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Question

Suddenly no connection to the net

Jul 22, 2012 1:19AM PDT

4 or 5 days ago I was on the internet via my laptop with no problems just as always when suddenly the internet connection seemed to drop. The wireless signal at the bottom right of the desktop was (and is) still responding and obviously receiving high signal from the router, however there is an exclamation mark hovering over this symbol.

When clicking this exclamation symbol it runs through a kind of Windows fix which tells me some kind of connection is broken.

I've phoned BT, our provider, multiple times and gone through their instructions like changing some cables, unplugging and re-plugging the router, typing in the IP address into a browser to see if it responds (it does), but to no avail.

BT did mention very vaguely that it could be something to do with their 'exchange' whatever that means but they haven't seemed to have done a thing.

Currently using a TP Link Wireless router that has worked fine for over a year, and this also connects via ethernet to our desktop home PC. Also tried using an old non-wireless router to see if it was our router, but the problem remains.

Any help would be extremely appreciated, thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
The most common cause I run into?
Jul 22, 2012 1:29AM PDT

The most common cause I run into is an expired antivirus. Norton, Kapersky and maybe a few others drop/block the internet when they expire "to be safe."

I'm not convinced that's it in this case with the ! symbol so try system restore to when the PC worked. If not then be ABSOLUTELY SURE your files are safe and let your PC guru take a look or the place that does your service.
Bob

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PS. Forgot a nice test I use.
Jul 22, 2012 1:31AM PDT
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Answer
Suddenly no connection to the net
Aug 14, 2012 4:56PM PDT

What they meant by "exchange" is where your cable goes to what's also called a "meet point". This is where your line meets with the other lines. The problem might be there and/or with Windows. Windows has what's called Windows Sockets and it consists of these things called "LSP"'s (Layered Service Providers)., and they're linked together like a chain. If for any reason the chain is broken or can't be "reset", you won't be able to connect to the internet. Try WinXP Fix, it might resolve the issue on your end, If they fix the problem on their end. It has the option to backup your registry, I suggest you exercise that option.