Cannot connect to the internet on wired desktop?

comphelp111 · May 22, 2013

We bought a computer from someone and when trying to get online, it says local/limited connection only?
Help please!

Onus · May 22, 2013

Is this a PC, Mac, old TRS-80? Where does the wired connection go? Modem, router, ?
You'll need to provide a lot more information to get meaningful responses.

comphelp111 · May 22, 2013

Its a Compaq computer with Windows Vista. Its connected with an ethernet cord....I'm not sure I know the difference between modem and router??? It's an ATT modem I think, but it's also wireless compatible.

Onus · May 22, 2013

Since you're able to post, I'm assuming you have an additional computer. Try switching the ethernet cables between them.
If your device has wireless, then it's a router. Does it have LEDs indicating connectivity on its ports? What do they show? Is there a similar LED on the Compaq?

comphelp111 · May 22, 2013

yes, we have a laptop that is connected just fine on the wireless. Yes, all the lights are green and lit up. and there are green lights on the ethernet port on the computer

Onus · May 22, 2013

Does the Vista PC get an IP address from the router (IPCONFIG at a command prompt will tell you)? Any exclamation points or red "X" marks in Device Manager for network adapters?

Beachnative · May 22, 2013

Is the computer from another home that had static IP addresses? What is the IP of your wireless PC? What is the IP address of the computer that can't connect...Hopefully not 169.254.x.x

comphelp111 · May 22, 2013

I don't know what static IP addresses mean? the IP address of the computer that can't connect is 169.254.###.###
But the laptop is different.

dsp108 · May 22, 2013

comphelp111 :

There are two types of Ip addresses, Static and dynamic. A dynamic IP is an IP address that is used by more than 1 person through your host, while static is an IP that is only yours, you don't share it.

Onus · May 22, 2013

Ok, that's rather what I thought. 169.254.xx.xx addresses are autoconfigure addresses; what an Ethernet adapter will have by default if it isn't getting an IP address by DHCP. This could be caused by a bad cable, defective port, or misconfiguration. Make sure that your router is set up to provide DHCP services; you'll need to contact AT&T for assistance with their router. The PC will also need to be configured to use DHCP. You say the connectivity LEDs are on, but try a different [known good] cable anyway. The networking troubleshooter in Vista may be able to correct a configuration issue on the PC.

Beachnative · May 23, 2013

169.254.x.x means no DHCP server. I'd be willing to bet you have a cheapo router plugged directly into the wall and not using a battery back up providing conditioned power...You will have to reset your router. What kind of router do you have? LinkSys is known to be very sensitive to power spikes and sags that in turn cause this condition...at least here in central florida and having FPL : ) This is no big deal!

Beachnative · May 23, 2013

A static IP address is an IP address set manually, in other words someone went to the control panel- network and sharing center- manage network connections- local area conncections right click then select properties from the drop down menu. Then select TCP/IP V4 clink properties. There you can either select dynamic(automatically get IP address) or static(select use the following IP address)

Test this and enter the network settings from the working computer but try using the next IP address instead of the working computers IP.

Example:

Working computer:

Ip 192.168.1.100
Subnet mask 255.255.255.0

Gateway 192.168.1.1

DNS 4.2.2.2

Non working computer:

Ip 192.168.1.101
Subnet mask 255.255.255.0

Gateway 192.168.1.1

DNS 4.2.2.2

This should work as long as your wires are good

comphelp111 · May 23, 2013

so I need to change my laptops ip address, too? what about IPv6?

Onus · May 23, 2013

No, if the laptop is working, you do not need to reset its IP address. You would use its settings as a guide in case you need to manually set the other PC's IP information.

comphelp111 · May 23, 2013

hmmm...I tried the IP address....do I need to do anything with the ipv6 address?
or should I try the dhcp thing?? I'm not sure I understand that post though....

comphelp111 · May 23, 2013

meant to add that the IPv4 address change didn't do anything...

Onus · May 23, 2013

You might need to reset the router. Don't forget to set up security on it.

Beachnative · May 28, 2013

Disable IPv6 all together. The idea is start with only what you need.

Go to the working wireless computer, open up the command prompt and run the " ipconfig " command. What is IP address and gateway? Ping the gateway, then open the browser from the working computer and type in the gateway address from the ipconfig command you ran earlier. Click enter and see if you are prompted for the correct device. You might be connected to the ISP modem/wireless router and not your

Cannot connect to the internet on wired desktop?

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