02 Apr When Your Computer Says No Internet But Internet Works: Basic Fixes for the Elderly

SCHEDULE A 15 MINUTE CALL

Imagine this: you settle down with your cup of tea, ready to browse the web and catch up on the latest news. You open your laptop, only to be greeted by a frustrating message: “No internet connection.” But wait! Your computer says no internet but internet works just fine on your phone and tablet. What could be causing this hiccup? Fear not, for we’re here to guide you through some basic fixes, specifically tailored for the elderly, to get your computer back online and your tea time uninterrupted.

When your computer says no internet but internet works on other devices, it could be due to various reasons such as misconfigured settings, network driver issues, or even malware. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can troubleshoot and resolve the most common connectivity issues on your own. Remember, patience is key, and with a little persistence, you’ll be back to enjoying your tea and browsing the web in no time.

1. Check the Basics

Before diving into complex troubleshooting, let’s start with the basics. Sometimes, the simplest solutions can solve the issue. Check if your Wi-Fi router is turned on and that the cables are securely connected. Look for any physical damage to the cables or the router itself. If everything looks fine, move on to the next step.

When your computer says no internet but internet works on other devices, it can be frustrating. However, by checking these basic elements, you might quickly resolve the issue. Ensure that your router is receiving power and that its lights indicate it’s functioning normally. If there are no visible issues, try restarting your router and computer. This simple step often resolves connectivity problems. Additionally, check if there are any firmware updates available for your router, as outdated firmware can sometimes cause connectivity issues. By starting with these basic checks, you can often identify and resolve the problem without the need for more complex troubleshooting steps.

2. Restart Your Devices

Restarting your computer and router can often resolve connectivity issues. To restart your computer, simply click on the “Start” button, select “Power,” and then choose “Restart.” For your router, locate the power button, usually on the back or side, and press it to turn the router off. Wait for about 30 seconds, then press the button again to turn it back on. Give it a few minutes to restart fully, and then check if the internet is working on your computer.

3. Check for Airplane Mode

Sometimes, accidentally enabling Airplane Mode can disconnect your computer from the internet. To check if Airplane Mode is on, look for an airplane icon in the system tray, usually located in the bottom right corner of the screen. If it’s on, click on the icon to turn it off and restore your internet connection.

When your computer says no internet but internet works on other devices, it’s easy to overlook simple solutions like Airplane Mode. This feature, designed to disable all wireless connections, can be activated unintentionally, cutting off your computer’s access to the internet. By checking the system tray for the airplane icon and disabling Airplane Mode if it’s on, you can quickly restore your internet connection. This simple fix is often overlooked but can save you a lot of frustration. So, the next time you encounter connectivity issues, remember to check Airplane Mode before diving into more complex troubleshooting steps.

4. Update Your Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network drivers can cause connectivity issues. To update your network drivers, follow these steps:

   – Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager.”

   – Expand the “Network adapters” category.

   – Right-click on your network adapter and select “Update driver.”

   – Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the on-screen instructions.

After updating your drivers, restart your computer and check if the internet is working.

5. Disable Proxy Settings

Proxy settings can sometimes interfere with your internet connection. When your computer says no internet but internet works on other devices, it’s worth checking your proxy settings. To disable proxy settings, follow these steps:

   – Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

   – Type “inetcpl.cpl” and press Enter to open the Internet Properties window.

   – Go to the “Connections” tab and click on “LAN settings.”

   – Uncheck the box next to “Use a proxy server for your LAN” and click “OK.”

Restart your computer and check if the internet is working. Disabling proxy settings can often resolve connectivity issues caused by misconfigured or problematic proxy servers. If you still encounter problems after disabling proxy settings, consider resetting your browser settings or contacting your network administrator for further assistance.

6. Reset TCP/IP Stack

Resetting the TCP/IP stack can help resolve network connectivity issues. To reset the TCP/IP stack, follow these steps:

   – Press the Windows key + X and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin).”

   – Type the following command and press Enter:

     “`

     netsh int ip reset

     “`

   – Restart your computer.

After resetting the TCP/IP stack, check if the internet is working on your computer.

7. Check for Malware

Malware can cause various issues, including internet connectivity problems. When your computer says no internet but internet works on other devices, it could be a sign of malware interference. Running a full system scan using your antivirus software is crucial. This scan can help identify and remove any malware infections that may be affecting your internet connection.

If you don’t have antivirus software installed, consider installing one from a reputable provider. Many antivirus programs offer free versions with basic protection features. Once installed, perform a full system scan to check for malware.

If the scan detects any malware, follow the software’s instructions to remove it. After removing the malware, restart your computer and check if the internet connection is restored. If the issue persists, you may need to seek further assistance from a professional to ensure your system is clean and secure.

8. Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If none of the above solutions work, it’s possible that there’s an issue with your internet service. Contact your ISP and explain the problem. They may be able to diagnose the issue remotely or send a technician to fix it.

9. Consider Professional Help

If you’re still experiencing internet connectivity issues, despite trying the basic fixes, it may be time to seek help from a professional. When your computer says no internet but internet works on other devices, it could indicate underlying hardware or software problems that require specialized knowledge to diagnose and fix.

A professional technician can perform advanced troubleshooting steps to identify the root cause of the issue. They can check your network hardware, such as routers and modems, for any faults or compatibility issues. Additionally, they can diagnose and resolve software issues, such as driver conflicts or operating system errors, that may be causing the problem.

By seeking help from a professional, you can ensure that the underlying cause of the connectivity issue is addressed effectively, restoring your internet connection and preventing future problems.

Conclusion

Dealing with internet connectivity issues can be frustrating, especially when your computer says no internet but internet works but your internet works perfectly fine on other devices. By following these basic fixes tailored for the elderly, you can troubleshoot and resolve the most common connectivity issues on your own. Remember, patience is key, and if all else fails, don’t hesitate to seek help from professionals. Now, go ahead, enjoy your tea, and surf the web with ease!

About Bytagig

Bytagig is dedicated to providing reliable, full-scale cyber security and IT support for businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups in a variety of industries. Bytagig works both remotely with on-site support in Portland, San Diego, and Boston. Acting as internal IT staff, Bytagig handles employee desktop setup and support, comprehensive IT systems analysis, IT project management, website design, and more.