Limited or no connectivity

[DWk]

Ok, here's the deal with my sister's Dell Optiplex 170L.

Out of the blue, one day it started giving the limited or no connectivity error message, and no network. I went to restart the switch, the router, repaired the network card, and also remade the cable. Then I used winsock fix, an MS patch directed at this specific problem (SP2). As a last resort, I tried putting in a PCI network card. Since that didn't work, I tried to use the winsock fix. After no solution was found, I decided for the format (format SHOULD fix this). So first I tried a repair (because there was one file I couldn't backup because it was too big). And it wasn't fixed. I then tried to do a clean install (after backing up that big file ) with the WinXP+SP2 disc. To my surprise, it still wasn't working (both cards). So then, being desperate and giving SP2 the status of culprit, I formatted again with the WinXP+SP1 disc.

Of course, I didn't get the limited or no connectivity message... but that's because it wasn't implemented then. I still don't have any connectivity at all

Any ideas?

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Did you try safemode with networking support? Have you tried to ping a few sites? Have you checked for Spyware/Malware/virus?

 

[Penth]

have you done a hard power off? Like flipping the switch on the PSU or unplugging it completely. I have an NF3 board that sometimes gets no connectivity problems until I do that.

 

[Trippytiger]

Are you certain that the problem isn't with the router rather than the computer?

 

[secretanchitman]

can you try a PCI network card and see if you get a connection?

 

[jmagg]

Go directly from the modem to the nic. If the problem still exists, the modems going bad.

 

[DWk]

Ok to answer all your questions:

I tried safemode, and no results.
Hard power off? You want me to do that?
Yes the problem isn't with the router (there are 5 computers, and only this one has problems)
I already tried the PCI network card, and same result.
As for going directly, I already tried the laptop on the same cable, and it gets the ip fast and no problems with the connection.
And DHCP is on, I already tried manually setting the IP, same result.

Any more ideas?

 

[John]

Try a USB nic.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Penth
have you done a hard power off? Like flipping the switch on the PSU or unplugging it completely. I have an NF3 board that sometimes gets no connectivity problems until I do that.

I agree try this

 

[DWk]

I did that, no avail.

A USB nic? I don't think there are any available here. Any other ideas?

I'm running out of options, and getting frustrated

 

[wsm]

I am working through the same problem and have tried several things in the past three days.

It happened suddenly.
Safe mode internet works, but in normal mode neither ethernet adapter works (I have 2 installed).
I've deleted one from hardware profile and reinstalled - no dice.
It's not the router - works fine for other computers and same problem if connected directly to cable modem.

I have norton internet security - which I think I have completely disabled and it was no help.
So my next step may be to remove it with rnis.exe.
This post by jotremb near the bottom of http://www.experts-exchange.com/Networking/Q_21276027.html is another option.

I've read a lot and tried a lot with no promising results (except in safe mode). I'd appreciate any tips.

 

[wsm]

p.s. also tried static IP address.

 

[Tarrant64]

Originally posted by: DWk
Ok to answer all your questions:

I tried safemode, and no results.
Hard power off? You want me to do that?
Yes the problem isn't with the router (there are 5 computers, and only this one has problems)
I already tried the PCI network card, and same result.
As for going directly, I already tried the laptop on the same cable, and it gets the ip fast and no problems with the connection.
And DHCP is on, I already tried manually setting the IP, same result.

Any more ideas?

You tried the laptop on which cable? Have you tried the optiplex on the direct connection to the modem??? This was asked but you didn't answer whether you did this or not.

This is an odd problem though, you're right. A format and clean install should eliminate any software related problems, so it's narrowed down to hardware. Trial and error so if you haven't tried all these steps maybe move this to Networking and see if there are any other suggestions...

Using the onboard NIC(assuming that's what you were using):
1. Connect directly to the modem.
2. Connect it to the router by itself without the router being connected to the modem. (I was thinking that somehow maybe it was trying to grab an external address..)
3. Do the same step in #2 with it connected to the modem.
4. If you have access to one or can borrow from someone try a different router all together. Also, what kind are you using?

Repeat the same with the PCI network card. Some of these may have already been done but just in case you missed one...

 

[wsm]

DWK,

Safe mode worked for me initially - kept my hopes up but unfortunately I tried it several dates after trouble started. But then a couple times last night it didn't work, then today it did again. So even safe mode might not work/fail consistently.

My problem finally resolved after 7 days trying boatloads of ideas like you ... I uninstalled Norton Internet Security (NIS). Even though I had turned off all startup and services for NIS it was apparently not enough to kill some hooks. Either that, or something else I didn't detect resolved the problem.

Try Safe Mode a few times.
Do you have NIS?

Like you, several other PCs worked fine. So it's not likely to be your hardware. However, ...

People - nothing here is definitive when it comes to hardware or software. Especially software. Just because he formatted and installed doesn't mean the problem isn't software.

DWK, please give us an update.

 

[Dowfen]

Have you tried a different port on the router? Individual ports can go bad. Either try a different port or try connecting just to the DSL/cable modem.

Eric

 

[KeithP]

Have you tried a different port on the router? Individual ports can go bad.

I was going to suggest this as well. It actually happened to me a few months ago. Also, try replacing the network cable if you haven't already.

-KeithP