HP Laptop cannot connect to the internet.

[Ammonil]

My laptop cannot connect to the internet, even though it seems to connect just fine to the ethernet and wifi, which are both working fine on plenty of other devices. I've tried for about 4-5 hours to get it fixed myself, since the problem happened outside of support hours (which seem to be almost nonexistant). Sometimes, for a short period, it will say it's connected to the internet, but then not actually be able to load anything. I can ping 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 just fine, but nothing else. On some of the hardware tests using the HP hardware checker, it'll just stay on a blank screen.  It fails the wireless stress test, and when doing the wired tests it'll say the cable is disconnected even though it isn't and it'll cancel all the wired tests other than the driver one. Somehow my device passes all the "extensive" tests.

Here's what I've tried:
Reinstalling drivers (downloaded them on another device, and transfered to the laptop with a flash drive)

Resetting network settings different ways plenty of times

Manually configuring IPv4 settings

Just earlier, when trying to fix the problem this morning, my laptop failed the CMOS checksum, but I really have no idea what that means.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Ammonil 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I can understand how discouraging it feels when the laptop shows it’s connected but refuses to load anything, especially after you’ve already invested hours reinstalling drivers, resetting network settings, and even manually configuring IPv4. 

Thank you for all the effort you’ve put in—that really helps narrow down the situation. Let’s go step by step to isolate what’s happening and get your HP notebook back online.

 

Key observations from what you shared

• You can ping 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS servers), which means the physical connection and basic IP routing are working.
• You cannot reach websites, which suggests a DNS resolution issue or a higher‑level network stack problem.
• The CMOS checksum error indicates the BIOS settings may have reset or become corrupted, which can sometimes affect hardware detection.

 

Steps to try

Check DNS settings

• Open Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
• Select your active connection (Wi‑Fi or Ethernet).
• Under DNS settings, set it to Automatic (DHCP).
• If already automatic, try setting it manually to Google DNS:
  • Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
  • Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4

Flush DNS cache

• Open Command Prompt (Admin).
• Type: ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
• Then type: ipconfig /registerdns and press Enter.

Reset Winsock catalog

• In the same Command Prompt, type: netsh winsock reset and press Enter.
• Restart your laptop afterwards.

Check BIOS settings after CMOS checksum error

• Restart the laptop and press F10 to enter BIOS Setup.
• Ensure the date and time are correct.
• Confirm that network adapters are enabled under System Configuration > Built‑in Device Options.
• Save changes and exit.

Run HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI)

• Power off the laptop.
• Press Esc repeatedly while turning it back on, then press F2.
• Run the Network Test from UEFI diagnostics instead of Windows‑based diagnostics.
• This bypasses the OS and checks the hardware directly.

Since you can ping external IPs but not reach websites, the issue is most likely DNS or a corrupted network stack. Resetting DNS, Winsock, and verifying BIOS settings after the CMOS error should help restore proper connectivity.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye