Member Avatar for sk8ndestroy14

So, my internet connection works just fine, but those two little computers in the task bar have a red "X" over them which is supposed to mean I have to internet connection and when I go to the network center or whatever it's called, the internet connection doesn't show up. I tried restarting my modem and router and computer, but that hasn't done anything.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by max_duddy1980

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A brief technical note that expands on the suggestions already posted by , and : the red "X" on the network tray in Vista/7 often reflects a mismatch between what Windows reports and which physical/logical interface is actually carrying traffic. Multiple adapters (wired + wireless), a disabled/disconnected adapter, or a Network Bridge can leave the icon showing a problem even though another adapter has a valid internet route.

Quick checklist to identify the active interface:

  • Open Network Connections (Start → type ncpa.cpl) and inspect each adapter’s Status. Right‑click → Status → Details to see assigned IP and Gateway.
  • From a command prompt, ipconfig /all shows which adapter has a valid IPv4/IPv6 address and DHCP server; presence of a default gateway means internet routing is available even if another adapter is disconnected.

Practical fixes that preserve connectivity:

  • Remove or disable any unused adapter (an Ethernet adapter with no cable often causes the X) or remove a Network Bridge when it’s not needed — note that deleting a bridge will affect any devices relying on it (as observed).
  • Reset and renew the stack if the icon seems stale; run these commands from an elevated command prompt and reboot after the network-stack resets:
    ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
  • Check Device Manager for driver updates for each NIC and verify Windows services like Network List Service, Network Location Awareness and Network Connections are running.

If a working adapter shows a valid IP, gateway and internet access, the red X is usually cosmetic and safe to ignore. Disabling or removing the actual active adapter will interrupt connectivity, so changes that affect adapters or bridges should be done with awareness of the devices they serve.

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Member Avatar for ViennaPro

If your connection is working fine, you probably have both a Wired and Wireless NIC. It's only showing an X because 1 of those 2 aren't working. At least this is what makes sense to me especially if you're able to get online. It doesn't mean it's broken per say, just means one isn't connected. If this doesn't seem like the problem, post back and give more info. (Why do you think somethings wrong if it's working etc...)

Member Avatar for snikey24

ViennaPro is correct, it seems as though you have the two network connections enabled (both wired and wireless)

If you do not wish to see the red cross on the task bar, you could always disable your wired network connection. (right click on the connection and click 'disable' in the mangage network connections window)

Member Avatar for max_duddy1980

Hi I had the same prob with windows 7, my internet connection was working fine, the connection/signal bar was showing my wireless signal strength, all good until i bridged the connection so i can use my ps3 online.
After that there was always a red cross on the signal bars but the internet was working fine. Even when the ps3 was connected the cross was still there. When i removed the bridge no red cross. So if you have a bridged connection that may be the prob.
My advise to you is that if the internet works fine & you dont have any probs going online then leave it alone, who cares about the cross, important thing is you can still use the internet.
Hope that helped

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