a filter driver, or re-register a Windows networking component).

Click to expand...

1. Settings → Update & Security → Recovery.
2. Under Advanced startup click Restart now.
3. After reboot choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
4. When Startup Settings comes up press 5 or F5 for “Enable Safe Mode with Networking”.

1. On the sign‑in screen hold Shift and click Power → Restart.
2. Then Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → press 5 (F5).

1. Win+R → msconfig → Boot tab → check Safe boot and select Network → OK → Restart.
2. IMPORTANT: After testing, open msconfig again and uncheck Safe boot to return to normal boot.

• Try browsing a simple site (https://www.google.com or Microsoft – AI, Cloud, Productivity, Computing, Gaming & Apps). If browsing works in Safe Mode but not in normal boot, a non‑Microsoft driver/app/service is causing the problem.
• From an elevated PowerShell (Admin) run these commands and photograph each output (you said you can take photos):

• That confirms a 3rd‑party filter/driver/service is causing the problem. Most likely suspects: Proton VPN, other VPN clients, WARP/Cloudflare, enterprise AV/security agents, or DNS‑filter software.
• Next step (while in normal mode): fully uninstall Proton VPN (Control Panel → Programs & Features or Settings → Apps), reboot, then test normal boot browsing again. Do not just “turn it off” — uninstall it temporarily for test.
• Also remove any TAP adapters: Device Manager → Network adapters → uninstall TAP/virtual adapters (e.g., “TAP‑Windows Adapter V9”, “Proton VPN TAP Adapter”).

• That means it’s likely a corrupted OS networking component that persists even in Safe Mode. We should:
  1) Re-run netsh winsock reset / netsh int ip reset (Admin) then reboot (you already did this but do after Safe Mode test).
  2) If that still fails, run SFC & DISM (you already did SFC/DISM and SFC fixed something — good). Next options are Network Reset (Settings → Network & Internet → Network reset) or in‑place Repair (Windows 10 “Repair install” / “Upgrade in place” — preserves files/apps).

• ipconfig /all, Get‑DnsClientServerAddress, Test‑NetConnection outputs, netsh winhttp, sc query dnscache, netsh winsock show catalog, the Invoke‑WebRequest errors, and the hosts file into C:\Temp\webdiag2.txt so you can copy it to USB or photograph it and upload.

1. Boot to Safe Mode with Networking (use Method A/B/C above).
2. Try browsing. If it works, uninstall Proton VPN (and other VPN/AV) in normal mode and retry. Photograph the Safe Mode results and post them here.
3. If Safe Mode does NOT work, run the diag file (ask “create diag file”) or take photos of the command outputs I listed above and upload them here.

• Q1: Were you able to boot Safe Mode with Networking? Did browsing work there? (Yes/No)
• Q2: Are you willing to temporarily uninstall Proton VPN for testing? (Yes/No)

ChatGPT said:

Thanks — helpful to know you have Proton VPN installed (even if “off”). That often leaves a kernel/network filter (TAP/driver) that can break name resolution / app HTTP even when the VPN UI is closed. Safe Mode with Networking is the fastest way to see if a 3rd‑party filter/driver is the culprit.
How to boot Safe Mode with Networking (Windows 10) — pick one method
Method A — Settings (recommended if you can get to the desktop)

1. Settings → Update & Security → Recovery.
2. Under Advanced startup click Restart now.
3. After reboot choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
4. When Startup Settings comes up press 5 or F5 for “Enable Safe Mode with Networking”.

Method B — From the sign‑in screen

1. On the sign‑in screen hold Shift and click Power → Restart.
2. Then Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → press 5 (F5).

Method C — If you can run a command now (Admin)
Open an elevated Command Prompt / PowerShell and run:
shutdown /r /o /f /t 0
The machine will restart into the Advanced Options flow. Then follow Troubleshoot → Advanced → Startup Settings → Restart → press 5.
Method D — msconfig (persistent until you uncheck it)

1. Win+R → msconfig → Boot tab → check Safe boot and select Network → OK → Restart.
2. IMPORTANT: After testing, open msconfig again and uncheck Safe boot to return to normal boot.

What to test while in Safe Mode with Networking

• Try browsing a simple site (https://www.google.com or Microsoft – AI, Cloud, Productivity, Computing, Gaming & Apps). If browsing works in Safe Mode but not in normal boot, a non‑Microsoft driver/app/service is causing the problem.
• From an elevated PowerShell (Admin) run these commands and photograph each output (you said you can take photos):

1) Confirm DNS and adapter
Get-DnsClientServerAddress -AddressFamily IPv4
ipconfig /all
2) Test DNS/TCP reachability
Test-NetConnection -ComputerName 8.8.8.8 -Port 53 -InformationLevel Detailed
Test-NetConnection -ComputerName 216.58.214.14 -Port 443 -InformationLevel Detailed
3) App‑level web tests
Invoke-WebRequest http://216.58.214.14 -UseBasicParsing -TimeoutSec 8
Invoke-WebRequest https://www.google.com -UseBasicParsing -TimeoutSec 8
(If these show red error text, photograph it — that message is diagnostic.)
4) Services / proxy / winsock check
sc query dnscache
netsh winhttp show proxy
netsh winsock show catalog
If Safe Mode with Networking fixes browsing

• That confirms a 3rd‑party filter/driver/service is causing the problem. Most likely suspects: Proton VPN, other VPN clients, WARP/Cloudflare, enterprise AV/security agents, or DNS‑filter software.
• Next step (while in normal mode): fully uninstall Proton VPN (Control Panel → Programs & Features or Settings → Apps), reboot, then test normal boot browsing again. Do not just “turn it off” — uninstall it temporarily for test.
• Also remove any TAP adapters: Device Manager → Network adapters → uninstall TAP/virtual adapters (e.g., “TAP‑Windows Adapter V9”, “Proton VPN TAP Adapter”).

If Safe Mode still fails (internet still not working)

• That means it’s likely a corrupted OS networking component that persists even in Safe Mode. We should:
  1) Re-run netsh winsock reset / netsh int ip reset (Admin) then reboot (you already did this but do after Safe Mode test).
  2) If that still fails, run SFC & DISM (you already did SFC/DISM and SFC fixed something — good). Next options are Network Reset (Settings → Network & Internet → Network reset) or in‑place Repair (Windows 10 “Repair install” / “Upgrade in place” — preserves files/apps).

If you want me to collect everything in one file
Say “create diag file” and I’ll give a single command that gathers:

• ipconfig /all, Get‑DnsClientServerAddress, Test‑NetConnection outputs, netsh winhttp, sc query dnscache, netsh winsock show catalog, the Invoke‑WebRequest errors, and the hosts file into C:\Temp\webdiag2.txt so you can copy it to USB or photograph it and upload.

Immediate recommended next actions for you

1. Boot to Safe Mode with Networking (use Method A/B/C above).
2. Try browsing. If it works, uninstall Proton VPN (and other VPN/AV) in normal mode and retry. Photograph the Safe Mode results and post them here.
3. If Safe Mode does NOT work, run the diag file (ask “create diag file”) or take photos of the command outputs I listed above and upload them here.

If you post two quick answers now I’ll tailor the next commands:

• Q1: Were you able to boot Safe Mode with Networking? Did browsing work there? (Yes/No)
• Q2: Are you willing to temporarily uninstall Proton VPN for testing? (Yes/No)

I’ll wait for your Safe Mode result or for you to say “create diag file” and then I’ll give that single command.

Click to expand...

• Copy C:\Temp\webdiag2.txt to a USB drive (or take photos of the top ~70 lines) and upload the file or photos here. If you can’t upload the file, at minimum photograph and share the lines for:
  • DNS Servers line under the active adapter in ipconfig /all,
  • sc query dnscache and sc qc dnscache outputs,
  • netsh winhttp show proxy,
  • the Invoke‑WebRequest error(s) (the red/ERROR lines),
  • and a snippet showing the top of netsh winsock show catalog.

• Device Manager → Network adapters → right‑click your Realtek (or Intel) adapter → Uninstall device. If prompted, check “Delete the driver software for this device” (if offered). Reboot. Windows will reinstall the adapter; if it doesn’t, use a driver on USB from the vendor.

• Settings → Network & Internet → Network reset → Reset now. Reboot. (This reinstalls adapters and resets winsock/TCP/IP settings.)

• In normal mode (not Safe Mode) uninstall Proton VPN completely (Settings → Apps or Control Panel → Programs and Features). Reboot. Also remove any TAP adapters under Device Manager → Network adapters.

• Run the reset commands again as Admin, then reboot:
  netsh winsock reset
  netsh int ip reset
  ipconfig /flushdns
  shutdown /r /t 5

• You ran the diag command and whether you can upload the C:\Temp\webdiag2.txt (or photos).
• Whether you’re willing to uninstall Proton VPN temporarily and try Network Reset.

ChatGPT said:

Thanks — since Safe Mode with Networking also failed, this is almost certainly a system‑level problem (Windows network stack, services or driver) rather than a user‑mode VPN/proxy only. Let’s collect a single diagnostic file so I can read every important output in one go, then I’ll give the exact next fix.
Run this once in an elevated Command Prompt (right‑click Start → Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin)). It writes diagnostics to C:\Temp\webdiag2.txt and then opens it in Notepad so you can copy it to a USB or photograph it.
Copy the whole block below and paste it into the Admin command window, then press Enter:
mkdir C:\Temp 2>nul
(
echo ==== date/time ====
date /T & time /T
echo.
echo ==== ipconfig /all ====
ipconfig /all
echo.
echo ==== Get-NetAdapter ====
powershell -NoProfile -Command "Get-NetAdapter | Format-Table -Auto"
echo.
echo ==== Get-DnsClientServerAddress (IPv4) ====
powershell -NoProfile -Command "Get-DnsClientServerAddress -AddressFamily IPv4 | Format-List"
echo.
echo ==== sc query dnscache ====
sc query dnscache
echo.
echo ==== sc qc dnscache ====
sc qc dnscache
echo.
echo ==== sc query WinHttpAutoProxySvc ====
sc query WinHttpAutoProxySvc
echo.
echo ==== sc qc WinHttpAutoProxySvc ====
sc qc WinHttpAutoProxySvc
echo.
echo ==== netsh winhttp show proxy ====
netsh winhttp show proxy
echo.
echo ==== netsh winsock show catalog ====
netsh winsock show catalog
echo.
echo ==== netsh advfirewall show allprofiles ====
netsh advfirewall show allprofiles
echo.
echo ==== Test-NetConnection 8.8.8.8:53 ====
powershell -NoProfile -Command "Test-NetConnection -ComputerName 8.8.8.8 -Port 53 -InformationLevel Detailed"
echo.
echo ==== Test-NetConnection 216.58.214.14:443 ====
powershell -NoProfile -Command "Test-NetConnection -ComputerName 216.58.214.14 -Port 443 -InformationLevel Detailed"
echo.
echo ==== Invoke-WebRequest by IP ====
powershell -NoProfile -Command "Try { Invoke-WebRequest -Uri 'http://216.58.214.14' -UseBasicParsing -TimeoutSec 8 | Out-String } Catch { 'ERROR: ' + \$.Exception.Message }"
echo.
echo ==== Invoke-WebRequest by name ====
powershell -NoProfile -Command "Try { Invoke-WebRequest -Uri 'https://www.google.com' -UseBasicParsing -TimeoutSec 8 | Out-String } Catch { 'ERROR: ' + \$.Exception.Message }"
echo.
echo ==== hosts file ====
type C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
echo.
echo ==== route print ====
route print
echo.
echo ==== netstat -rn ====
netstat -rn
) > C:\Temp\webdiag2.txt 2>&1
notepad C:\Temp\webdiag2.txt
After Notepad opens:

• Copy C:\Temp\webdiag2.txt to a USB drive (or take photos of the top ~70 lines) and upload the file or photos here. If you can’t upload the file, at minimum photograph and share the lines for:
  • DNS Servers line under the active adapter in ipconfig /all,
  • sc query dnscache and sc qc dnscache outputs,
  • netsh winhttp show proxy,
  • the Invoke‑WebRequest error(s) (the red/ERROR lines),
  • and a snippet showing the top of netsh winsock show catalog.

Immediate troubleshooting you can try (if you want to try fixes before I see the diag):
1) Reinstall the NIC driver offline

• Device Manager → Network adapters → right‑click your Realtek (or Intel) adapter → Uninstall device. If prompted, check “Delete the driver software for this device” (if offered). Reboot. Windows will reinstall the adapter; if it doesn’t, use a driver on USB from the vendor.

2) Network Reset (last safe quick test)

• Settings → Network & Internet → Network reset → Reset now. Reboot. (This reinstalls adapters and resets winsock/TCP/IP settings.)

3) If you’re willing to temporarily remove Proton VPN:

• In normal mode (not Safe Mode) uninstall Proton VPN completely (Settings → Apps or Control Panel → Programs and Features). Reboot. Also remove any TAP adapters under Device Manager → Network adapters.

4) If the winsock reset previously showed “Access is denied”

• Run the reset commands again as Admin, then reboot:
  netsh winsock reset
  netsh int ip reset
  ipconfig /flushdns
  shutdown /r /t 5

If nothing above fixes it, the diagnostic file I asked you to create will let me decide whether to (a) reconfigure services, (b) remove a lingering driver, or (c) recommend an in‑place Windows repair (repair install) which is the usual next step for stubborn system networking corruption.
Tell me:

• You ran the diag command and whether you can upload the C:\Temp\webdiag2.txt (or photos).
• Whether you’re willing to uninstall Proton VPN temporarily and try Network Reset.

Click to expand...

1. Run these two very short commands (Admin PowerShell / Admin Command Prompt). You can type or take photos of the screen to post here:
   • sc query dnscache
   • net start dnscache
     If net start returns “The service is already running” that’s fine. If it fails, photograph the error and post it.

1. Try Windows Network Reset:
   • Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Network reset → Reset now → Reboot.
     This reinstalls adapters and resets Winsock/TCP/IP and is safe (you will lose saved Wi‑Fi passwords). Reboot and test browsing.

1. Reinstall the Ethernet/Wi‑Fi driver:
   • Open Device Manager → Network adapters → right‑click your Realtek (or Intel) adapter → Uninstall device.
   • If the dialog shows “Delete the driver software for this device”, check it and click Uninstall.
   • Reboot the PC. Windows should reinstall a driver. If it doesn’t, bring a driver file on USB (download the manufacturer driver from another PC) and run the installer after reboot.

1. Fully uninstall Proton VPN and remove TAP adapters:
   • Settings → Apps → find Proton VPN → Uninstall (do not just close the app).
   • Device Manager → Network adapters → remove any TAP/virtual adapters (names like “TAP‑Windows Adapter V9”, “Proton VPN Adapter”, “TAP‑Proton” etc.) → right‑click → Uninstall device (choose “Delete driver” if offered).
   • Reboot and test.

1. In Admin Command Prompt run exactly:
   • netsh winsock reset
   • netsh int ip reset
   • ipconfig /flushdns
   • shutdown /r /t 5
     Reboot and test.

• Type “Create a restore point” → System Protection → System Restore → pick a point before the issue → proceed.

• From another working PC, download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool / ISO from Microsoft and copy the ISO or installer to a USB.
• On the problem PC, mount the ISO or run setup.exe from the USB, choose “Keep personal files and apps” → follow instructions. This repairs Windows system files without losing data. (I can give detailed steps if you want.)

• produce a one‑click guide for creating the run_diag.cmd file so you don’t type any commands, or
• walk you step‑by‑step through uninstalling Proton VPN and removing TAP adapters.

ChatGPT said:

Thanks — helpful info. Because Safe Mode with Networking also failed, this is very likely a system‑level networking issue (corrupted stack/services or a driver/filter that even Safe Mode loads) rather than a simple app/proxy setting. Below are short, prioritized next steps you can do (I’ll keep each step compact so you can follow it from the PC or copy the commands from your phone to the PC). If any step fixes it, stop and tell me which step worked.
Priority 1 — quick, non‑destructive tests (confirm services / restart DNS client)

1. Run these two very short commands (Admin PowerShell / Admin Command Prompt). You can type or take photos of the screen to post here:
   • sc query dnscache
   • net start dnscache
     If net start returns “The service is already running” that’s fine. If it fails, photograph the error and post it.

Priority 2 — Network Reset (easy UI, often fixes persistent issues)

1. Try Windows Network Reset:
   • Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Network reset → Reset now → Reboot.
     This reinstalls adapters and resets Winsock/TCP/IP and is safe (you will lose saved Wi‑Fi passwords). Reboot and test browsing.

Priority 3 — Reinstall NIC driver (offline if needed)

1. Reinstall the Ethernet/Wi‑Fi driver:
   • Open Device Manager → Network adapters → right‑click your Realtek (or Intel) adapter → Uninstall device.
   • If the dialog shows “Delete the driver software for this device”, check it and click Uninstall.
   • Reboot the PC. Windows should reinstall a driver. If it doesn’t, bring a driver file on USB (download the manufacturer driver from another PC) and run the installer after reboot.

Priority 4 — Remove VPN/TAP adapters & uninstall Proton (do this even if “off”)

1. Fully uninstall Proton VPN and remove TAP adapters:
   • Settings → Apps → find Proton VPN → Uninstall (do not just close the app).
   • Device Manager → Network adapters → remove any TAP/virtual adapters (names like “TAP‑Windows Adapter V9”, “Proton VPN Adapter”, “TAP‑Proton” etc.) → right‑click → Uninstall device (choose “Delete driver” if offered).
   • Reboot and test.

Priority 5 — Re-run winsock / IP reset (Admin) then reboot

1. In Admin Command Prompt run exactly:
   • netsh winsock reset
   • netsh int ip reset
   • ipconfig /flushdns
   • shutdown /r /t 5
     Reboot and test.

Priority 6 — System Restore (if available) or Repair Install (keeps files/apps)
6A. If you have a recent System Restore point, try rolling back:

• Type “Create a restore point” → System Protection → System Restore → pick a point before the issue → proceed.

6B. If no restore point or it fails, do an in‑place Repair / Repair Install:

• From another working PC, download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool / ISO from Microsoft and copy the ISO or installer to a USB.
• On the problem PC, mount the ISO or run setup.exe from the USB, choose “Keep personal files and apps” → follow instructions. This repairs Windows system files without losing data. (I can give detailed steps if you want.)

If you’re willing to try one command set I prepared (writes full diagnostics to a text file so you don’t have to type many commands)
If typing long commands is the problem, do this instead — using another device (phone) copy the exact block below, open Notepad on the problem PC, paste it, save as C:\Temp\run_diag.cmd, then right‑click → Run as administrator. It will create C:\Temp\webdiag2.txt and open it in Notepad so you can copy to USB or take photos.
Batch to paste into Notepad and save as C:\Temp\rundiag.cmd:
mkdir C:\Temp 2>nul
(
echo ==== date/time ====
date /T & time /T
echo.
echo ==== ipconfig /all ====
ipconfig /all
echo.
echo ==== Get-NetAdapter ====
powershell -NoProfile -Command "Get-NetAdapter | Format-Table -Auto"
echo.
echo ==== Get-DnsClientServerAddress (IPv4) ====
powershell -NoProfile -Command "Get-DnsClientServerAddress -AddressFamily IPv4 | Format-List"
echo.
echo ==== sc query dnscache ====
sc query dnscache
echo.
echo ==== sc qc dnscache ====
sc qc dnscache
echo.
echo ==== sc query WinHttpAutoProxySvc ====
sc query WinHttpAutoProxySvc
echo.
echo ==== sc qc WinHttpAutoProxySvc ====
sc qc WinHttpAutoProxySvc
echo.
echo ==== netsh winhttp show proxy ====
netsh winhttp show proxy
echo.
echo ==== netsh winsock show catalog ====
netsh winsock show catalog
echo.
echo ==== netsh advfirewall show allprofiles ====
netsh advfirewall show allprofiles
echo.
echo ==== Test-NetConnection 8.8.8.8:53 ====
powershell -NoProfile -Command "Test-NetConnection -ComputerName 8.8.8.8 -Port 53 -InformationLevel Detailed"
echo.
echo ==== Test-NetConnection 216.58.214.14:443 ====
powershell -NoProfile -Command "Test-NetConnection -ComputerName 216.58.214.14 -Port 443 -InformationLevel Detailed"
echo.
echo ==== Invoke-WebRequest by IP ====
powershell -NoProfile -Command "Try { Invoke-WebRequest -Uri 'http://216.58.214.14' -UseBasicParsing -TimeoutSec 8 | Out-String } Catch { 'ERROR: ' + $.Exception.Message }"
echo.
echo ==== Invoke-WebRequest by name ====
powershell -NoProfile -Command "Try { Invoke-WebRequest -Uri 'https://www.google.com' -UseBasicParsing -TimeoutSec 8 | Out-String } Catch { 'ERROR: ' + $_.Exception.Message }"
echo.
echo ==== hosts file ====
type C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
echo.
echo ==== route print ====
route print
echo.
echo ==== netstat -rn ====
netstat -rn
) > C:\Temp\webdiag2.txt 2>&1
notepad C:\Temp\webdiag2.txt
If you can run that and then copy the file to a USB or take photos of the Notepad contents (top ~80 lines) and upload the photos here, I will read them and give the exact, minimal fix.
What I recommend you try next (in order)
1) If you haven’t already: run the small service command from Priority 1 (sc query dnscache / net start dnscache). Photograph output.
2) Do Network Reset (Priority 2). Reboot and test.
3) If still no internet, uninstall Proton VPN completely and remove TAP adapters (Priority 4). Reboot.
4) If still no internet, run the small batch diag file above and upload the produced C:\Temp\webdiag2.txt (or photos of it). I’ll parse it and give the exact remedial command (could be: reconfigure a service, remove a specific non‑Microsoft winsock/provider, reinstall a specific driver, or instruct a repair install).
If you want, I will:

• produce a one‑click guide for creating the run_diag.cmd file so you don’t type any commands, or
• walk you step‑by‑step through uninstalling Proton VPN and removing TAP adapters.

Which do you want now — try Network Reset, uninstall Proton VPN, or have me give the ready‑to‑paste diag script so you can run it with a single file?

Click to expand...

• On your phone copy the exact script text I provide below into a plain text file (name it run_diag.cmd).
• Connect your phone to the PC via USB and copy run_diag.cmd to C:\Temp\ on the PC (or copy the file to a USB thumb drive and then to C:\Temp).
• On the PC: right‑click run_diag.cmd → Run as administrator. Notepad will open C:\Temp\webdiag2.txt. Copy that file to a USB or take photos of Notepad and upload them here.

• If you want the diag file route, say “I’ll transfer via USB” and then save the run_diag.cmd file on your phone and transfer it (I’ll remind you the exact simple phone→PC copy steps).
• If you prefer to type a few short commands and post photos, say “I’ll run short commands” and I’ll give the minimal list again and which order to capture.

ChatGPT said:

Thanks — understood. Two easy options so you don’t have to type long blocks by hand.
Option A — I’ll give the ready-to-run diag script and a very short transfer method (recommended)

• On your phone copy the exact script text I provide below into a plain text file (name it run_diag.cmd).
• Connect your phone to the PC via USB and copy run_diag.cmd to C:\Temp\ on the PC (or copy the file to a USB thumb drive and then to C:\Temp).
• On the PC: right‑click run_diag.cmd → Run as administrator. Notepad will open C:\Temp\webdiag2.txt. Copy that file to a USB or take photos of Notepad and upload them here.

Here is the script to save (copy exactly into a file named run_diag.cmd):
mkdir C:\Temp 2>nul
(
echo ==== date/time ====
date /T & time /T
echo.
echo ==== ipconfig /all ====
ipconfig /all
echo.
echo ==== Get-NetAdapter ====
powershell -NoProfile -Command "Get-NetAdapter | Format-Table -Auto"
echo.
echo ==== Get-DnsClientServerAddress (IPv4) ====
powershell -NoProfile -Command "Get-DnsClientServerAddress -AddressFamily IPv4 | Format-List"
echo.
echo ==== sc query dnscache ====
sc query dnscache
echo.
echo ==== sc qc dnscache ====
sc qc dnscache
echo.
echo ==== sc query WinHttpAutoProxySvc ====
sc query WinHttpAutoProxySvc
echo.
echo ==== sc qc WinHttpAutoProxySvc ====
sc qc WinHttpAutoProxySvc
echo.
echo ==== netsh winhttp show proxy ====
netsh winhttp show proxy
echo.
echo ==== netsh winsock show catalog (top 120 lines) ====
netsh winsock show catalog
echo.
echo ==== netsh advfirewall show allprofiles ====
netsh advfirewall show allprofiles
echo.
echo ==== Test-NetConnection 8.8.8.8:53 ====
powershell -NoProfile -Command "Test-NetConnection -ComputerName 8.8.8.8 -Port 53 -InformationLevel Detailed"
echo.
echo ==== Test-NetConnection 216.58.214.14:443 ====
powershell -NoProfile -Command "Test-NetConnection -ComputerName 216.58.214.14 -Port 443 -InformationLevel Detailed"
echo.
echo ==== Invoke-WebRequest by IP ====
powershell -NoProfile -Command "Try { Invoke-WebRequest -Uri 'http://216.58.214.14' -UseBasicParsing -TimeoutSec 8 | Out-String } Catch { 'ERROR: ' + $.Exception.Message }"
echo.
echo ==== Invoke-WebRequest by name ====
powershell -NoProfile -Command "Try { Invoke-WebRequest -Uri 'https://www.google.com' -UseBasicParsing -TimeoutSec 8 | Out-String } Catch { 'ERROR: ' + $.Exception.Message }"
echo.
echo ==== hosts file ====
type C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
echo.
echo ==== route print ====
route print
echo.
echo ==== netstat -rn ====
netstat -rn
) > C:\Temp\webdiag2.txt 2>&1
notepad C:\Temp\webdiag2.txt
If you want, I can break that into a downloadable file you paste on your phone, but the above is the exact file content to save as run_diag.cmd.
Option B — run a few very short commands manually (no file transfer)
If you prefer to type only short commands and photograph outputs, do these (each is one short line; run in Admin Command Prompt or Admin PowerShell):
1) sc query dnscache
2) sc qc dnscache
3) netsh winhttp show proxy
4) netsh winsock show catalog
5) ipconfig /all
6) netsh advfirewall show allprofiles
7) Test-NetConnection -ComputerName 8.8.8.8 -Port 53 -InformationLevel Detailed
(You can paste that from your phone into PowerShell; if PowerShell is awkward, run: powershell -Command "Test-NetConnection -ComputerName 8.8.8.8 -Port 53 -InformationLevel Detailed")
8) In PowerShell (Admin) run:
Invoke-WebRequest http://216.58.214.14 -UseBasicParsing -TimeoutSec 8
Invoke-WebRequest https://www.google.com -UseBasicParsing -TimeoutSec 8
Take photos of each command result and upload them here.
Which do you want to do now?

• If you want the diag file route, say “I’ll transfer via USB” and then save the run_diag.cmd file on your phone and transfer it (I’ll remind you the exact simple phone→PC copy steps).
• If you prefer to type a few short commands and post photos, say “I’ll run short commands” and I’ll give the minimal list again and which order to capture.

If you’re willing to try one immediate quick fix while collecting diagnostics: perform Network Reset (Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Network reset → Reset now) then reboot and test. That often fixes stubborn stack corruption — but it will remove saved Wi‑Fi profiles.
Tell me which option you prefer and I’ll guide you step‑by‑step.

Click to expand...