I have a three computer wireless LAN setup at home. one desktop and two laptops, which has been working well for over six months. Linksys router and Earthlink DSL provider, Pure Networks Network Magic manager. Last week took one of the laptops (Dell) on a trip. Could not get to connect to Internet or Outlook Express despite a strong hotel provided signal. Had it set for auto IP and auto DSN. the Dell recognized the strong signal but told me it had limited connectivity. Even hooked up to a friend's strong wireless connection with same result. When I manually entered his IP and DSN, it showed strong connectivity but still could not connect to internet or email. When I got home and reconnected to my LAN, where I had no problems before, I got the same negative results. Bottom line, both of the other computers work fine on the network and connect without a problem, so ther is no router or DSL problem. In fact, Network Magic shows the problem laptop connected to the LAN AND to the Internet, but both Internet Explore and Firefox show blank web page or "Server not Found" and Outlook Express shows "Earthlink.net"(my mail provider also) not found. It has to be the Dell laptop. I have shut down the firewall, no change. Ran anti-virus, rook kit, anti-adware and anti-spyware to no avail. In addition, in order to get strong connectivity, albeit without internet connection, I have to manually enter IP, DSN, Gateway, etc. Auto IP and Auto DSN only gives me "Limited Connectivity". I can ping various IPs with no problem.
I need help from this excellent forum. You saved my "life" once before and I hope you can repeat.