Can connect our laptops but no internet access via desktop computer

[lilolilmanchester]

We have a router, desktop computer plugged into that for internet access, our laptops connect wirelessly. For some reason we have lot internet connection from the desktop - but laptops still work. I have checked all the wires, and have tried connecting broadband cable directly into computer (e.g. taking out router) but still no connection. Any thoughts?

*lost

anyone?

the router is clearly working and the broaband connection from your house to the big bad internet is clearly working so sounds like your network card on your pc has given up

you could try uninstalling and re-installing the drivers and see if that helps short of that you might need a new network card

thanks frasersmummy, yes, clearly something to do with pc, given that the laptops have internet connections - was hoping it might be a setting or something but it does sound like it's a hardware error, doesn't it. Am going away for a few days so no time to try reinstalling drivers, will take a look when back. Thanks.

Plugging the phone cable directly into the computer and bypassing the router will never work - the signal just doesn't work like that.

You should have a single cable going between the desktop and the router.

There should be a couple of little lights on the back of the desktop where the cable plugs in (green and orange). Can you confirm that the green light is on when the cable is plugged in and goes out when it is removed (the orange light should flash randomly)?

If the green light doesn't con on when the cable is plugged it it means you have a problem with the cable itself (try another one) or a problem with the hardware (try a different port on the vac know the router).

If the light is on, it is a software problem.

Depending upon what version of windows you are using the actions you need to take will differ slightly. Your best options to google "network connection repair widows XP" (or vista or win 7) and you should get a good guide to help you.

If you are still stuck, then post back and I will see if I can help.

Sorry, lost of typos. Should have said "back of the router" at the end of the 4th para

hi Technodad... thanks, and sorry, have been away. Will check out your post properly tomorrow and let you know how I get on, tho am away with work again a few days next week so don't think I'm ignoring you if I don't report back quickly

No probs. I will check back every day or two.

Hi Technodad. There are two lights where the cable is plugged into the desktop - but both orange. One on constantly and one flashing. Does that give you any further clues?

Do you have another network cable that you could try (the cable that plugs between the back of the desktop and your router)? It might be that the cable is damaged (you would normally expect one of the lights to be green light, with orange light indicating that there is limited connectivity for some reason).

Or, if you have more than one network port on the back of the router, try connecting the existing cable into one of the other ports.

What version of windows are you running?

thanks for continuing to try to help technodad. Yes, we've a couple of spare cables. Have tried both, and have also tried different ports on the back of the router. No joy unfortunately.

We're on WindowXP

OK,

The next step is to try to resolve any software issues which might be causing the problem you need to attempt to automatically repair your network connection:

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

1. Under Pick a Category, click Network and Internet Connections.

1. In the Network and Internet Connections window, under or pick a Control Panel icon, click Network Connections.

1. Right-click your network connection, and then click Repair. If Repair is not available, make sure the network cable is connected and the network connection is enabled.

1. Windows XP will attempt to repair your network connection. If it is unsuccessful, it will display a message describing the problem. After it is done, click Close.

1. Now you're ready to test your connection. The best way to test your connection is to open your internet browser and attempt to visit several different websites. If any of the websites open correctly, your problem has been solved.

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If that doesn't work then the next thing to try would be to get one of your working laptops, disable the wireless device on the laptop (some have a little switch where you can physically turn off the wireless), and try plugging the laptop into the router using the cable that is plugged into the desktop. If your internet still works on the laptop then you know it is definitely a problem with the desktop PC and not the router (it is not likely to be the router, but we need to illuminate it from the equation, just in case).

Let me know how you get on.

thanks - I'm sure I tried the repair thing at the weekend, but will take a look in a couple of days when back from work trip. You're very kind and very patient -thank you... although if I have to spend much more time on it I think I might have to get someone in!

We will get it fixed. Get back to me after your trip and we can take another look.

hi technodad, quick check-in... this is getting curiouser... first, DH's laptop stopped being able to access the internet (tho connected to wireless network). Thought that must be a separate issue as I could still connect from my laptop. However, since yesterday, I have the same problem - I am connected to the network but can't connect to the internet. Am going to get someone to come round and take a look as I cannot communicate with you from home and have limited opportunity to sign-in from elsewhere. Will keep you posted.

hi.. .well DH spent an hour on phone to Virginmedia... following a process of elimination after that dh opened up the computer and re-seated various bits, and all seems to be ok. Sorry, can't be more specific than that as we have tried sooo many different things over the last few days that our heads are spinning... but looks like we have connectivity. Thanks so much for your help and patience Technodad

oh, no, I misunderstood what DH said. Both laptops are now working, but still not the desktop

Hmmm,

Sorry for the slow reply, have been away from the internet for a few days.

Well it could be a hardware fault with the desktop PC's network card, or a driver problem.

Try having a look in Device Manager to see if there are any problems with the hardware:

1. Click on Start and then Control Panel.

2. Click on the Performance and Maintenance link.

Note: If you're viewing the Classic View of Control Panel, you won't see this link. Simple double-click on the System icon and proceed to Step 4.

3. In the Performance and Maintenance window, click on the System icon near the bottom of the window.

4. In the System Properties window, click on the Hardware tab.

5. With the Hardware tab selected, click on the Device Manager button.

This will list all the bits of hardware in your PC. You should be able to see a section for network adaptors. Has it got a caution symbol against your network device?

hi, sorry, haven't been around much. DH has finally found the problem - apparently to do with Trend Micro antivirus software. He's removed that, replaced with something else and all ok. Thanks for all your help.