Connection doesn't have a valid IP configuration.

Hey guys, little problem here. I just bought my wife a new laptop with Windows 7 on it. When I first got a hold of it, I proceeded to remove all the HP bloatware that was installed. I went to Add/Remove programs and uninstalled everything that had HP beside it.

Next, I tried to have the laptop connect to my wireless router (DLINK DI-524). It found my network, but only with limited connectivity. I ran the troubleshooter and it reported back that the wireless network connection doesn't have a valid IP configuration.

I then connected my internet cable directly to the laptop and I get the same message, except it says "local area connection .......".

I have tried uninstalling/reinstalling the network adapter, but to no avail. Any other suggestions from you guys? I know it's probably something glaringly obvious that I am just overlooking...

Quick facts
1. Internet works on my desktop.
2. Desktop has Windows Vista.
3. Internet will not connect on laptop directly or through router.
4. I have reset/rolled back/reinstalled/uninstalled everything network card related.
5. At first I uninstalled all HP bloatware on laptop

You could always try using a static IP address

Firstly Open "control panel" click on "network and sharing center"

Click on "local area connection (1)" then follow the image clicking through to (5)
Once at 5 enter your IP address .... this will depend on what address your network is running on (I'm hoping that you know this already) I've given an example. If you router is set to eg 192.168.0.1 then you will need to enter this into the "default gateway" and "preferred DNS (6)" (I've marked the last number with an "X" as this could differ) When you enter your IP address just change the last number to anything between say 10 - 20 eg. 192.168.0.10

Do the same for your Wireless connection but change the 10 to maybe 11 ( eg 192.168.0.11)

On you desktop computer "the 1 that works " open up a command prompt (click "start" "run" type "cmd")
In the window that comes up type ipconfig /all

Post back the results it will look something like this

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : NVIDIA nForce 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.3(Preferred)
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : 08 January 2010 20:29:05
Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : 09 January 2010 20:29:05
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.242
DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.242
DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.242
NetBIOS over Tcpip. . . . . . . . : Enabled

Its only the

IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.3(Preferred)
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.242

that we need

Hi infiniteuse, you have an issue with DNS, there isn't any from that detail.

If you know the DNS you cna append them into your DNS tab of tcp/ip4 setting.

Soz mate ... I was away for a bit.

You have me totally cufuzzelled.
Is that a pic of the working machine ie. the machine that CAN connect to the internet with no problems ???

Try this pal
The two machines must have the same subnet mask, gateway and dns only the ip address should differ (last three digits)