How do I know - if I'm "online"?

by jdorisco Jan 6, 2004 5:20AM PST

Often, after going online, (hearing the modem dial and getting the on-screen notification that I am connected)when I try to download mail or click on an internet link, I discover that I am no longer connected.I'm guessing that this could be a problem at my ISP, but is there some way I can actually see if I'm online? When I check the dialer status, it says I'm connected and displays the speed, but it is either NOT connected or something in my system needs adjusting. Any ideas?

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Re:How do I know - if I'm

by Pretender Jan 6, 2004 10:01AM PST

I would say that when your offline for sure........go to Start/Settings and 2clk Network Connections and ck out all of your settings for your default connection to start out with/reboot/see what happens.

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Re:How do I know - if I'm

by Cursorcowboy Jan 6, 2004 9:42PM PST

when I try to download mail or click on an internet link, I discover that I am no longer connected.

1. I would have to assume there is more to this scenario than given. Please describe just how this "discovery" is accomplished by providing any information rendered -- such as errors or page displays.

2. Since you mentioned the words "modem" and "mail", please take note of the paragraph just above the editor where you entered your question:

Tip: If you are asking for help to troubleshoot a computer-related problem, please be sure to include all the necessary information (ie: operating system, model number, hardware, software, etc) that will help others identify your problem for a speedy resolution.

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Re:Re:How do I know - if I'm

by jdorisco Jan 7, 2004 6:38AM PST

Sorry 'bout that. I'm running WinXPHE and using E.I. version:6.0.2800.1106.xpsp2.030422-1633 with all current updates installed. I realise that this may not be a problem with Windows XP, but I wasn't sure. As stated before, after dialing up to my ISP and getting the pop-up message that I am connected, when I click on an internet link or shortcut, I get a message for a fraction of a second saying "The page cannot be displayed". Same thing if I try to download mail - I get some sort of error message indicating that I am "offline", even though my dialer indicates I'm connected. It's like it initially connects, and then drops off. I then have to click "disconnect", and then connect again to get online.
This problem may have to do with my ISP, but after running RegScrub 3.2, the few times I have connected since - have been problem free. I'm still wondering - is there some "sure" way, to tell if I have an active connection? I'll re-post with more info. and questions if the problem persists. Thanks much.

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Re:Re:Re:How do I know - if I'm

by Cursorcowboy Feb 8, 2004 10:59PM PST

I get a message for a fraction of a second saying "The page cannot be displayed". Same thing if I try to download mail - I get some sort of error message indicating that I am "offline", even though my dialer indicates I'm connected.

The article "Troubleshooting Browsing Error Messages in Microsoft Internet Explorer" describes the steps you can use to troubleshoot the following error messages:

a. The Page Cannot Be Displayed.

b. Internet Explorer cannot open the Internet site Web address. A connection with the server could not be established.

c. The page you are looking for is currently unavailable. The Web site might be experiencing technical difficulties, or you may need to adjust your browser settings.

d. Cannot find server or DNS Error.

e. An internal error occurred in Windows Internet extensions.

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Re:How do I know - if I'm

by jmpc58 Feb 8, 2004 10:13PM PST

I had the same problem with a Compaq Presario 6000 running Windows XP S-1. I finally just replace the modem and have not had any problems since. Hope this helps you.

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Re:How do I know - if I'm

by reyoung41 Feb 9, 2004 1:04AM PST

I run Win XP Pro and I have always had the same question, including in earlier versions of Windows. It seems like such a silly oversight that there is no obvious way to tell reliably at a glance (without moving the mouse or doing anything, always visible) without guessing that you are online. My ISP has an icon in the area near the clock which shows connection speed and time online when you move the mouse over it. Still, I usually don't like having to take the step of moving the cursor over the icon and it is not instantaneous. I want an instantaneous, reliable, obvious indictor that requires no work except a quick glance to see whether I am online. It is ridiculous that this has not existed from the very beginning.
I have a foolproof way of telling, for a dial up connection. I have a phone on the wall beside my computer and I pick up the handset and see if I get a dial tone or the sound of a data connection. It does require lifting the handset and takes a second or two, but at least it is foolproof. Shouldn't need this. There should be an obvious indicator indepent of the ISP or the type of connection. Why hasn't there been this all along? It should be built into the OS, no extra software or anything required. It is irritating. Just DO it, Microsoft.

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Hmmm......on every computer I've seen with dial-up ISP..

by John Robie Feb 9, 2004 3:09AM PST

Win98se, WinME, and WinXP, when on line there is a icon in the System Tray (next to clock) shaped like two monitors. Passing the cursor arrow over it gives additional info. The monitors icon disappears when off line.

How do I know - if I'm "online"?

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