Network interface card

This might be a problem with my network interface card, but I'm having a really frustrating problem. I can't use the internet without connecting to a proxy. I get the bars, Skype can connect, but I get a DNS error message when trying to go to any websites. All of the other devices in my home are capable of using the internet(iPod, Mac, etc.) Please help.:cry

 

Welcome

Did the problem start after installing the network card? If not do you know exactly when the internet stopped working or can you recall installing anything around that time?

Have you installed any security software such as a firewall that provides a domain resolution service?

Try this-

In windows search type cmd then right click the command prompt and run as administrator. In the command prompt type

ipconfig/flushdns

And hit return.

Now try the internet.

 

Yes, I've tried that, and it didn't work. One little detail I left out was that occasionally, it works, but after around 3 minutes, I can't use it again. Then I'd have to wait around 20 minutes and the cycle continues.

 

It is not the card. If the NIC was bad, you could not even connect to your local network. But clearly you can or you would not be able to use a proxy or Skype.

Please answer Rikky's questions,

Also, note that Ethernet cables are cheap, low-tech devices that are not very robust. They cannot tolerate being yanked or tripped-over too many times or with much force. Replace the cable to eliminate it from the equation. And when doing so, connect it to a different port on your router as they can go bad too. I have a 3-port Linksys and a 6-port NetGear router here that started out as 4-port and 8-port routers.

 

No, I didn't tamper with anything that has to do with the card. 1-2 months ago, and no.

Well I say that because every time I check my Intel(R) MyWiFi(not exactly sure what this is for) thing it says that I'm not using the NIC or the NIC isn't available, or something like that.

 

The question now is, how do you connect to your network? Via Ethernet (wired) or wireless (WiFi)?

Though technically there is no distinction (that is, any card that provides an "interface" to a network is a "NIC"), historically, the NIC (network interface card) refers to the "Ethernet" card (or the Ethernet connection integrated into the motherboard).

WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) is use to establish a network connection through RF (radio frequency - wireless) to your WAP (wireless access point). Note the WAP is likely integrated into your integrated router (marketed with the inaccurate term, "wireless router").

 

I'm currently using WiFi.

 

The exact error message might help. Also note the distance between you and the wireless access point (WAP) matters, as does the number of walls, floors and ceilings, and their contents (wires, metal pipes, ect.). Can you move closer?

And are you sure you can still use Skype when having this problem? If the adapter is not available, I don't see how you can still use Skype. ???

 

Well, it's in chinese and I'm not that good at translating, but it's something along the lines of "If you want WiFi to be compatible with your computer, you must enable Intel(R) MyWifi technologies, however,whenever I click activate, it deactivates it seconds later. I'm a room across from the WiFi source. Yes, the Skype homepage can't load but my contacts page does. Image of the Intel wifi thing if that helps
http://i.imgur.com/rZxGU7O.png

 

I am pretty sure contacts are stored locally on your computer, not on Skype servers. So maybe the device is bad after all.

I also don't see why you need My Wifi. All you should need is the drivers. Any errors in Device Manager? What version of Windows?

 

1. None that are showing up AKA I don't know how to check. Win7

 

Good. W7 knows how to communication with wireless adapters without special drivers so I think you should be able to uninstall Intel MyWifi with not problems.

As for checking Device Manager, right click on Computer, select Manage > Device Manager and look for red or yellow warning icons.

If me, I would uninstall the current wireless driver and reboot. Window should then reinstall the driver.

 

Should I uninstall the Intel one?
http://i.imgur.com/G66pmln.png

 

That's your call. It is easy for me here in Nebraska to tell you what to do. But if me, I would install the Intel software from the Control Panel Programs and Features applet, then the driver (if the CP applet does not). Then reboot. If Windows is not able to install its own drivers, it should prompt you, then you will need to install the Intel ones again and I would get them from the Intel site as they will be the most current (which means you might need to do that before uninstalling, or be ready to connect to your network via Ethernet).

 

Welp. I uninstalled it and it's still a bit broken.

 

Another crucial part I found out: It can maintain current connections but can't establish new ones such as: If I'm connected to gmail and the internet stops working, I can still chat. But if I want to go to google.com, it won't load.

 

Have you scanned for malware?

I am at a loss otherwise. I suppose this could be a failing adapter problem. Since you are just across the room, if me, I would try connecting by Ethernet for a test and see what happens.

 

I have kaspersky but I suppose I could do a full scan. Ethernet works fine.

 

Well, then it looks like you need a different wireless adapter, or perhaps change the orientation of the antenna. If the current antenna is fixed, you may need to move your PC case, perhaps elevate it, turn it 90°, move it to other side of desk (in case something is interfering the signal where it is).

If you have kept Windows and Kaspersky updated, and Kaspersky running full time, I don't think a full scan will serve much purpose. That said, I don't trust any one anti-malware solution to be 100% effective so I recommend periodic supplemental scanning with another product just to be sure nothing sneaked by. Malwarebytes's Anti-Malware (MBAM) is great for that.

 

I got it, did a full scan. Unexpected amount of malware, but all gone now and the problem is persistent.

 

Well, that's not good. You should not have had any. While the malware may be gone, that does not mean any damage it may have cause is repaired. You might run sfc /scannow.

I would still try a different adapter. As seen here, they are pretty inexpensive. Note this is a PCIe adapter. If no free PCIe slot, there are similar models in PCI. Just get one with an external, adjustable antenna for better performance.