Hello!
I have had my laptop for about 6 months. It has not had any problems at all up until now and I treat it better than I treat most people.
I am having a problem connecting to the internet. I am at home and my router is working perfectly, as other computeres can connect. I was playing a game on my computer last night when my internet suddenly lost connection. I thought it was strange, as I hadn't ever had problems with my internet connection before, so I thought I'd let it rest for a while. Today, I went to use it and the internet STILL didn't work. I am getting an excellent signal from my router and I have no idea what the problem could be. I tried to repair the connection, but this process always stops at "Renewing your IP address." I am assuming this is not a problem with my router, since other computers are able to connect. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling my Broadcom 440x 10/100 device, but this didn't solve my problem either. I am not computer-illiterate, but I am no computer whiz, either. I have NO idea what else I can possibly try, but I desperately need for my wireless connection to be able to work. I don't know what I could have done to my computer, and it is very upsetting because I am VERY careful with it. It is very hard to do the work I need to do with my laptop without internet access, so your help is greatly appreciated!
System information:
Dell XPS M1210
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
I don't know if you need my wireless router information as well, but that is Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router WRT54G v2.2
Thanks again.
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General discussion
Limited or no connectivity, but an excellent signal?
Discussion is locked
11 Posts
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...the download doesn't seem to be helping me out. 
Again, thanks so much for your prompt response!
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it means!!
I took some screenshots of messages I got when I tried to make my internet work. (It's pretty much the only thing I've gotten accomplished in four and a half hours of trying...)
Any help anyone can give me to get my wireless internet and running is GREATLY appreciated!
http://i9.tinypic.com/4panmog.jpg
http://i18.tinypic.com/54jr7g8.jpg
http://i17.tinypic.com/6blg67n.jpg
http://i10.tinypic.com/4m29gnl.jpg
http://i19.tinypic.com/4r2abmp.jpg
I don't even know how I got to those screens... but I am hoping they will mean something to some kind person willing to help me. Thanks again for anyone who can help! 
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It was the beginning of many systems I found with a new issue.
You didn't tell what WIFI security you use. If it's none or WEP, read this -> http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6132_102-0.html?forumID=32&threadID=242736&messageID=2457489
This hack results in machines that do what yours is doing.
Other thoughts? The router is rebooted and we connect with wifi with another machine to be sure (you didn't share if that worked.)
Next are repair installs of the OS and drivers.
Bob
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Take the machine out to a HOT SPOT and retest. No need to start working hard on the machine if it works at a hotspot.
Bob
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First of all, thank you so much for helping me out! It's a bit of a relief to know that others have resolved this issue.
Wow, yeah, I use WEP. To be honest, I didn't even know that there was anything else. How do I go about switching to a better mode of security? Will this likely help to solve my current problem, as in, might it kind of repair itself?
The confusing thing to me is that my sister and my father both are able to connect to my router on their laptops. I don't understand why they can, but I can't. Also, I am able to connect to my neighbor's WIFI. I tested going to a couple sites and it seemed to bee working perfectly. I don't know how this could be or what I could have possibly done to it!
I will definitely try my computer at a hotspot later on today. Hopefully, this information will help!
Again, thank you so much for your time and wisdom. I really appreciate it.
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The attack was to that MAC address. We didn't reveal ALL that we know in that discussion because we'd have to link to sites that would give up the full details of how to perform the exploit.
Sorry if it seems like we are trying to hide that info.
Bob
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Changing to WPA should be documented in your router's manual. Check that first.
Bob
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Wow, thank you so, so much! My internet is working perfectly on my laptop now that I use WPA security! (Not to mention the fact that I feel much safer!) I don't know how I can thank you enough!! Wow! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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You definitely upgraded the security as well as solved the problem. Not bad for what I hoped was a simple change for you.
The story I noted above is becoming too common... To repeat, WEP is dead.
Bob
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