Solved Internet suddenly stopped working

[dejarnjc]

So just to preface I'm completely new to these forums and I'm at best only an intermediate level in terms of being tech savvy so I'm hoping that someone here will be able to help.

I run Windows 7 64bit and my network adapter is a 'Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller"
Never had internet problems before last night


So last night the internet on my desktop stopped working while I was watching a youtube video. There were (to my knowledge) no software updates or anything else taking place. The internet just suddenly stopped. So naturally I went and turned my router on and off a few times and when I realized that didn't work I checked the internet on my laptop and found out that it was still working and figured the problem is obviously with my desktop.

So far I've tried,
1) opening cmd.exe and typing ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew
2) Disabling and re-enabling my network adapter
3) Downloading and installing the latest driver for my network adapter from the Realtek website.
4) Running the trouble shoot through windows. All this tells me is that "the default gateway is not available"
5) I ran a system restore to a point about a month ago and the problem was still there.
6) I ran my computer in safemode with the network enabled and the problem was still there.
7) The ethernet cable I'm using for my desktop is fine I tried it with my laptop and it worked and plugged in a usb wireless card to my desktop and the problem persisted (just without a wire)

I have McAfee as my virus program and it is reporting no problems
I don't have bonjour or any similar programs installed on my computer (In some other posts I read that that has caused similar problems).

And so in conclusion, I am out of ideas on what to try so any help would be appreciated!!! Let me know if you need any further information and I'll provide it as quickly as possible.



*EDIT*
Oh and also, here are my ipconfig settings. I imagine that'll be what's asked for first (wish I could post a screen shot but my flash drive is missing)

Connection-specific DNS Suffix :home
Link-local IPv6 Address :fe80::15ee:ada7:4568:f9e%15
IPv4 Address :192.168.1.3
Subnet Mask :255.255.255.0
Default Gateway :192.168.1.1

Tunnel adapter Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface:
Media State :Media disconnected
Connection-specific DNS Suffix :
Tunnel adapter isatap.home:
Media State :media disconnected
Connection-specific DNS Suffix :home

 

[EvilOzzmess]

I suspect your LAN card has fried. If you are able to, try running diagnostics on the device itself (there's probably an ability to do this from "Device Manager"). If you can't, then I don't know how you could test for it being dead other than if when you plug in an Ethernet cord the clear connector doesn't light up green (mine does on our Dell Dimension 3000 XP Desktop to communicate to me that it IS working, IS plugged in and IS receiving proper connection from and to the Modem/Router).

If yours does have an LED as described and it DOESN'T turn the clear plastic connector of the LAN cable green, then it's dead and there's no bringing it back.

And if/when you confirm it is fried, you need to replace it. They're generally inexpensive if you don't want it to be WiFi or anything other than your standard 802.11g 10/100/1000 Gigabit LAN. You can probably pick one up without the "bells and whistles" for $30 or less online these days. They work just as good as the $100 ones, just without some "extras".

The other thing to suspect would be your MOBO. Bridges/connections on them can and sometimes do fry out, effecting other components they distribute the power too. Hopefully that's not the problem because they're in the $100+ range to replace.


EDIT: The "Default Gateway" is obtained by your Modem/Router. The fact you are getting "not available" means that there is no communication between the computer and the Modem/Router. Since your LAN cable is functional, I stand by what I said. It's most likely your LAN card and it's very highly likely that it has fried.

 

[brianzion]

Have you tried this? netsh winsock reset in the Command Prompt (run Command Prompt as Administrator)

1. Click on Start button.
2. Type Cmd in the Start Search text box.
3. Right click cmd in search results and click run as Administrator
4. Type netsh winsock reset in the Command Prompt shell, and then press the Enter key.
5. Restart the computer.

 

[brianzion]

@EDIT: The "Default Gateway" is obtained by your Modem/Router. The fact you are getting "not available" means that there is no communication between the computer and the Modem/Router. Since your LAN cable is functional, I stand by what I said. It's most likely your LAN card and it's very highly likely that it has fried.

this can be a setting configuration needing resetting not just a broken component
reset hub/router and the adapter so windows can re-configure the settings again will help (mine sometimes take 3-4 attempts its a common problem)\

 

[dejarnjc]

Brianzion:
I'll tried to do the netsh winsock reset but received an error about needing to be an administrator DESPITE the fact that I was logged into windows as the admin already (note: I could still make other admin changes to my computer). Is there some specific way to load or enter the command prompt that I'm missing? Regardless, I'll try this again when I get home from work.

Also, how can I reset hub/router and the adapter so windows can re-configure the settings? If that just means turning my router off and on and disabling / re-enabling my network adapter then I've done that multiple times already albeit not at the same time.

EvilOzzmess:
My Ethernet cord lights up as green on both ends. I have a pretty good cooling system, not sure if that affects how likely it is that my LAN card has fried. Is there any way to tell from my device manager whether or not it is functioning properly (because I checked last night and was pretty sure windows gave it the green light)? If a hardware component has fried shouldn't the device manager indicate a problem?


Also, thank you both very much for your help

 

[chev65]

Brianzion:
I'll tried to do the netsh winsock reset but received an error about needing to be an administrator DESPITE the fact that I was logged into windows as the admin already (note: I could still make other admin changes to my computer). Is there some specific way to load or enter the command prompt that I'm missing? Regardless, I'll try this again when I get home from work.

Also, how can I reset hub/router and the adapter so windows can re-configure the settings? If that just means turning my router off and on and disabling / re-enabling my network adapter then I've done that multiple times already albeit not at the same time.

EvilOzzmess:
My Ethernet cord lights up as green on both ends. I have a pretty good cooling system, not sure if that affects how likely it is that my LAN card has fried. Is there any way to tell from my device manager whether or not it is functioning properly (because I checked last night and was pretty sure windows gave it the green light)? If a hardware component has fried shouldn't the device manager indicate a problem?


Also, thank you both very much for your help

To run the command prompt as admin simply type cmd at the start search "don't click it yet" then right click the little dos icon you see in the context menu and choose "run as admin".

An actual router reset involves pushing the little hidden button which resides in a small hole on the side of your router. It's a hidden button which you need to depress for about 30 seconds until the lights on the router change. You may want to look up the official reset procedure for your particular router.

After resetting the router if you are still having problems run the batch file in the link.
Try running this batch file which will reset winsock, reset the TCP/IP stack and release renew your IP.

Download Renew IP + Reset Winsock Batch File​

After that can you please post a screen shot of your ipconfig /all. Use the snipping tool in Windows for this. It should look like the picture below.

 

[sethg6]

Hi your not alone, again last night must of been round the same time as you my internet went down and wont come back im running exactley the same system as you I've tried updating the realtek drivers, system restore, setting the IP address for both IPv6 and v4 myself as stated on other websites, disabling the connection to the unknown network im now on and reconnnecting, I've pinged by defeault gateway 1 timed out the other 3 said they couldn't connect, I've tried the solution above and been on the phone to dell allday they are going to set my machine back to factory settings tomorrow and as I cant afford an external hard drive I'm going to lose all my work and game saves and they aren't even sure if it will work I cant find bonjour or an ID string to disable which some people said would work in services.msc in cmd im completely stummped and as my only knowledge of computers comes from sites like this I have no idea what to do. None of this is helpful but I thought I'd let you know I share your pain

 

[brianzion]

Brianzion:
I'll tried to do the netsh winsock reset but received an error about needing to be an administrator DESPITE the fact that I was logged into windows as the admin already (note: I could still make other admin changes to my computer). Is there some specific way to load or enter the command prompt that I'm missing? Regardless, I'll try this again when I get home from work.

Also, how can I reset hub/router and the adapter so windows can re-configure the settings? If that just means turning my router off and on and disabling / re-enabling my network adapter then I've done that multiple times already albeit not at the same time.

EvilOzzmess:
My Ethernet cord lights up as green on both ends. I have a pretty good cooling system, not sure if that affects how likely it is that my LAN card has fried. Is there any way to tell from my device manager whether or not it is functioning properly (because I checked last night and was pretty sure windows gave it the green light)? If a hardware component has fried shouldn't the device manager indicate a problem?


Also, thank you both very much for your help

To run the command prompt as admin simply type cmd at the start search "don't click it yet" then right click the little dos icon you see in the context menu and choose "run as admin".

An actual router reset involves pushing the little hidden button which resides in a small hole on the side of your router. It's a hidden button which you need to depress for about 30 seconds until the lights on the router change. You may want to look up the official reset procedure for your particular router.

After resetting the router if you are still having problems run the batch file in the link.
Try running this batch file which will reset winsock, reset the TCP/IP stack and release renew your IP.

Download Renew IP + Reset Winsock Batch File​

After that can you please post a screen shot of your ipconfig /all. Use the snipping tool in Windows for this. It should look like the picture below.

thanks for the follow up

 

[sethg6]

Hi I used the link ran the file then reset my pc nothing changed but here is the ipconfig,Many thanks

 

[dejarnjc]

Ok so I tried the netsh winsock reset, didn't work. I then reset my router using the hidden button, didn't work. And I now downloaded that file and ran it and it didn't work. My ipconfig looks exactly the same as before (I posted it here too).

So I'm guess this means I have a hardware problem? But I'm still wondering why the device manager says my network adapter is working properly.

So I'm stuck on things to try from here. Any more ideas or should I lug my desktop into the shop for an examination?

 

[brianzion]

sorry you have had no luck maybe buying a new card would be a investment or a usb dongle ? you could just fit it yourself and save service charge in a shop would you like some advise on a new card or usb wireless stick? tp-link are a great brand.

 

[dejarnjc]

I have a usb wireless stick and that doesn't work either.

I'd be fine with buying a new part as well and replacing it myself but I have no idea what part needs to be replaced. How can I determine what to replace and if it even needs to be replaced?

 

[brianzion]

i would use a pci adapter like the one in the pic it slots into a empty pci on the motherboard
TL-WN951N

Hack Attack: How to install a PCI card

 

[brianzion]

I have a usb wireless stick and that doesn't work either
your quote here suggests something needs to be more investigated, in windows 7 you can use as many wireless adapters as your machine permits so if your wireless usb stick is not recognized by windows and fails to install the driver? have you got your windows set up to install drivers for third party devices? instructions at this link:ar: http://www.itechtalk.com/thread3598.html
or use brinks excellent tutorial How to Change the Device Driver and Information Installation Settings in Windows 7:ar:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2803-device-installation-settings.html?filter[2]=Hardware%20and%20Drivers

 

[sethg6]

Hi quick update, I reset my PC to factory settings and its working fine nowit's going to take ages to download all my steam apps but it's a small price to pay to have the net back, thanks for the help all.

 

[brianzion]

Hi quick update, I reset my PC to factory settings and its working fine nowit's going to take ages to download all my steam apps but it's a small price to pay to have the net back, thanks for the help all.

okey dokey keep all the info on this thread for reference, im always about if you need anything ok

 

[chev65]

Ok so I tried the netsh winsock reset, didn't work. I then reset my router using the hidden button, didn't work. And I now downloaded that file and ran it and it didn't work. My ipconfig looks exactly the same as before (I posted it here too).

So I'm guess this means I have a hardware problem? But I'm still wondering why the device manager says my network adapter is working properly.

So I'm stuck on things to try from here. Any more ideas or should I lug my desktop into the shop for an examination?

Ok I see a problem with your ipconfig, somebody has set a secondary DNS server in your IPv4 properties. I can tell this because your default gateway shows up for your DNS and also I can see a secondary DNS of 72.752.0.12 where it should not be. I have seen this cause problems in the past.

It will work best if the DNS comes from the router only not both places. If you need to use another DNS then designate the one you need in your routers settings, not IPv4 properties.

Go into your IPv4 properties and remove the DNS server then reboot the machine and see if anything changes.

 

[dejarnjc]

Brianzion: My computer recognizes the usb stick and detects the signal strength and seemingly connects to the router but my system still gives me the same error where it says "unidentified network" and it won't connect to the internet. When I first got my desktop I actually used my wireless stick all the time and it worked fine but I eventually switched to an ethernet cord so I could play some online games and not lag



Chev65: I noticed that too but didn't think anything of it. Unfortunately I'm away from my home at the moment for thanksgiving but I'm going to try you suggestion as soon as I get a chance and I'll post the results on here.

 

[chev65]

Chev65: I noticed that too but didn't think anything of it. Unfortunately I'm away from my home at the moment for thanksgiving but I'm going to try you suggestion as soon as I get a chance and I'll post the results on here.

Sounds good dejarnjc, I've seen this same thing cause problems in the past so it's worth a try I think.

Still waiting on confirmation of the secondary DNS which I'm pretty sure is causing dejarnjc's problems. Notice the secondary DNS address of 72.752.0.12 under the correct default gateway...This will cause problems everytime. That DNS address needs to be removed from the IPv4 properties.

I'm also going to disagree that this is a modem problem or a fried lancard although guessing at these problems isn't my expertise, I perfer to solve problems with facts rather than guess work.

 

[EvilOzzmess]

Did you try setting up a new LAN connection in the "network and sharing center"? Go ahead and give that a try. Could be something got screwed up in your current settings and setting it up again might solve the problem as the new ISP information is automatically obtained on setup. It won't hurt your current LAN access point and can be deleted if it doesn't work.

Also, you might want to check your ISP's Modem. They are of very cheap, crappy quality and don't last very long (every single one of them are "refurbished" and reused constantly). That's the hardware I would suspect more than your LAN card, as you've said it is working perfectly. Just call your ISP and they can run their tests remotely or else have one of their people come out to either fix it or issue another one.

The last thing I would say is a possibility is that there is something wrong with the Server your computer's connection is being hosted on (the DNS). Again, I'd recommend calling your ISP.

Hope it gets sorted out soon and let us know how it goes. =]