New to laptop, not connecting to internet.

[capman21]

Got a laptop and its connected to a router. It was working but now it isnt connecting to the internet. When I do a a ipconfig it says Media State...........................Media Disconnected. I am new to this router stuff so what do you recommend?

[redwudz]

A little background would help.

What OS?
What brand and model laptop?
Wired or wireless connection?
What brand and model router?
Are you using DHCP on the laptop or a fixed address?
Have you ran the 'Networking Troubleshooter'?
Is Windows firewall configured properly?

[capman21]

OS is XP
Laptop is a Compaq
wireless
Have no idea
Yes, just says no network connection to detect
Yes

I know its little info, but its a friends of mines pc and someone else set it up fpr her. It is a Belkin router.

[Bjs]

Belkin , nice

A: Try uninstalling the device from system hardware ... the wireless network adapator , and reboot ... could just be driver issue .

It would also be worth while to check lines and filters coming into router for issues .

B: Means a reset of router .

1: Connect to router using network cable , and enter routers web page front end .

Visit every section , and clearly write down all settings ... don't forget to have account details on hand .
You'll need all this to return the original settings after the reset of the router .

2: Button built into back of device ... push a pin in , and wait for all lights to flash repeatedly , and remove pin .
3: Wait for modem to complete reset state .
4: Login to router via web page front end .

Refer to manual if asked for name and password , as the original defaults will now be back after reset .

I think of hand mine says the default is user name = admin , password = password .

5: Once in , you need to re-setup account user name and password as used by isp .

Use the button "reboot" in page to reboot device , and wait .

6: Re-enter modem , and return all original values noted prior to reset of router .

Reboot router once again .

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Try internet connection while connected to router via network cable ... if it works , disconnect network cable , and try wireless once again .

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Please also check if your current av product contains virus's or trojan's in their vault , and remove offending items ... it can trigger a "denial of service" event .

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Anything beyond this point ... ask

[capman21]

Dont know how but its working now, thanks. Hey quick question how do you pick up on someone elses wireless internet.

[redwudz]

Generally logging onto someones else's system without permission is considered bad taste and may even be illegal in some parts of the world. Most users encrypt their wireless, but a few don't have a clue and leave them open, then wonder why their connection keeps slowing down.

But your laptop or wireless setup should show nearby access points. It should also tell you if they are open or not. Open access points you can log onto are what you will find commonly in internet cafés, airports, college campuses, and libraries. They are also common in downtown areas of most larger cities. If you do a internet search for access points for your city or area, you may find a map and locations.

[Bjs]

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/columns/cableguy/cg0804.mspx

If you find one , knock on their door and tell them they have a problem ... you'll be appreciated more .

[Jeremiah58]

Hey quick question how do you pick up on someone elses wireless internet.

Easy...just...press Connect, but...
As well as you could be in a range of someone's wireless network - you could be in a range of his shotgun.