Member Avatar for djensenmn

I have no internet connection after I did a system restore on my laptop computer. I have wireless at home and it is not picking it up, even when I connect it directly to the computer, nothing. I've downloaded all the cds (drivers, etc) and still nothing. Can anyone help?

  • 3 Contributors
  • 4 Replies
  • 120 Views
  • 3 Days Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by j30mack

Dani AI

Generated

After a system restore the problem is usually on the laptop side (disabled adapter, missing/corrupt drivers, or a broken TCP/IP stack), though a router configuration issue is also possible. ’s suggestion to check the router later is valid, but it’s faster and safer to run a few laptop-focused diagnostics first so router settings are not changed unnecessarily.

Confirm the radio is actually on: check any hardware wireless switch or Fn+key that toggles the radio, and look for the wireless LED. Open Device Manager and verify the network adapters appear without warnings; if an adapter is missing or shows an error, uninstall it and install the vendor’s current driver (download from the laptop or chipset vendor, not an old CD). Check Network Connections to see if the adapter is Enabled. For a wired test, verify link lights on the LAN jack and try a known-good cable and different router LAN port.

Quick IP/stack checks (run from a command prompt) help identify DHCP or stack corruption:

ipconfig /all
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ping <router-IP>
ping 8.8.8.8
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

A 169.254.x.x address indicates DHCP failed. Use the above to reset winsock/TCP-IP and renew a lease. Ensure the DHCP Client service is running and temporarily disable any firewall/antivirus that could block networking. VPN or third‑party networking software can also interfere after a restore.

If both wired and wireless still fail, isolate hardware by booting a Live Linux USB or using a USB Wi‑Fi/Ethernet adapter—this removes Windows configuration from the equation. If laptop diagnostics look OK but the router refuses to assign addresses, consider power‑cycling or factory resetting the router (note: factory reset clears SSID, passphrases and ISP settings). These steps should narrow the cause before doing a full router reconfiguration as suggested.

Recommended Answers

All 4 Replies

Member Avatar for hughv

Chances are that your wireless settings have changed. If there's a router involved, you need to enter the router setup and get your wireless settings and enter them into the laptop.
It might be easiest to set the router to defaults and start over.

Member Avatar for j30mack

Well here in TX I have AT&T u-Verse. My lap top if fine but after 3 years I just re set my desk top. Dell 2400. I'm not sure on how to get my connection back in order. The day I had this installed, the tech came out and did everything. I was doing other things when he was working. Now I'm lost. any help would be great. It's a wireless set up but from the control panel, do I click on once I inside "Network and Internet Connection" Network connections or wireless Network Setup Wizard or other. Please help

Member Avatar for hughv

Well here in TX I have AT&T u-Verse. My lap top if fine but after 3 years I just re set my desk top. Dell 2400. I'm not sure on how to get my connection back in order. The day I had this installed, the tech came out and did everything. I was doing other things when he was working. Now I'm lost. any help would be great. It's a wireless set up but from the control panel, do I click on once I inside "Network and Internet Connection" Network connections or wireless Network Setup Wizard or other. Please help

j30mack, this is called "hijacking" a thread, and it leads to confusion (Which question is being answered?).
Please start your own topic.

Member Avatar for j30mack

ok, i will do. Sorry about that

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.