Date: 09/16/07 (Computer Help)    Keywords: software, web

Hi, people! I've tried calling our ISP (Cox), tried calling the support line for the manfacturer of the products we use (Belkin), basically tried everything except a full factory restore (a last resort). Hopefully I won't have to execute that last option.

Anyway, here's the scoop on what's bringing me and my computer down:

The Hard Facts

I use an eMachines computer (I think from 2005?) - it runs on Windows XP. I DON'T think this is a memory issue, but just in case, it's a 120 GB drive.

The computer I'm using now, my parents' computer, is, I believe, a Dell.

Now, I connect to the internet via a wireless connection - basically, my parents' computer is the one that really does all the connecting, and my computer is content to enjoy this by extension. Therefore, if their connection goes down, mine follows. Sometimes theirs remains fine while mine refuses to work - such as now.

Additional Vital Hardware Mentions:

We both employ a Belkin Wireless G USB Network Adapter. Mine is currently plugged into the computer, as is theirs. Mine is displaying a blue icon in the lower-right corner, indicating that I should be connected and free to roam. In addition, the computer monitor icon in the lower-right of both desktop toolbars is on and, on both computers, indicates connection. The problem is that on my computer, in spite of the icons and messages indicating that by all means, I should be able to use the internet, it doesn't load or connect (every website displays an "Internet Explorer cannot display the page" message).

Other software worth noting is attached to the host computer (or, in one case, plugged separately into a nearby outlet) and is actually vital to ensuring continued internet through the host computer (aka the computer that currently does have working internet connection). This software is comprised of:

Motorola SB5120 SURFboard cable modem. It's currently up and running - the POWER, RECIEVE, SEND, and ONLINE buttons are all a steady green, and the PC ACTIVITY button is a steady orange. Good.

BELKIN Wireless G router, model F5D7230-4, version 5000. It's also currently on and running. Power and Modem lights are on and blinking a vibrant green, as well as the Wireless and Internet buttons. In addition, a green 1 is lit. I'm assuming this may refer to my computer. Also of note:

In the back of the cable modem are three plugs, I suppose you'd call them. The bottom plug is inserted into its slot and the other end is plugged into the wall behind it. There's also an Ethernet cable, I believe it's called, plugged into its socket. The other end is plugged into the Router, in the green section marked "Connection to Modem." The other plug is kind of.,.. don't know what to call it, but iot's like one of those cables you screw and unscrew from various plugs on TVs and VCRs and such. Sorry, the proper term's slipped my mind at the moment. Anyway, it's plugged in and runs into the wall behind it, and all is connected there too.

Now for the router set-up. As mentioned before, one end of an Ethernet cable is planted into the "Connection to Modem/WAN" plug with the other end in the cable modem. The main plug is in, and the other end is plugged tightly into the power strip. The final plug is kind of like the REthernet cable only smaller. It's plugged into a terminal marked "1" under a blue section marked "connection to computers". The other end is plugged into its proper spot on the computer terminal.

The final bit of hardware to mention is a Linksys Wireless G Range Expander, model number WRE54G, version 2-US. When plugged in, it usually shows two vertically-parallel blue lights. More often than not (within the last 24 hours, that is), it shows the bottom light blue and the top light red.

Okay, now that that's all out of the way, time to proceed on through the whole thing.

The Story And What I've Tried

A few days ago, Windows did the automatic update thing for my computer. Having tasks on hand, I put off restarting for a day or two. Not sure if that or the updating may have caused problems. My internet was working fine before I restarted the computer. In addition, so was the range expander.

After restarting, the Network Adapter icon was flashing blue as it should, and the Wireless Network Connection Icon looked fine - no red X or yellow triangle with a black exclamation point in the middle. It said "Status: Connected" and semeed to be okay. But when I went to Internet Explorer? "Page cannot be displayed" is what shows.

Now here's the confusing part - I've tried many things: Uninstalling and reinstalling the adapter on my computer (like, as completely as I can); tried using the "Repair" option for the wireless network (at times it seems to finish and tells me it's been repaired. Other times it seems to get stuck on renewing the IP address, or doesn't finish on some other part, or something); tried checking my available wireless networks (at times it displays belkin54g and underworld. Other times it says none can be found; when they do display the two options, I sometimes must manually connect, other times must disconnect and reconnect. And usually it finishes and says I'm connected yet still gives me a "Page cannot be displayed" message). I've done unplugging, shutting down, re-plugging, re-starting (all of my adapter) unplugging and replugging and resetting the router and range expander and cable modem - nothing works. I tried running a few programs (can't remember which) when I called Belkin support. I also fudged around with the options a bit (as did my dad, who's better with computers than I am). No go whatsoever - no internet loading for me at all.

Basically, I feel like I've run out of options known to me. So I'm turning to you guys.

Any advice, suggestions, any help at all is greatly appreciated (if need be, dumb it down for me - as I stated before, I'm not quite so technologically proficient). If you need any more information, just ask and I'll do my best to provide you with what you need, because I have a feeling I forgot to mention something possibly vital. Hopefully this problem can be fixed, and hopefully it can be achieved without resorting to a factory restore (or buying new hardware, something I can't currently afford). So thanks in advance, and I look forward to any advice.

(Cross-posted to computersupport)

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computer_help/818172.html