Broadband USB modem to wireless router

[simonm]

Grateful for assistance, easiest way is to describe the symptoms.
I had 1 computer(a) connected to the internet via a speedtouch USB broadband modem on wanadoo. Two other computers (b) and (c) networked to this one.
Bought linksys wireless router, removed speedtouch modem, replaced with router.
All computers connected to router, all can access the router on 192.168.1.1 Computers (b) and (c) can access the web no problem using default settings - so router setup okay.
Original computer (a) recognises the router and works okay on the network but will not go online. It will ping to an IP number but will not recognise a domain name.
So, I have completely reinstalled computer (a)- reformat of C:drive - it was running like a dog - which then went on line immediately with default internet settings. For a day - enough time to upload SP2 and updates! and Macromedia - nothing else!
Now I am back to the same problem.
A DNS problem? I think it is still trying to recognise the speedtouch modem (which was disconnected some time ago but I think the software might have been left on a D: drive)
Any suggestions would be really appreciated. All computers are configured using the same default settings, (b) and (c) work fine, (a) doesn't.
I could go into greater depth, I'm hoping somebody will recognise the problem and solution - I'm sure its obvious.

[MuNKyonline]

First things to check would be anti-virus/internet security/firewall. If you have installed Norton then I'd bet that that was causing the problem.

I wouldnt have thought it was looking for the speedtouch if you have whiped the machine. What wireless adaptors are you using in each of the machines? Are they the same?

[simonm]

Thanks, but I've been there already. All three computers have the same AV, are configured the same, all are AMD, one portable on a wireless, the other two including the non connecting one are hard wired. All work on the LAN, all see each other.

[MuNKyonline]

Try a different adaptor in the one that doesnt work.

Try plugging it into a different port on the router.

Try a different ethernet cable.

Put the DNS IP addresses on the router. If you have already then try different ones.

Get a usb dongle to connect the pc to the router using wireless and see if that works.

Try a different router like Buffalo or Netgear.

Buy a new PC!

[simonm]

I'll try these tonight

[undrop79]

Do you mean that you can ping a websites IP address through the computer, but not type the domain name in the address bar to view the page?

This to me would mean a DNS setting is incorrect, but if you have the same settings on all 3 computers and only have this problem with 1, I'm not sure.

Is the router running as a DHCP or does it assign static IP's to your computers?

[DrTandem1]

The problem is most likely with your network settings on the original computer. You probably need to create a DHCP LAN connection for your Linksys router. It sounds like your original compuer is woriking off a fixed IP rather than acquiring one from your new router.

You didn't mention your OS. If it's XP, this will be a breeze. Establish a new network connection and make it the default.

[Weedy Lady]

The first step in problem solving is to ask, "what has changed?".

If I read you right, the whole system worked until you installed SPII.

That should give you a clue as to what is wrong. It ain't Norton. I have Norton. Norton has NEVER been the cause of any problem I've had. I do not have Norton 2005, however. I know better than that.

I refuse to put SPII on this computer. My laptop came with it and it works fine networking to this desk top one through my wireless router.

I firmly believe that "if it works, don't fix it". Try redoing things with SPI and just get the updates for that. Betcha stuff will keep working.

[edhan]

Hi

If you are using XP, you can go to Start - Run and type CMD to go command mode. In command mode, type ipconfig. This will show your IP Address and Gateway IP. If will show something like to:

IP Address...........: 192.168.1.10
Subnet Mask..........: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway......: 192.168.1.1

If that is shown, your network connection should be not a problem. For XP, it is better to have your TCP/IP for the IP Address to obtain automatically instead of static (unless you are not using the DHCP setting for the router). Also remember to set the DNS Setting under the TCP/IP configuration.

In command mode, try to ping 192.168.1.1 (if this is your router gateway). If you are getting a response, then everything should be working fine.

Edward Han

[colr]

I think it's a bit quick to say 'it's not Symantec' as antivirus programs have been know to cause problems even in the most simple setups! (i know from experience).

I also don’t think that refusing to install SP2 is a good idea either - I have personally upgraded over 1000 machines to SP2 and the only problems I ever encountered were due to the windows firewall automatically turning itself on. Even then, this can easily be turned off.

I also personally believe that those NOT upgrading to SP2 do so not only at their own risk, but also the rest of the Internet community at large. Pre SP2 computers are less secure than post SP2 computers - that's a fact. This means your machine is more susceptible to attacks and therefore propagation of those attacks to the rest of the Internet community.

Just my 2 cents ...

colr__

[simonm]

Well, I'm not sure what did it but I've been through all the suggestions and done the things that I hadn't yet tried - including switching the router off and on and re-starting the PC a couple of times. It now works!

It remains somewhat a mystery however as based on the comments above, the system was correctly configured, ipconfig had shown the correct values, I even tried a release and renew.

I think I have seen two problems. The first before I rebuilt the machine was to do with the speedtouch configuration somehow being retained as the default link to the web (this was the only real difference between the two working systems and the non working PC). After the rebuild I think the linksys might have been the cause and was incorrectly processing the DNS? The series of switching off and on fixing that!

A really big thank you for all the suggestions.

For all the UK correspondents - have you seen "The IT crowd" and the immortal lines "Is your computer plugged in, switch it off and on..." For those in the States, when TV comedy "The IT Crowd" gets to PBS don't miss it! British humour at its best! Its based on an IT helpdesk in a large corporation, geeks providing IT support to office workers who really shouldn't be allowed near computers!

[MuNKyonline]

Glad you got it sorted Simon. I havent seen the It Crowd yet but it looks like it could be quite good! =)

colr you are entirely correct. Norton 2005 and it's firewall can be a right pain with networking especially with their rubbish internet security sofware. Norton 2006 seems to be a bit better though. Service pack 2 and all the windows updates are to help to keep your PC secure so to not install them is just asking for trouble!

[edhan]

Glad that everything is working fine now.

Yes. I do agree that it is a must to install SP2 otherwise the result will be fatal with all the known security holes issues. I have installed the SP2 from the Microsoft CD for hundreds of PCs, there are no problem. But I have heard those who installed through downloading encountered problems. This might be due to corruption during downloading.

Edward Han

[colr]

Hi simonm,

I have to say Im surprised that you like 'the IT crowd'. Being in the IT field myself, I don't fully appreciate the tired old 'IT peeps are geeks' jokes - my mates do it, my girlfriend does it, even my mum does it!

I remember when I was at uni, we had this one lecturer who would go completely bananas if he heard the words geek and anything IT related put in the same sentence!!!

I know what you mean though about the 'check if its plugged in' thing - I got called out to a clients home once to find that the problem was there monitor was switched off!

colr__