Loss of Internet connection after system recovery

[Gatailgunner]

My HP Pavilion 735n had reached a point of only starting under "Safe Mode"  After trying for several weeks, went to (F10) non-destructive system recovery.  All went well with normal startup until I tried to go on line.  It simply showed "unable to show Page"  and "No connection the internet".  After doing all HP down loads for XP, uninstalling and reinstalling D-Link DWA-125 USB Wireless Adapter AND the Router, resetting Internet Explorer to "Defaults" on all Icons at least 4 times, Starting and restarting the computer numerous times, exploring all formums, etc. etc. nothing I've tried works.  It still will not go on-line.  Even Windows Media Player won't work.  I have successfully un & re-installed several other programs (off-Line) and saved all data.  This I expected but the failure to go on-line has me totally baffeled .  Some one out there some where must have solved this problem before.  I need help,        please??

[Mister_Do]

Hi Gatailgunner,

A few questions:

Does your PC recognize your wireless adapter? If so, does it find any wireless networks, yours or others?

Do you have security set on your network? If so, have you entered the password and made any other needed security settings (like WPA, WPA2, etc.)?

Can you connect directly with a cable to the router and test for internet connection?

You need to rule out what could be the problem. If you can connect directly, then you know the issue is between your wireless adapter and your router.

[TheOldMan]

Check in Device Manager to make sure the all devices are shown and are working.  If the ones causing concern, IE: network adapters, show as being detected and working, then it has to be either a hardware failure or a software configuration problem.  Report back.  As suggested, try with a wired connection first to eliminate a network problem.

[Gatailgunner]

Hello!  Have uninstalled and reinstalled my DWA-125 D-Link USB adapter and Router at least 3 or 4 times and the device Mgr. and icon on task bar show the adapter and network as working and performing properly AND connected to the network for the Adapter and the network is connected to the internet.  I have another PC (Compaq CQ 5110F running win 7 home) and a (Compaq CQ 56-110US running win 7) Laptop both utilizing my home wireless network.  The Desk top utilizes a D-Link WUA-2340 Adapter and the Notebook utilizes it's internal wireless connector.  Both these computers are working flawlessly.  The desk top unit was originally utilizing the DWA-135 now in the 735n (running win XP) and it performed well.  Hard wire directly to internet of the 735n did not work either ...  so ... I assume the problem lies within the PC not the adapters nor the router since all that equipment is performing properly.   What is your opinion of using (F10) syster recovery again??  Think it might help or hinder?  Also, how about installing (from CD) Linux and trying it from the CD since it will run that way without a hard drive permenant install (which could come later if it works) and without uninstalling XP!  I'm grasping at straws now,  just don't know where to turn next.

[Gatailgunner]

Hello! And thanks for your interest.  Still seeking answers or ideas.  Please see my reply to Mister_Do above for update of what all I've tried,  which is extensive,  and see what you think of the O/S ideas and make any suggestion of what I could try for hardware since I've updated all downloads from HP.  What about another run at (F10) system recovery??

[Gatailgunner]

TO:  Mister_Do & Old Man:  Forgot to tell you that my network is secure but the adapter and connection is set up correctly and does show as connected.  The computer still won't go on line  ??   Can't tell if it is software or hardware.  But thank God for gentlemen like you for your help and supportm you have taught me what and where to look for solutions and I anticipate the next step you may suggest.  Keep those card and letters coming in!

[CherylG]

In my opinion (and experiences) a non-destructive recovery usually only leads to 'issues', especially when you were having issues before such as you stated where only Safe Mode would run.

I would back up my photos /files to and run a Destructive Recovery_all with any external devices, including the wireless adapter removed.Have only kbd,mouse & monitor attached.

[Mister_Do]

Hi Gatailgunner,

It kind of sounds like you aren't getting a proper IP address or some other system cache setting is not getting refreshed appropriately. It doens't really sound like hardware since it doesn't seem to work through wire or wireless.

Do you have a Firewall or other Internet Security software running? Could it be blocking it?

Have you tried all the steps in this HP support document on troubleshooting Internet connections (particularly the steps around resetting...?

Also here is an other support document from Microsoft that may provide some additonal steps:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/870702

If none of this works, then I agree with CherylG. You will probably want to run a FULL recovery.

[TheOldMan]

I think I would agree with Mister_do.  It could be the firewall, if there is a third party firewall.  Windows firewall would not to that unless told to.  Just in case, turn off or uninstall any firewall software.  If you do not know how to get to that point, please advise as to what software it is.  Norton has been know to be hard to disable once to stops access.

[CherylG]

I would try uninstalling the Wireless adapter and it's software.Then reinstall as if you just the way you did when you first got it.The Recovery may have messed up some of the files.