(slightly different) unable to access internet over WIFI.

Hi Guys,

My problem seems like a variation on what seems to be quite common (I have trawled the threads and archive, but can't find the same exact situation):

I was connecting at home to an unsecured wireless network that is 'floating around' the neighbourhood. I have used this network for almost 3 months with no unusual problems.
The other day, I was disconnected without warning. Now I am able to connect to the network fine, but can not access any webpages at all. I get Firefox's "unable to connect to the server at www.google.com..." message.

I am using a Toshiba laptop with XP, and browsing with Firefox 2.0.0.10.
Also can't connect with IE.
Only running XP's firewall, and disabling it makes no difference. IPCONFIG /RELEASE & IPCONFIG /RENEW make no difference.
Can't ping anything.
Also installed on the laptop: AVG, Adaware, SpybotS&D
Am working on another (secured) wireless network at university during the day with no problems (initially there were probs with this ntwk but disabling and re-enabling the wireless connection solved this).

Can I get back onto the unsecured network? What is likely to be the problem? Please help. Thanks.

 

Perhaps they added some sort of security, unfortunately as its not your network you wont know. Find the owner and ask them.

 

Yeah, well I figured as much. I'm not interested in trying to breach their security, but it is an open network, so I figure that if I can access it then I'm not doing any harm.
(if you agree with this view): Can you recommend anything to try? Is there any sense trying to change my IP or MAC address, and if I do, will this affect my computer's ability to access the other secured network I use?

Otherwise, how can I be sure the issue is with the network and not my settings? I assume being able to connect fine, but not being able to ping anything proves this?

Thanks again.

 

Isn't it kind like braking into people's homes in order to watch Free TV.

 

If you're asking for my opinion, I think it's more like standing on the street and watching a public TV. But I get the picture that you don't condone this and so will not be of much help to me.
It is common here to be able to connect to open public networks - the city is covered with them. I didn't get any kind of message saying that I had been banned/barred or was accessing it illegitimately. I was hoping I might get some suggestions as to what had happened. I assume that, from the information in my initial post, Colemanguy's suggestion is the only likelihood.
Thanks.

 

stealing wireless for your own computer is like stealing someones cable for your own tv. both are illegal.

but yeah, ask the owner...

 

OK. Thanks for setting me straight. Case closed.