Can't connect to the internet - DNS problem

Hi all,

I have had a new custom-build PC, with Windows 7 64-bit, for about 2 months. I've had no problems, but the other day my internet connection suddenly cut out, and I have not been able to retrieve it.

I can connect to the network, but can't get any internet access. The troubleshooter claims the DNS server isn't responding.

I've tried many of the common fixes I saw when I Googled the problem, including 1) trying to use the Google DNS servers (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) and other recommended servers (208.67.222.222 / 208.67.220.220) ; 2) re-installing the wireless adapter and its drivers ; 3) restarting the DNS and DHCP client in Administrative Tools -> Services ; 4) tried the 'netsh int ip reset' command in command prompt.

I also tried the ipconfig / command prompts. When I tried ipconfig /release, it told me 'media disconnected'.

Does this mean it's a hardware problem rather than software? Is my internet adapter broken? Or is there some other software/settings fix I can do that will solve this problem?

Many thanks for any and all help - I'm at my wits end!

jimmyfowler said:

Hi all,

I have had a new custom-build PC, with Windows 7 64-bit, for about 2 months. I've had no problems, but the other day my internet connection suddenly cut out, and I have not been able to retrieve it.

I can connect to the network, but can't get any internet access. The troubleshooter claims the DNS server isn't responding.

I've tried many of the common fixes I saw when I Googled the problem, including 1) trying to use the Google DNS servers (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) and other recommended servers (208.67.222.222 / 208.67.220.220) ; 2) re-installing the wireless adapter and its drivers ; 3) restarting the DNS and DHCP client in Administrative Tools -> Services ; 4) tried the 'netsh int ip reset' command in command prompt.

I also tried the ipconfig / command prompts. When I tried ipconfig /release, it told me 'media disconnected'.

Does this mean it's a hardware problem rather than software? Is my internet adapter broken? Or is there some other software/settings fix I can do that will solve this problem?

Many thanks for any and all help - I'm at my wits end!

Usually just disabling the Microsoft WIFI mini port adaptor will fix this problem. You can find under Network Adaptors in Device Manager.

There are a few other things that can cause this problem to occur but I'd have to see a screen shot of your ipconfig/all to see what's going on. :)

chev65 said:

Usually just disabling the Microsoft WIFI mini port adaptor will fix this problem. You can find under Network Adaptors in Device Manager.

There are a few other things that can cause this problem to occur but I'd have to see a screen shot of your ipconfig/all to see what's going on. :)

Hi there - thank you for the response!

I saw this suggested elsewhere - but when I went in Device Manager, there was no Microsoft WIFI Mini Port Adapter, even when I clicked 'show hidden devices'. Is this normal?

I shall try and get a screen shot of ipconfig/all or type out the readout asap.