Lost Internet Access

My laptop has just stopped connecting to the internet. It connected yesterday early evening. Later in the evening when I tried going on the net again it wouldn’t connect. I haven’t downloaded any software or changed anything.

My laptop is an Acer Aspire 5920 and my Windows edition is Windows Vista Home Premium Service Pack 1.

When I’ve tried to connect the Internet connection symbol in the tray at the bottom left-hand corner of the screen (can never remember its name) says – Currently connected to: WLAN Access: Local only

I have gone into the Network and Sharing Center and found the following:
MARK-PC (This computer) has a double green line to WLAN then double black line overlaid with a red X to Internet

So then I ran Diagnose and repair and a dialogue box opened which said:

Windows Network Diagnostics
There may be a problem with your Domain Name Server (DNS) configuration

Windows failed to find the well known host “www.microsoft.com” using DNS. The server may be down

It then goes on to say
→Windows found a problem that cannot be repaired automatically
Contact your Internet service provider or network administrator for help or click here for information about things you can try to help resolve the problem

My laptop has wireless connection and I have always been able to connect to the Net. My connection has always been to WLAN. I have never entered into any agreement with an ISP so I don’t know who my ISP is or even if I have one.

I’m not connected to a network so have no network administrator to contact. This is just a personal laptop.

I clicked where it said “click here for information about things you can try to help resolve the problem” but I cannot find an answer that I think would answer my problem

So, I don’t know what has caused the problem and no idea how to fix it

 

I think you are probably right about having being getting free access from an unsecured wireless connection.

I've had a go at your solution but I'm afraid it didn't work.

I have ADSL on my main PC. Have bought a wireless router sometime ago but not got round to it. A bit technophobic about setting up although I'm not sure why!!!

I assume that if I set it up I can have my PC and laptop connect to the net at the same time through the ISP I pay.

Thanks

Mark

 

Yes you probably were connected to your own router, or maybe not, but lets start with your router make and model and we can get you the manual and help walk ya through setup to ensure your connecting to the right wireless network

 

I think that you may have misunderstood my last post. My router is still in the box that it came in from the shop. I have never opened or used it.

 

But that isn't so is it? A wireless capable laptop or PC can connect through any unprotected access point within range.

 

I don't think that I have given confusing information.

I have two computers. One is a desktop and the other a laptop.

The desktop is connected to the internet by an asymmetric digital subscriber line (ASDL aka "broadband") connected through the UK's public telephone network to my ISP (Eclipse Internet).

My laptop connects to the Internet through wirelessly.

I have purchased a wireless router which is unopened and still in its original box.

My original query was regarding the reason why my laptop was no longer connecting to the Internet.

I then replied by saying that I would have to set up the router but that I wasn't sure how to do it.

Because I have an ISP for my ASDL connection for my desktop PC I want to be able to set my wireless router up so that both my desktop computer and my laptop can both be connected to the Internet using the service that is currently provided to me by Eclipse Internet.

 

I thought that the purpose of this forum was to provide support to people with their computer problems. I did not think it existed to give unnecessary criticism to strangers or to attempt to start pointless disagreements.

You have quoted one phrase, out of context.

I have resolved my current problem and therefore I do not require any further assistance in this matter.

Thank you so very much.

 

I do not understand why you are being so puerile about this. I have tried to explain the situation. It is not my fault if you do not comprehend it.

As for the advice you say that I have received, I have received a lot of good advice and support from this forum in the past; with respect to this case I have received next to no advice, just criticism and unhelpful comments.

Please feel free to have the last word if you need to but I shall not enter into any more communications in relation to this thread. As far as I am concerned the matter is closed.

 

You make MG sound like some sort of cosy private club that doesn't welcome newcomers, though I don't believe that is true.

 

Well, that was certainly my intention - I wanted him to realise, as was subsequently proven, that his laptop might be connecting to someone else's network. I s'pose I thought your post might cause him to dismiss that possibility. That's all, and sorry if I didn't express it as well as I might have done.