Wireless connected, but Windows thinks it's not

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  1. Posts : 12
    Windows 7 home premium x64
       #1

    Wireless connected, but Windows thinks it's not


    Hi.
    I'm currently connected to the internet through a wireless network to post this thread. If I open the wireless network connections, under the list of network names, it says I'm connected. However, the taskbar icon shows no connection, and Windows recognizes no connection if, for example, I go to the Network and Sharing Center. This image shows what I mean.

    This problem applies to every wireless network, not just specific ones. This has been going on for almost a year, and hasn't really caused any problems, so I paid it no notice. However, I'm now discovering some problems. Since Windows thinks I'm not connected to a network, I can't do any of the following things:
    • Create or join a homegroup
    • Stream media to an XBox 360
    • Change network security settings (home/private/public)
    • Pass Ubisoft DRM checks for a network connection


    Does anyone know what's going on? I've asked for help on the Steam forums, I've updated my wireless card driver, I've tried to change network security settings... no solutions yet.

    System:
    Gateway NV5909h
    Windows 7 home premium x64 (OEM)
    Atheros AR5B93 wireless network adapter
    Intel core i3-330m
    More specs can be provided on request
    Last edited by szthesquid; 17 Oct 2011 at 11:57.
      My Computer


  2. 2xg
    Posts : 2,377
    Win7 & Win8 64bit
       #2

    Hello szthesquid,

    See if removing then re-add your wireless network profiles help. Make sure you type in the correct network encryption if your network is secured.
    Easy Way to Delete Wireless Network Profile in Windows 7

    Also, verify that 'Obtain DNS server address automatically' is enabled in your wireless connection.
    How to enable DHCP in Windows 7? | Windows 7 Themes

    An update will be nice.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 12
    Windows 7 home premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    2xg said:
    Hello szthesquid,

    See if removing then re-add your wireless network profiles help. Make sure you type in the correct network encryption if your network is secured.
    Easy Way to Delete Wireless Network Profile in Windows 7

    Also, verify that 'Obtain DNS server address automatically' is enabled in your wireless connection.
    How to enable DHCP in Windows 7? | Windows 7 Themes

    An update will be nice.
    Have already tried both these things.
    Removing a wireless profile doesn't change anything, because as I said above, this problem applies all the time to every wireless network, whether it's new or an existing profile.
    Automatic DNS is and always has been enabled.
      My Computer


  4. 2xg
    Posts : 2,377
    Win7 & Win8 64bit
       #4

    Please restart your computer, Tap F8 and select Safe Mode with Networking, see if issue persis here.


    Also, the following requires an Admin permission, make sure that you have the permission.
    • Create or join a homegroup
    • Stream media to an XBox 360
    • Change network security settings (home/private/public)
    • Pass Ubisoft DRM checks for a network connection
    Have you tried creating a New User Account with Admin permission and see if you can replicate the issue?

    Verify that all your Network Services are Started from Control Panel=> Performance and Maintenance=> Admin Tools=> Services:
    • COM+ Event System (for WZC issues)
    • Computer Browser
    • DHCP Client
    • DNS Client
    • Network Connections
    • Network Location Awareness
    • Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
    • Server
    • TCP/IP Netbios helper
    • Wireless Zero Configuration ( XP wireless configurations only)
    • WLAN AutoConfig ( Vista wireless configurations only)
    • Workstation
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 12
    Windows 7 home premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #5

    2xg said:
    Please restart your computer, Tap F8 and select Safe Mode with Networking, see if issue persis here.


    Also, the following requires an Admin permission, make sure that you have the permission.
    • Create or join a homegroup
    • Stream media to an XBox 360
    • Change network security settings (home/private/public)
    • Pass Ubisoft DRM checks for a network connection
    Have you tried creating a New User Account with Admin permission and see if you can replicate the issue?

    Verify that all your Network Services are Started from Control Panel=> Performance and Maintenance=> Admin Tools=> Services:
    My account is the only account, and thus has always had admin permission.

    The problem is still present on a new account with admin permission.

    The problem is still present when starting in safe mode with networking.

    All of those services are started and set to automatic start.

    I had been using TuneUp Utilities 2010 since I got this laptop, and had it optimize internet and network settings for a high speed connection, but still allowed Windows to manage networks and connections. I have since uninstalled the program. Could TuneUp have anything to do with this?
      My Computer


  6. 2xg
    Posts : 2,377
    Win7 & Win8 64bit
       #6

    Let's uninstall all the remains of Tuneup Utilities by using Revo Uninstaller and see if it will help.

    Restart your computer after and see if issue persist.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 12
    Windows 7 home premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #7

    2xg said:
    Let's uninstall all the remains of Tuneup Utilities by using Revo Uninstaller and see if it will help.

    Restart your computer after and see if issue persist.
    When I did uninstall it, it wasn't a clean uninstall. I got an error halfway through -- it had removed the entries in the Add/Remove Programs interface, but I still had some files left over. I manually searched for and deleted remaining files from the hard drive and registry, and I'm not sure how thorough that was.

    Anyway, because it wasn't a clean uninstall, it's not showing up in Revo Uninstaller. Should I try reinstalling and then uninstalling?
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 8,870
    Windows 7 Ult, Windows 8.1 Pro,
       #8

    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

    This will sometimes fix problems associated with an upgrade installation. :)
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 12
    Windows 7 home premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #9

    chev65 said:
    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

    This will sometimes fix problems associated with an upgrade installation. :)
    Didn't work. It did acknowledge that I was connected to a network though.
      My Computer


  10. 2xg
    Posts : 2,377
    Win7 & Win8 64bit
       #10

    Try to reinstall Tuneup Utilities, it actually might help. Do not uninstall yet.

    If unsuccessful perhaps, it's time for sfc /scannow.
    SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

    If that didn't help, a Repair Install.
    Repair Install
      My Computer


 
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