Internet connection

[wini]

Can someone help me with Vista and the internet.
We have 2 computers, one an Acer desk top with Vista and the other a HP Notebook still with XP Service pack 3
The Notebook is no problem but when I use the Acer, I don't get a connection until I start up, then shut down and restart. The second time it connects. It isn't a major concern but I would like to rectify the problem. We have Broadband

wini

[Moray_Lass]

Not sure what the problem is by I am currently on an Acer laptop, wirelessly and I don't experience that sort of problems. Wired connections are usually less flaky.

When you first start up, go into start/settings/Network settings (I'm on classic view). Is there a red X over your network connection? If you double click does it become 'live'? And can you get onto the internet then? At best that is a workaround if it works, but Vista might 'learn' that you want it on. (Like my W7 pc finally learned I did not have two monitors attached )

I just went into the properties of the connection in Vista but there isn't anything that would wake up the network connection if this works. If that works I might come up with some other ideas

[Currie]

Hello Wini,

If the problem with the desktop first occurred only recently you could try a System Restore which would hopefully reset the computer to how it was before. That may work, if you’re lucky. If it has been around for a while then it may be too late for a System Restore.

I’m not sure what vista does, but with my XP, if I startup with the router turned off I see a network icon (two monitors) with a red cross, as described by Maggie, in the system tray in the lower right corner of screen. Do you have anything like that after the first boot?

Is the problem that there’s no network at all, or is it just a particular program such as IE that can’t connect? i.e. can you get email and will an alternative browser such as Firefox or Google Chrome connect ok.

Do you remember when it started and if there was any change to the computer’s hardware, just prior to then?

There seem to be a lot of people whose network disconnects for no apparent reason and they have to restart the computer to get it back. Wireless connections seem to crop up frequently in those.

If you have a wireless setup is there any way of improving the signal from the router to the desktop, by moving it closer or checking for anything obstructing the signal etc. Does turning off the router and turning it back on again have the same effect as a computer restart.

If the router and the desktop have sockets for a network cable maybe that would be useful if nothing else works, and use of cabling doesn’t otherwise matter.

Mainly just guessing,
Alan

[wini]

Alan & Maggie thanks,
The problem is not with the notebook, that is fine, no problems.
I was using a Router to connect both computers to the internet at the one time. I then started having this problem with the other machine, I rang my Internet provider and they suggested the fault was in the router, so I stopped using that and just connect each machine as I need it, the notebook is principally my husbands.
Every time I start up the problem machine which has Vista I get a message it can't locate the internet do I wish to try again.
I then close down completely and restart and it works. I know it isn't the end of the world but it is just so frustrating since I am always in a hurry, need to learn to relax more I think

wini