No internet...

[asabour]

All of the sudden, out of the blue, my computer says "invalid IP address" and wont connect to the internet. It then gives me some bogus ip (168.***.etc), and no internet. Just yesterday it was working, now all of the sudden it doesnt (with no restarts/changes, etc). This computer, which is on the same wireless network, works the same as usual. I've tried releasing/renewing my ip, changing my computer name, changing the wireless card slot, turning the cable modem/wireless hub on and off, trying to configure my IP manually, but nothing seems to work. Any suggestions? I dont know what to do...

I'm running WinXP and have a wireless network 802.11b.

 

[3LEMENT0]

sometimes poweroff/reboot works....refresh the network too...good luck

 

[jhurst]

Try taking the router part out of the equation first. Just hook the modem directly up to the computer you are having problems with to see if you can connect that way. Start taking out variables like that. If you can get that direct connection going, then follow the instructions again on setting up the network. Also, delete all of your network connections in the control panel, that way you will be creating fresh connections.

 

[gplracer]

It could be a virus too

 

[asabour]

yea I've tried rebooting several times already, doesnt work.

So I just directly connected my cable modem to my computer, and guess what, same thing. So it's obviously something wrong with my computer and none of the connections specifically. Maybe a virus? How do I go about running an updated virus check on it w/no internet? And if not a virus, maybe a setting on my comp that's wrong? I didn't change anything or install any new programs when this happened out of the blue... wtf? Thanks.

 

[asabour]

still not working, any other suggestions?

 

[Mik3y]

try rebuilding the network. it shouldnt take long.

 

[asabour]

what do you mean? I've unplugged/replugged everything, set up my "new connection wizard" several times, but it always says "invalid IP". I'm getting very frustrated...

 

[farmercal]

asabour I have had the same thing happen on my system many times and all I had to do is remove the power cable from the back of my wireless network router, then plug it back in and everything works normal again. Are you broadband?

 

[asabour]

yes, I'm broadband. I've done what you've suggested several times, and it has worked in the past but it isn't working this time. Also, even when I try to connect directly to my cable modem via network cable, i still get the "invalid ip" thing. I dont know what to do....

 

[farmercal]

Have you thought about performing a Restore to when it was working properly. I know it's a stretch but I suggested this to my sister-in-law the other day when she couldn't get on-line and it worked like a charm. I'm not saying this WILL solve your problem but it might be worth a try.

 

[windows311]

go to cmd, type in -> ipconfig /all
check your dns numbers, and more importantly your Gateway and DHCP Server.
If it looks outta wack, chances are you have a virus.
i recently cleaned a whole office consisting of 50 coomputers that had a W32.**** virus. which sounds very similar to your issue. I would suggest an online virus scan using trendmicro, but u can't do that.
Try using mcafee.
Another thing to check is your host file.
it should be in:
WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\host -> edit it with notepad all that it should say is:


127.0.0.1 localhost

and any info for local intranets n stuff. if there is anything else in there just delete.

Good luck

 

[txxxx]

Originally posted by: asabour
yes, I'm broadband. I've done what you've suggested several times, and it has worked in the past but it isn't working this time. Also, even when I try to connect directly to my cable modem via network cable, i still get the "invalid ip" thing. I dont know what to do....

Suggests issue is with DHCP client within Windows XP. Go check in services that its actually running correctly.

 

[piasabird]

I noticed that Cable Modems have their own MAC ADDRESS, did you reboot the Modem you are using?

 

[txxxx]

Originally posted by: piasabird
I noticed that Cable Modems have their own MAC ADDRESS, did you reboot the Modem you are using?

Some cable companies lock down one PC MAC address per cable modem. Although lately this policy has changed in some parts of the world, I'd still contact them netherless.

 

[Metron]

I would suggest running a free online scan at Symantec / Norton Run the "Symantec Security Check" link at the lowest left of the webpage that comes up, and choose "Virus Detection." If you find anything, you'll have to download the Virus Removal Tools (another link on the front page) or get their trialware Symantec Anti-Virus or buy it.

I'd also recommend getting a Spyware scanner, since virus scanners aren't yet up to speed there. Check out SpyBot Search & Destroy which is free and highly rated.

Finally, I've run into some oddball viruses that are similar to what you describe, and I defeated them by deleting and rebuilding the TCP/IP stack. You might give that a try.

Good luck,
Metron