up vote 3 down vote favorite
share [g+] share [fb]

I've read a few posts about this problem before but it was either a slightly different problem than mine or people suggested what the problem could be, not a solution.

I am running Windows Vista 64bit (the worst possible combination, I know) on a HP HDX 16 laptop. It appears to be connected to the network, and the internet, but when I try to browse the web my browser complains that all pages "are not available", and any software I try to update, doesn't.

ipconfig says nothing is connected, though it shows I have an IP address.

I tried ipconfig/release+renew but it didn't work. After that I tried netsh winsock reset, rebooted the laptop and still nothing.

What course of action can I take now?

link|improve this question
25% accept rate
What do you mean ipconfig says nothing is connected? From CMD, can you ping IP addresses? Try ping 209.85.146.99, or just paste 209.85.146.99 into a browser address bar. If you get Google.com, it's a DNS problem. – paradroid Apr 12 '11 at 17:35
I do get Google.com if I do that. So what does "DNS problem" mean? What should I do to resolve it? – OddCore Apr 12 '11 at 17:39
feedback

1 Answer

up vote 3 down vote accepted

To set Google's DNS servers, open a CMD Prompt and paste these lines in, one at a time:

netsh int ipv4 add dnsservers "Local Area Connection" 8.8.8.8 index=1
netsh int ipv4 add dnsservers "Local Area Connection" 8.8.4.4 index=2

For wifi, try:

netsh int ipv4 add dnsservers "Wireless Network Connection" 8.8.8.8 index=1
netsh int ipv4 add dnsservers "Wireless Network Connection" 8.8.4.4 index=2

This is assuming that the network adaptors are using the default names, which you can find on the Networking tab of Task Manager.

For the GUI method, try this. Step 6 is the relevant part.

link|improve this answer
I am using WiFi, yes, sorry I forgot to mention. – OddCore Apr 12 '11 at 17:47
It gives me the error "The following command was not found: [what you told me to type]" for both commands. If I do netsh/? in the cmd the "add" command is there, which makes it more confusing. My version of windows is localized, Greek. would it make a difference for the network names? – OddCore Apr 12 '11 at 17:58
@OddCore: I don't know why that is happening. Just do it the GUI way then. You need to add the two IP address from above into the TCP/IP settings: windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/… – paradroid Apr 12 '11 at 18:01
1  
@OddCore - You probably have to run the cmd prompt as administrator. Right click on the shortcut and select "Run as administrator" – Nifle Apr 12 '11 at 18:04
@OddCore: Yes, I think the adaptor names will be different in Greek Windows. You will find them on the Networking tab of Task manager. – paradroid Apr 12 '11 at 18:06
show 7 more comments
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown
discard

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.