View Full Version : Can someone help me - VISTA
Hi all,
Could someone help me with a problem I have on my 'other' computer please, I am no whizz kid with these damn things.
It has Vista on it and even though it says its connected to the internet, it will not display any websites (IE, Firefox all the same). It has 3 'important' downloads but it wont even begin to DL them due to the internet connection. Now I havnt used this PC in ages due to the problem it has.
If I restore it, it does not fix the problem. Even though I got the PC from PC World, I do not have any discs to re-install Vista and TBH I have alot of sentimental pics and loads of music on there so I want to avoid wiping it.
Can someone perhaps advise me on what I can do?
I'll dance at your wedding if you solve this.
How are you connected to internet - wired/wireless? Who is your ISP ? Have you tried internet on the same connection with different PC?
Faevilangel
16th May 2010, 16:52
Is it actually connecting to the internet? Should be a flashing globe in the task bar.
Check the network connection and run the diagnostic on it
Go to control panel > Networks > Network sharing centre, will tell you if you're connected
Hi, I'm using an internet dongle (O2) and works fine on my laptop (What am using now).
Faevilangel
16th May 2010, 16:56
Hi, I'm using an internet dongle (O2) and works fine on my laptop (What am using now).
Do you have the UAC on? Means it won't let you connect to anything without permission :rolleyes:
Have you got a signal? Is there enough credit?
Hi, I'm using an internet dongle (O2) and works fine on my laptop (What am using now).
Maybe you have IP addresses set manually. Check, if Yes, then change them to auto mode.
Is it actually connecting to the internet? Should be a flashing globe in the task bar.
Check the network connection and run the diagnostic on it
Go to control panel > Networks > Network sharing centre, will tell you if you're connected
Hi,
That says its not connected and gives the following msg:
'A cable is not plugged into the network adaptor 'Local Area onnection''
But Im using an internet dongle, the little blue light comes on saying that it has connected to the internet and a little msg pops up confirming it.
I did take the PC in question to my dads and it did the exact same thing even when an ethernet cable was connected.
@RobCCTV
Yes it has credit as Im using it now on my laptop (I have to keep disconnecting it to check on the desk top PC). I will check the things you have suggested but I'm pretty sure they are all fine.
the locksmith
16th May 2010, 17:53
Go into Control Panel / network and sharing/ manage network connections .... make sure your local area connection (Lan card or adapter) is enabled. Right click for "Status". If there's a problem there it might be your drivers that need reinstalled / updated.
See what it says and we can take from there.
gogul2k
16th May 2010, 17:55
I don't have experience with using dongles, but my initial thoughts are:
Have you installed any firmware/software provided?
Is the software required to make it work running?
Does it show up among your internet connection options?
@the locksmith
I did that and all appears fine and 'enabled'. I did find that if I click on the Cellular Profile (the dongle) its connectivity is 'limited'. Bytes sent 8444 recieved 219.
When I click diagnose, it says:
'Cannot communicate with DNA server (MY IP)'
Windows found a problem that cannot be repaired automatically
14A
have you tried rebooting PC? Have you tried disabling firewall/antirivus/spyware software?
I don't have experience with using dongles, but my initial thoughts are:
Have you installed any firmware/software provided? Yes, fully installed and working.
Is the software required to make it work running? Yes, does everything it should do i.e dial up (or whatever its called) and displays all msgs etc to confirm its connected, just limited.
Does it show up among your internet connection options? Yes, as above really says its limited
Thanks for helping
14A
have you tried rebooting PC? Have you tried disabling firewall/antirivus/spyware software?
Rebooting doesnt work.
As for firewall etc I have disabled the Windows firewall and shut down AVG - Nothing different happens though.
Is there any way to check if/what firewalls etc are running?
Anyone?
It just has limited connetion.
Babybots
17th May 2010, 08:42
O2 Software does not work very well with Vista or Win 7 (I had this problem), goto their website (using a different machine) and follow the instructions to resolve. There is a file that I had to delete to get it working once did that it was all ok.
Or it could be that you are in an area that has very poor coverage, I bought mine for when we are on holiday and need to check emails etc, damn thing very rarely works and I end up tethering my mobile instead.
O2 Software does not work very well with Vista or Win 7 (I had this problem), goto their website (using a different machine) and follow the instructions to resolve. There is a file that I had to delete to get it working once did that it was all ok.
Or it could be that you are in an area that has very poor coverage, I bought mine for when we are on holiday and need to check emails etc, damn thing very rarely works and I end up tethering my mobile instead.
Can you link me to the section with the instructions? Cant find anything for it.
Babybots
18th May 2010, 07:15
Can you link me to the section with the instructions? Cant find anything for it.
Should be able to find it here http://www.o2.co.uk/connectionmanager
Should be able to find it here http://www.o2.co.uk/connectionmanager
Thanks for the info I wilL try it tonight.
My only concern was when I connected the pc to my dads network (wired) it didn't work - I.e bypassing o2 intact it wasn't even installed.
Babybots
18th May 2010, 14:12
If you have an issue connecting through a wired connection as well, then you more then likely have different problems!!
Have you tried a different machine on the same connection, if you have and it connects ok then there is something on your machine that is causing the problems, maybe rogue software, driver issue, firewall problem any number of things.
your best bet maybe to backup any files you want to keep and do a fresh install of the OS.
Yes it's definetly my pcnot the connection.
My pc didn't come with vista discs (neither did my laptop come to think of it) so can I still reinstall it? A system restore doesnt fix it.
Babybots
18th May 2010, 18:43
One of the function keys when you are booting up, think its F8 or F12 will take you into the windows recovery console, the setup "discs" for your os will be stored on a partition on your hd, you should be able to copy them to a disc if required (assuming machine has legit copy on it)
A bit of a bump please, can anyone further help me?
One of the function keys when you are booting up, think its F8 or F12 will take you into the windows recovery console, the setup "discs" for your os will be stored on a partition on your hd, you should be able to copy them to a disc if required (assuming machine has legit copy on it)
There is no 'd drive' that should suggest it has a partition (Unlike my laptop, that does).
I bought the machine refurbished from PC world about 2/3 years ago. To top it all off the disc drive hasnt worked in a long time (Doesnt reconise a CD).
I 'think' its had a virus as a year ago when I last used it, you could type www.ebay.co.uk (http://www.ebay.co.uk) into the address bar (for example) and it would take you there, for 1 second then divert you elsewhere, no porn or anything just random sites selling junk. I passed the computer on to my dad a couple of months ago as he has more free time than me and he managed to download AVG from his computer, to a memorystick, then pass it onto my PC and it said it removed some viruses or trojans or whatever.
Windows Vista is the new operating system from Microsoft. It offers new and improved features. It also offers some of the same features that we are all used to. Windows Vista came out earlier this year and offers a new visual interface.
Windows Vista's security features aren't the only new advantages to the operating system. There is also a new, more visual, user interface with Windows Vista. Microsoft has called this Windows AERO.
Random schpiel to up your post count - Not helpful
the locksmith
22nd May 2010, 12:22
Sorry you are still having probs.
Yes random posting is really helpful .... not!
Have you been into control panel / system / device manager ... have you got any yellow exclamation marks on anything ?
Another thing to try ... right click on the network icon with the globe. You should get a "diagnose and repair" option. See what happens.
enquirer
22nd May 2010, 13:56
Change the hard drive and be done with it. That is, if you don't need the files on your computer...
Got it working!
Managed to do a partial restore and retained all my files.
Thanks for the help!
the locksmith
29th May 2010, 10:25
That's great. Glad you got there in the end.
All the best.