Connected to WiFi, but web browser won't work?

[L8 APEKS]

Hey all!

Trying to fix my girlfriend's laptop. I build PC's every now and again so I'm OK with hardware usually, but I'm not so good with networks.

Here's the deal...she's connected to a wireless network (we've tried on various networks that all work fine with strong signals), and packets are being sent/received.

However, both IE and Firefox are saying that they can't connect.

Her TCP/IP settings are pretty standard and they don't appear to have been changed. The wireless device is enabled and working properly. No recent hardware changes.

Any idea what I should check? Our IT guy at work glanced at it for a few seconds and said "Gee, that's weird...no idea! It says you're connected, browser should be working..."

Arrrrrrgh. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Harvey]

Do they work if you connect to the router through a wired network link?

 

[L8 APEKS]

I won't be able to check that until tomorrow, so if you could subscribe or check back for another post I'd appreciate it! Thanks so much!

 

[tyanni]

L8 -

Are these OPEN networks, i.e no security enabled? Because the ability to connect but not surf the internet is generally caused by a mismatch in the security key being used by the laptop and the access point. This is especially true when a long wep key is being used, since its easy to make a typo.

Tim

 

[RebateMonger]

I suggest that you, after connecting to WiFi, post here the response to a Command Line entry of:

"ipconfig /all". Leave the quote signs out when you enter the command.

 

[amdskip]

In addition to what everyone has said it could be spyware related and WinsockXP fix will fix that.

 

[L8 APEKS]

Hey guys, sorry for the delay! Still haven't fixed the problem yet.

Originally posted by: Harvey
Do they work if you connect to the router through a wired network link?

Nope, Firefox/IE gives me the "Unable to Connect" message, whether I'm wired or wireless.

Originally posted by: tyanni
L8 -

Are these OPEN networks, i.e no security enabled? Because the ability to connect but not surf the internet is generally caused by a mismatch in the security key being used by the laptop and the access point. This is especially true when a long wep key is being used, since its easy to make a typo.

Yes, they are open/public networks. I'm connected to them on my own laptop while I'm trying to diagnose hers.

Originally posted by: RebateMonger
I suggest that you, after connecting to WiFi, post here the response to a Command Line entry of:

"ipconfig /all". Leave the quote signs out when you enter the command.

Host name: PC211561639531
Primary DNS Suffix:
Node Type: Unknown
IP Routing Enabled: No
WINS Proxy Enabled: No
DNS Suffix Search List: Belkin

Ethernet adapter Wireless Network Connection 3:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix: Belkin
Description: Broadcom 802.11b/g WLAN
Physical Address: 00-14-A5-AE-8E-51
Dhcp Enabled: Yes
Autoconfig enabled: Yes
IP Address: 192.168.2.12
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default gateway: 192.168.2.1
DHCP Server: 192.168.2.1
DNS Servers: 66.75.164.90 (also .89)
Lease obtained: Sat Jan 6
Lease expires: Mon Jan 8

Originally posted by: amdskip
In addition to what everyone has said it could be spyware related and WinsockXP fix will fix that.

Ran AdAware and Spybot S&D, seems clean.

...any other ideas guys? She's starting to get frustrated and I'm sure it's something little and stupid. Let me know if that IPCONFIG post means anything. Thanks so much!

 

[Tegeril]

Those DNS servers may or may not be correct. Make sure they are not manually set in the TCP/IP settings and that they are set to be retrieved automatically.

 

[L8 APEKS]

Originally posted by: Tegeril
Those DNS servers may or may not be correct. Make sure they are not manually set in the TCP/IP settings and that they are set to be retrieved automatically.

IP and DNS are set to automatic in the wireless TCP/IP settings. This is really driving me nuts, I've got half a mind to re-install Windows to fix this darn thing. Arrrrgh!

 

[jboot51]

I've had the same problem before, somehow my NORTON firewall blocked IE7 from accessing the net. It maybe worth checking. "I'm sure it's something little and stupid"

 

[John]

Originally posted by: L8 APEKS
Any idea what I should check? Our IT guy at work glanced at it for a few seconds and said "Gee, that's weird...no idea! It says you're connected, browser should be working..."

Is your company hiring? Your current IT guy seems overqualified for the job.

However, both IE and Firefox are saying that they can't connect.

What happens when you ping 192.168.2.1 and ping www.gmail.com?

 

[L8 APEKS]

jboot, john...I will be able to get to the machine this evening. I'll try those ideas and post back tonight. Thanks! LOL on the IT guy! He's pretty good, but he was busy and literally spent 15 seconds on it...he just doesn't have the time for side-jobs or something.

 

[tommytran]

Is it an internal or external wireless card? haven't you try to swap it to your pc?
I would try to reinstall the wireless card driver as well. I know it is weird to reinstall the driver when it shows strong signal and connected but that is what happened with one of my USB Linksys wireless key.

 

[L8 APEKS]

Originally posted by: John

However, both IE and Firefox are saying that they can't connect.

What happens when you ping 192.168.2.1 and ping www.gmail.com?

Hey John,

Sorry for the delay. I sent pings from the command prompt.

192.168.2.1 = 4 sent/4 received, Avg time 5ms.
www.gmail.com = 4 sent/4 received, Avg time 23ms.

The machine currently has a strong wireless signal, but still, web browsers say "Server Not Found." My other laptop is sitting here as well, having no problems getting online using the same network.

Does this give any clues? Please let me know! This is soooo frustrating and my g/f needs her laptop back asap for work! Thanks guys!

 

[L8 APEKS]

Originally posted by: tommytran
Is it an internal or external wireless card? haven't you try to swap it to your pc?
I would try to reinstall the wireless card driver as well. I know it is weird to reinstall the driver when it shows strong signal and connected but that is what happened with one of my USB Linksys wireless key.

Internal card. I updated the drivers and it made no difference.

 

[John]

Since you can ping your router and websites using command prompt your problem is with your web browser. If you are using IE:

[*]go to tools > internet options > reset all of the security settings to default
[*]now click the connection tab, click on LAN settings, uncheck everything
[*]now click the advanced tab and reset to defaults

You can also try upgrading to IE 7.0 and/or install Firefox or Opera.

 

[L8 APEKS]

omfg...I HATE HATE HATE Norton Internet Security!!!!!!!!!

Uninstalled = problem solved. I'm a moron, and Norton sucks. Thanks guys!!!

 

[RebateMonger]

I remove any "XYZ Internet Security" program that I find on a client's PC. McAfee is a particularly bad offender, often blocking things that the client needs to do his/her work.

 

[John]

Heh, jboot51 suggested tthat you check for Norton products and since I didn't see you reply to him I figured that it didn't apply. I always uninstall Norton, McAfee, and disable software firewalls when a client has internet-related issues. Now that you've uninstalled Norton you can switch to a quality anti-virus like Kaspersky, NOD32, or AOL AVS.