Unable to to to browse the internet....

[dareys]

Greetings,

I just recently BIOS protected my computer and disabled a number of network
related functions, including the internal WIFI card, the Internal network
card. I was just trying to protect myself from unwarranted acces.

At this time I have a USB Wide Area Network card. When I start it up, I can
ping sites like Google but not sites like Citibank etc. I suspect that
although Netstat and the WAN software indicates a network connection, perhaps
I don´t have one...

IE cannot connect, reporting an invalid web address. I installed Opera just
to see if it was a configuration problem with IE, but everytime I launch it,
I get, yes, IE.

So, to continue troubleshooting, I am wondering if anyone can tell me how do
disable IE as the default browser so I can see if I have the same Problem
with Opera.

If I do, can anyone tell me if it might be possible for the WAN card to
locate the signal and connect but perhaps my configuration at the BIOS level
prevents Network access? What would be the minimun configuration in the BIOS
to allow connectivity.

Well, if you have read this far, I appreciate it. I hope you can help,
because the box is rather useless right now.

Thank you.

Jean-Pierre

[Unknown]

How did you BIOS protect your computer?
"dareys" > wrote in message
...
> Greetings,
>
> I just recently BIOS protected my computer and disabled a number of
> network
> related functions, including the internal WIFI card, the Internal network
> card. I was just trying to protect myself from unwarranted acces.
>
> At this time I have a USB Wide Area Network card. When I start it up, I
> can
> ping sites like Google but not sites like Citibank etc. I suspect that
> although Netstat and the WAN software indicates a network connection,
> perhaps
> I don´t have one...
>
> IE cannot connect, reporting an invalid web address. I installed Opera
> just
> to see if it was a configuration problem with IE, but everytime I launch
> it,
> I get, yes, IE.
>
> So, to continue troubleshooting, I am wondering if anyone can tell me how
> do
> disable IE as the default browser so I can see if I have the same Problem
> with Opera.
>
> If I do, can anyone tell me if it might be possible for the WAN card to
> locate the signal and connect but perhaps my configuration at the BIOS
> level
> prevents Network access? What would be the minimun configuration in the
> BIOS
> to allow connectivity.
>
> Well, if you have read this far, I appreciate it. I hope you can help,
> because the box is rather useless right now.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Jean-Pierre
>

[Elmo[_2_]]

dareys wrote:
> Greetings,
>
> I just recently BIOS protected my computer and disabled a number of network
> related functions, including the internal WIFI card, the Internal network
> card. I was just trying to protect myself from unwarranted acces.
>
> At this time I have a USB Wide Area Network card. When I start it up, I can
> ping sites like Google but not sites like Citibank etc. I suspect that
> although Netstat and the WAN software indicates a network connection, perhaps
> I don´t have one...
>
> IE cannot connect, reporting an invalid web address. I installed Opera just
> to see if it was a configuration problem with IE, but everytime I launch it,
> I get, yes, IE.
>
> So, to continue troubleshooting, I am wondering if anyone can tell me how do
> disable IE as the default browser so I can see if I have the same Problem
> with Opera.
>
> If I do, can anyone tell me if it might be possible for the WAN card to
> locate the signal and connect but perhaps my configuration at the BIOS level
> prevents Network access? What would be the minimun configuration in the BIOS
> to allow connectivity.
>
> Well, if you have read this far, I appreciate it. I hope you can help,
> because the box is rather useless right now.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Jean-Pierre

Here are a few things to try:

Open Internet Options, Connections tab, click "Lan Settings" button,
deselect all.

Flush DNS

Click Start, Run, type CMD and click the [OK] button. Type each of the
following:

IPConfig /FlushDNS [Press Enter key]
ipconfig /release [Press Enter key]
ipconfig /renew [Press Enter key]
ipconfig /registerdns [Press Enter key]

NETSH

Click Start, Run, type CMD and click the [OK] button. Type the following:

netsh winsock reset

Press Enter key

Restart the system

You can also try this software download from a working machine:

LSP-Fix
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm

Burn BitDefender, or another program listed at the link below, to a CD
(using a working machine) and test the infected machine with it.
BitDefender also has a Rootkit checker on the Linux Desktop; run it if
you think that's the problem:

http://www.techmixer.com/free-bootable-antivirus-rescue-cds-download-list/

Download the executable rather than the .iso image, if one is
available.. it prompts you to insert a CD and burns the file, no problem.

Then run these:

Malwarebytes© Corporation
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam/program/mbam-setup.exe

SuperAntispyware
http://www.superantispyware.com/superantispywarefreevspro.html

--
Joe =o)

[dareys]

Unknown,

Depending on the maker of the computer and the BIOS software, pressing a key
like F11 or so (it depends on what I have just comented on) allows you to
enter BIOS.

You can then add supervisor, boot and disk passwords. You can disable stuff
like Wake On Lan, Serial and Parallel ports, modem, network card, built in
network card, booting from floppy, cd or network etc.

My view is disable everything, and then add components one by one to figure
out the problem, a la Apollo 13.

I know there is more to it, but this is just a taste. Check it ou with your
computer manufacturer. Please do not tamper with things you are not familiar
with without a means to recover, as you can see you can get yourself in
trouble easily.

Jean-Pierre


"Unknown" wrote:

> How did you BIOS protect your computer?
> "dareys" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Greetings,
> >
> > I just recently BIOS protected my computer and disabled a number of
> > network
> > related functions, including the internal WIFI card, the Internal network
> > card. I was just trying to protect myself from unwarranted acces.
> >
> > At this time I have a USB Wide Area Network card. When I start it up, I
> > can
> > ping sites like Google but not sites like Citibank etc. I suspect that
> > although Netstat and the WAN software indicates a network connection,
> > perhaps
> > I don´t have one...
> >
> > IE cannot connect, reporting an invalid web address. I installed Opera
> > just
> > to see if it was a configuration problem with IE, but everytime I launch
> > it,
> > I get, yes, IE.
> >
> > So, to continue troubleshooting, I am wondering if anyone can tell me how
> > do
> > disable IE as the default browser so I can see if I have the same Problem
> > with Opera.
> >
> > If I do, can anyone tell me if it might be possible for the WAN card to
> > locate the signal and connect but perhaps my configuration at the BIOS
> > level
> > prevents Network access? What would be the minimun configuration in the
> > BIOS
> > to allow connectivity.
> >
> > Well, if you have read this far, I appreciate it. I hope you can help,
> > because the box is rather useless right now.
> >
> > Thank you.
> >
> > Jean-Pierre
> >
>
>
>

[dareys]

Elmo,

Thank you very much for the information, which seems related to the network
connection. I have used a number of these commands to release and refresh
stale or broken connections for years.

Unfortunately, I don´t see how they would affect the browser...

Specifically, how would I run Opera, when I want to. All I seem to get is IE
and I need to verify it is the network and not the browser. I tried resetting
the browser to factory defaults to no avail.

I sure hope I don´t have a virus or malware on the machine. It is brand new
and I installed McAfee from CD before I even conected it to the network, and
then the first thing I did after that was update to make sure I was ok...

If anyone else has any suggestions, I would appreciate them.

Thank you and others.

Jean-Pierre


"Elmo" wrote:

> dareys wrote:
> > Greetings,
> >
> > I just recently BIOS protected my computer and disabled a number of network
> > related functions, including the internal WIFI card, the Internal network
> > card. I was just trying to protect myself from unwarranted acces.
> >
> > At this time I have a USB Wide Area Network card. When I start it up, I can
> > ping sites like Google but not sites like Citibank etc. I suspect that
> > although Netstat and the WAN software indicates a network connection, perhaps
> > I don´t have one...
> >
> > IE cannot connect, reporting an invalid web address. I installed Opera just
> > to see if it was a configuration problem with IE, but everytime I launch it,
> > I get, yes, IE.
> >
> > So, to continue troubleshooting, I am wondering if anyone can tell me how do
> > disable IE as the default browser so I can see if I have the same Problem
> > with Opera.
> >
> > If I do, can anyone tell me if it might be possible for the WAN card to
> > locate the signal and connect but perhaps my configuration at the BIOS level
> > prevents Network access? What would be the minimun configuration in the BIOS
> > to allow connectivity.
> >
> > Well, if you have read this far, I appreciate it. I hope you can help,
> > because the box is rather useless right now.
> >
> > Thank you.
> >
> > Jean-Pierre
>
> Here are a few things to try:
>
> Open Internet Options, Connections tab, click "Lan Settings" button,
> deselect all.
>
> Flush DNS
>
> Click Start, Run, type CMD and click the [OK] button. Type each of the
> following:
>
> IPConfig /FlushDNS [Press Enter key]
> ipconfig /release [Press Enter key]
> ipconfig /renew [Press Enter key]
> ipconfig /registerdns [Press Enter key]
>
> NETSH
>
> Click Start, Run, type CMD and click the [OK] button. Type the following:
>
> netsh winsock reset
>
> Press Enter key
>
> Restart the system
>
> You can also try this software download from a working machine:
>
> LSP-Fix
> http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
>
> Burn BitDefender, or another program listed at the link below, to a CD
> (using a working machine) and test the infected machine with it.
> BitDefender also has a Rootkit checker on the Linux Desktop; run it if
> you think that's the problem:
>
> http://www.techmixer.com/free-bootable-antivirus-rescue-cds-download-list/
>
> Download the executable rather than the .iso image, if one is
> available.. it prompts you to insert a CD and burns the file, no problem.
>
> Then run these:
>
> Malwarebytes© Corporation
> http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam/program/mbam-setup.exe
>
> SuperAntispyware
> http://www.superantispyware.com/superantispywarefreevspro.html
>
> --
> Joe =o)
>

[Tim Slattery]

dareys > wrote:

>Greetings,
>
>I just recently BIOS protected my computer and disabled a number of network
>related functions, including the internal WIFI card, the Internal network
>card. I was just trying to protect myself from unwarranted acces.
>
>At this time I have a USB Wide Area Network card. When I start it up, I can
>ping sites like Google but not sites like Citibank etc.

Remember that not all sites respond to ping requests.

>IE cannot connect, reporting an invalid web address.

That would make me think of the DNS server settings. I'd assume from
what you've described that it can't resolve the domain name to an IP
address (the first step for any internet operation). On the other
hand, you get ping responses from some sites..

>I installed Opera just
>to see if it was a configuration problem with IE, but everytime I launch it,
>I get, yes, IE.

No that's strange. If you're launching it by double-clicking its icon,
I think the first thing to do is check the shortcut and make sure it's
actually pointing to Opera.

I have a problem with what seems to be your fundamental assumption:
why do you think that using your USB WAN card is a more secure way to
access the net than using the built-in WIFI and/or network circuitry?

--
Tim Slattery

http://members.cox.net/slatteryt

[HeyBub]

dareys wrote:
> Elmo,
>
> Thank you very much for the information, which seems related to the
> network connection. I have used a number of these commands to release
> and refresh stale or broken connections for years.
>
> Unfortunately, I don´t see how they would affect the browser...
>
> Specifically, how would I run Opera, when I want to. All I seem to
> get is IE and I need to verify it is the network and not the browser.
> I tried resetting the browser to factory defaults to no avail.
>

Given that you did a lot of tinkering and then things didn't work, this will
probably help:

It's not the browser.

[dareys]

HeyBub,

Your handle makes me smile. I had a girlfriend, whom I almost married, but
did not, thank god, who used to call me Bubba, or Bub, for short. Not my
favorite and odd since I am not heavy set or black like Bubba in the Forrest
Gump movie...

Anyway, I think you are right. The connection might just be stuck or stale.
I will give the information a try.

Thank you for the support.

Jean-Pierre


"HeyBub" wrote:

> dareys wrote:
> > Elmo,
> >
> > Thank you very much for the information, which seems related to the
> > network connection. I have used a number of these commands to release
> > and refresh stale or broken connections for years.
> >
> > Unfortunately, I don´t see how they would affect the browser...
> >
> > Specifically, how would I run Opera, when I want to. All I seem to
> > get is IE and I need to verify it is the network and not the browser.
> > I tried resetting the browser to factory defaults to no avail.
> >
>
> Given that you did a lot of tinkering and then things didn't work, this will
> probably help:
>
> It's not the browser.
>
>
>

[dareys]

Tim,

Thank you for the reply.

1. Yes, thank you for reminding me that not all sites respond to ping
requests.
2. As far as the DNS issue, I have received suggestions as to how to try to
resolve
that. I will let you know.
3. As far as Opera, well I checked the shortcut, and it was correct, so I
really
can´t fathom what the problem is.
4. As far as the security of a WiFi connection? Hey, they are not always
encrypted,
and when they are, it might be WEP which is outdated and vulnerable.
My USB WAN connection is dedicated and encrypted hence providing me with
a better shot at being safe than say your average free wireless
connection in
parks, cafes etc. without mentionning names. Voila. I have been burned so
bad, I don´t treat this lightly anymore. I has cost me a great deal.

Thank you for your feedback.

Jean-Pierre


"Tim Slattery" wrote:

> dareys > wrote:
>
> >Greetings,
> >
> >I just recently BIOS protected my computer and disabled a number of network
> >related functions, including the internal WIFI card, the Internal network
> >card. I was just trying to protect myself from unwarranted acces.
> >
> >At this time I have a USB Wide Area Network card. When I start it up, I can
> >ping sites like Google but not sites like Citibank etc.
>
> Remember that not all sites respond to ping requests.
>
> >IE cannot connect, reporting an invalid web address.
>
> That would make me think of the DNS server settings. I'd assume from
> what you've described that it can't resolve the domain name to an IP
> address (the first step for any internet operation). On the other
> hand, you get ping responses from some sites..
>
> >I installed Opera just
> >to see if it was a configuration problem with IE, but everytime I launch it,
> >I get, yes, IE.
>
> No that's strange. If you're launching it by double-clicking its icon,
> I think the first thing to do is check the shortcut and make sure it's
> actually pointing to Opera.
>
> I have a problem with what seems to be your fundamental assumption:
> why do you think that using your USB WAN card is a more secure way to
> access the net than using the built-in WIFI and/or network circuitry?
>
> --
> Tim Slattery
>
> http://members.cox.net/slatteryt
>

[dareys]

Elmo,

After trying your hints, It looks like the problem is related to my BIOS
configuration.

The error I get after I issue the commands you indicate is that no network
adapter is present. Hence, I have to restore some of the Network
functionality at the BIOS Level.

Hopefully, I will be able to fix things.

Thank you.

Jean-Pierre
"Elmo" wrote:

> dareys wrote:
> > Greetings,
> >
> > I just recently BIOS protected my computer and disabled a number of network
> > related functions, including the internal WIFI card, the Internal network
> > card. I was just trying to protect myself from unwarranted acces.
> >
> > At this time I have a USB Wide Area Network card. When I start it up, I can
> > ping sites like Google but not sites like Citibank etc. I suspect that
> > although Netstat and the WAN software indicates a network connection, perhaps
> > I don´t have one...
> >
> > IE cannot connect, reporting an invalid web address. I installed Opera just
> > to see if it was a configuration problem with IE, but everytime I launch it,
> > I get, yes, IE.
> >
> > So, to continue troubleshooting, I am wondering if anyone can tell me how do
> > disable IE as the default browser so I can see if I have the same Problem
> > with Opera.
> >
> > If I do, can anyone tell me if it might be possible for the WAN card to
> > locate the signal and connect but perhaps my configuration at the BIOS level
> > prevents Network access? What would be the minimun configuration in the BIOS
> > to allow connectivity.
> >
> > Well, if you have read this far, I appreciate it. I hope you can help,
> > because the box is rather useless right now.
> >
> > Thank you.
> >
> > Jean-Pierre
>
> Here are a few things to try:
>
> Open Internet Options, Connections tab, click "Lan Settings" button,
> deselect all.
>
> Flush DNS
>
> Click Start, Run, type CMD and click the [OK] button. Type each of the
> following:
>
> IPConfig /FlushDNS [Press Enter key]
> ipconfig /release [Press Enter key]
> ipconfig /renew [Press Enter key]
> ipconfig /registerdns [Press Enter key]
>
> NETSH
>
> Click Start, Run, type CMD and click the [OK] button. Type the following:
>
> netsh winsock reset
>
> Press Enter key
>
> Restart the system
>
> You can also try this software download from a working machine:
>
> LSP-Fix
> http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
>
> Burn BitDefender, or another program listed at the link below, to a CD
> (using a working machine) and test the infected machine with it.
> BitDefender also has a Rootkit checker on the Linux Desktop; run it if
> you think that's the problem:
>
> http://www.techmixer.com/free-bootable-antivirus-rescue-cds-download-list/
>
> Download the executable rather than the .iso image, if one is
> available.. it prompts you to insert a CD and burns the file, no problem.
>
> Then run these:
>
> Malwarebytes© Corporation
> http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam/program/mbam-setup.exe
>
> SuperAntispyware
> http://www.superantispyware.com/superantispywarefreevspro.html
>
> --
> Joe =o)
>

[dareys]

Gentlemen,

Well, I restored all the functionality I had initially disabled in the BIOS,
such as built in Network card, built in WiFi card, built in WiFi WAN
functionality etc. Everything back to factory defaults.

I installed Opera, and resolved the issue of having IE as the default
browser, and in spite of having three options to connect to the Network, it
is still not happening:

1. Standard Ethernet
2. WiFi wireless
3. USB private Wide Area Network card

Neither works. I connect tiwht 3. but cannot browse.

The error message I see says that the hardware settings for Radio access (I
imagine the WiFi card) are preventing the WiFi card or the BIOS from locating
other Networks or connecting.

However, I did not disable any jumpers on the Box. I did try to disable the
setting via software but I have restored it. Any clues?

Thank you.

Jean-Pierre

P.S. In any case, no the browser was not the issue. It has something to do
with
functionality I might have shutdown on the box, but that I tried to
restore.

"dareys" wrote:

> Greetings,
>
> I just recently BIOS protected my computer and disabled a number of network
> related functions, including the internal WIFI card, the Internal network
> card. I was just trying to protect myself from unwarranted acces.
>
> At this time I have a USB Wide Area Network card. When I start it up, I can
> ping sites like Google but not sites like Citibank etc. I suspect that
> although Netstat and the WAN software indicates a network connection, perhaps
> I don´t have one...
>
> IE cannot connect, reporting an invalid web address. I installed Opera just
> to see if it was a configuration problem with IE, but everytime I launch it,
> I get, yes, IE.
>
> So, to continue troubleshooting, I am wondering if anyone can tell me how do
> disable IE as the default browser so I can see if I have the same Problem
> with Opera.
>
> If I do, can anyone tell me if it might be possible for the WAN card to
> locate the signal and connect but perhaps my configuration at the BIOS level
> prevents Network access? What would be the minimun configuration in the BIOS
> to allow connectivity.
>
> Well, if you have read this far, I appreciate it. I hope you can help,
> because the box is rather useless right now.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Jean-Pierre
>

[dareys]

Gentlemen,

Well, I restored all the functionality I had initially disabled in the BIOS,
such as built in Network card, built in WiFi card, built in WiFi WAN
functionality etc. Everything back to factory defaults.

I installed Opera, and resolved the issue of having IE as the default
browser, and in spite of having three options to connect to the Network, it
is still not happening:

1. Standard Ethernet
2. WiFi wireless
3. USB private Wide Area Network card

Neither works. I APPARENTLY connect with all 3, but cannot browse.

The error message I see saw said that the hardware settings for Radio
access (I
imagine the WiFi card) are preventing the WiFi card or the BIOS from locating
other Networks or connecting. I resolved that, and still no connection...

Any clues?

Thank you.

Jean-Pierre

P.S. In any case, no the browser was not the issue. It has something to do
with functionality I might have shutdown on the box, but that I tried to
restore. Everything seems cool... Any ideas...


"dareys" wrote:

> Greetings,
>
> I just recently BIOS protected my computer and disabled a number of network
> related functions, including the internal WIFI card, the Internal network
> card. I was just trying to protect myself from unwarranted acces.
>
> At this time I have a USB Wide Area Network card. When I start it up, I can
> ping sites like Google but not sites like Citibank etc. I suspect that
> although Netstat and the WAN software indicates a network connection, perhaps
> I don´t have one...
>
> IE cannot connect, reporting an invalid web address. I installed Opera just
> to see if it was a configuration problem with IE, but everytime I launch it,
> I get, yes, IE.
>
> So, to continue troubleshooting, I am wondering if anyone can tell me how do
> disable IE as the default browser so I can see if I have the same Problem
> with Opera.
>
> If I do, can anyone tell me if it might be possible for the WAN card to
> locate the signal and connect but perhaps my configuration at the BIOS level
> prevents Network access? What would be the minimun configuration in the BIOS
> to allow connectivity.
>
> Well, if you have read this far, I appreciate it. I hope you can help,
> because the box is rather useless right now.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Jean-Pierre
>

[dareys]

Greetings,

After my last message, and restoring all BIOS networking functionality, I am
able to connect to WiFi Networks, as well as USB WAN dedicated network cards.

Every indication shows that I am connected, physically, to the network,
including stats like packets sent and packets received. However, I cannot
browse with IE or with Opera. I cannot even ping www.microsoft.com.

Help.

Jean-Pierre





"dareys" wrote:

> Gentlemen,
>
> Well, I restored all the functionality I had initially disabled in the BIOS,
> such as built in Network card, built in WiFi card, built in WiFi WAN
> functionality etc. Everything back to factory defaults.
>
> I installed Opera, and resolved the issue of having IE as the default
> browser, and in spite of having three options to connect to the Network, it
> is still not happening:
>
> 1. Standard Ethernet
> 2. WiFi wireless
> 3. USB private Wide Area Network card
>
> Neither works. I APPARENTLY connect with all 3, but cannot browse.
>
> The error message I see saw said that the hardware settings for Radio
> access (I
> imagine the WiFi card) are preventing the WiFi card or the BIOS from locating
> other Networks or connecting. I resolved that, and still no connection...
>
> Any clues?
>
> Thank you.
>
> Jean-Pierre
>
> P.S. In any case, no the browser was not the issue. It has something to do
> with functionality I might have shutdown on the box, but that I tried to
> restore. Everything seems cool... Any ideas...
>
>
> "dareys" wrote:
>
> > Greetings,
> >
> > I just recently BIOS protected my computer and disabled a number of network
> > related functions, including the internal WIFI card, the Internal network
> > card. I was just trying to protect myself from unwarranted acces.
> >
> > At this time I have a USB Wide Area Network card. When I start it up, I can
> > ping sites like Google but not sites like Citibank etc. I suspect that
> > although Netstat and the WAN software indicates a network connection, perhaps
> > I don´t have one...
> >
> > IE cannot connect, reporting an invalid web address. I installed Opera just
> > to see if it was a configuration problem with IE, but everytime I launch it,
> > I get, yes, IE.
> >
> > So, to continue troubleshooting, I am wondering if anyone can tell me how do
> > disable IE as the default browser so I can see if I have the same Problem
> > with Opera.
> >
> > If I do, can anyone tell me if it might be possible for the WAN card to
> > locate the signal and connect but perhaps my configuration at the BIOS level
> > prevents Network access? What would be the minimun configuration in the BIOS
> > to allow connectivity.
> >
> > Well, if you have read this far, I appreciate it. I hope you can help,
> > because the box is rather useless right now.
> >
> > Thank you.
> >
> > Jean-Pierre
> >

[dareys]

Greetings,

I still can´t connect to any WiFi network. I restored BIOS functionality to
default values (with some exceptions not related to networking). I also

1. Uninstalled the Norton Firewall (which was apparently active but which I
have not bought)
2. Disabled the Microsoft Firewall and made sure the only active firewall
was McAffee which I am licensed for...
3. Restored the McAfee Firewall setting to default values.

Now, I can connect to a WiFi Network, and, I can see down to packets being
sent and received. IPCONFIG does reply with valid Gateway, Subnet mask and
local IP addresses. However, I cannot ping sites like www.microsoft.com .

So, everything indicates that I am connected and yet I cannot surf either
with IE or Opera...

Any clues.

Jean-Pierre

"dareys" wrote:

> Greetings,
>
> I just recently BIOS protected my computer and disabled a number of network
> related functions, including the internal WIFI card, the Internal network
> card. I was just trying to protect myself from unwarranted acces.
>
> At this time I have a USB Wide Area Network card. When I start it up, I can
> ping sites like Google but not sites like Citibank etc. I suspect that
> although Netstat and the WAN software indicates a network connection, perhaps
> I don´t have one...
>
> IE cannot connect, reporting an invalid web address. I installed Opera just
> to see if it was a configuration problem with IE, but everytime I launch it,
> I get, yes, IE.
>
> So, to continue troubleshooting, I am wondering if anyone can tell me how do
> disable IE as the default browser so I can see if I have the same Problem
> with Opera.
>
> If I do, can anyone tell me if it might be possible for the WAN card to
> locate the signal and connect but perhaps my configuration at the BIOS level
> prevents Network access? What would be the minimun configuration in the BIOS
> to allow connectivity.
>
> Well, if you have read this far, I appreciate it. I hope you can help,
> because the box is rather useless right now.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Jean-Pierre
>

[dareys]

Greetings,

Well, I eventually reverted almost all of the BIOS settings to defaults,
disabled all three firewalls (Microsoft, Norton - which was on but which I am
not licensed for - and McAfee). I then re-added McAffee with default
configuration and voila. A OK.

Now things are working. At least in the wireless department. My Intel
Ethernet is still AWOL. Can´t find it in the control pannel, system, device
manager, network cards. Weird, I know that I did not pull the card out. LOL.
Go figure...

Anyway, enough for me to try to make a go at getting a job with this box. I
will post additional questions when I have enough time.

Many, many, many thanks to all that helped. The IT community woldwide,
regardless of platform or software, rules. IT is the place to be.

Jean-Pierre

"dareys" wrote:

> Greetings,
>
> I still can´t connect to any WiFi network. I restored BIOS functionality to
> default values (with some exceptions not related to networking). I also
>
> 1. Uninstalled the Norton Firewall (which was apparently active but which I
> have not bought)
> 2. Disabled the Microsoft Firewall and made sure the only active firewall
> was McAffee which I am licensed for...
> 3. Restored the McAfee Firewall setting to default values.
>
> Now, I can connect to a WiFi Network, and, I can see down to packets being
> sent and received. IPCONFIG does reply with valid Gateway, Subnet mask and
> local IP addresses. However, I cannot ping sites like www.microsoft.com .
>
> So, everything indicates that I am connected and yet I cannot surf either
> with IE or Opera...
>
> Any clues.
>
> Jean-Pierre
>
> "dareys" wrote:
>
> > Greetings,
> >
> > I just recently BIOS protected my computer and disabled a number of network
> > related functions, including the internal WIFI card, the Internal network
> > card. I was just trying to protect myself from unwarranted acces.
> >
> > At this time I have a USB Wide Area Network card. When I start it up, I can
> > ping sites like Google but not sites like Citibank etc. I suspect that
> > although Netstat and the WAN software indicates a network connection, perhaps
> > I don´t have one...
> >
> > IE cannot connect, reporting an invalid web address. I installed Opera just
> > to see if it was a configuration problem with IE, but everytime I launch it,
> > I get, yes, IE.
> >
> > So, to continue troubleshooting, I am wondering if anyone can tell me how do
> > disable IE as the default browser so I can see if I have the same Problem
> > with Opera.
> >
> > If I do, can anyone tell me if it might be possible for the WAN card to
> > locate the signal and connect but perhaps my configuration at the BIOS level
> > prevents Network access? What would be the minimun configuration in the BIOS
> > to allow connectivity.
> >
> > Well, if you have read this far, I appreciate it. I hope you can help,
> > because the box is rather useless right now.
> >
> > Thank you.
> >
> > Jean-Pierre
> >