Basic question - lost Internet access

[Boblawyer]

I have a Dell Inspiron laptop that is running Windows 8.1. I access the Internet through Wi-fi.

Last night my Internet connection stopped working. I ran the built in troubleshooter which confirmed that I do not have Internet access but it could not offer a solution.

The other computers at home do have Internet access so it is clear that the problem is with this computer.

I do not know how to approach this problem. Perhaps someone could give me some suggestions ?

Bob

[Murf]

Welcome to CTH

In the lower bottom right, next to the clock, do you see little bars that may have an X on them? If so click on it a pane should come up saying Connections, does it show available connects?

[Boblawyer]

There are bars - no X showing.

The connection is there and working.

The problem is - cannot launch a browser.

Bob

[Murf]

OK then go to:

Right click Start (4 little flags bottom right) then to

Control Panel

Now Click on Network and Sharing Center

Under Network

Access: Type Should see Internet
Homegroup: Should see Joined
Connections: Should see WiFi

If you do then below click on Troubleshoot problems

If it does not find any and it shows connected then:

Open up your browser, depending on which one you use, lets say it is Internet Explorer:

Go to Tools > Internet Options > Security TAB
Click on Button Reset all Zones to default Level

If it is greyed out move the slider up until the button becomes available then click on it.

Hit Apply

Close Internet Explorer and then re-open.

If your using Chrome: (I don't) but
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95572?hl=en

Firefox
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb...s-and-settings

[Boblawyer]

It works !!!!

Many, many thanks.

Curious - how did this happen (all of a sudden) ?

Bob

[Boblawyer]

Oh - I also unchecked the "protected mode" box before restarting.

Bob

[Murf]

If it was Internet Explorer when you try to connect it does not recognize the page your trying to get to, or it may of been blocked due to wrong security settings, several reasons that it would not connect to the server you were trying to get to (which ever you home page is). Re-setting back to defaults 90% will cure it. Those settings could of been accidently changed.

Also depends on which Internet Explore you were using. Windows 8 actually has 1 Internet Explorer but depending on how you open it, they have a different browsing experience:

If you click on IE through the UI (Tile window) it is optimized for touch devices

If it is the familiar IE icon from your desktop on bottom task bar, then that one is not optimized for touch devices.

If your interested info here:
https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/lib...(v=vs.85).aspx

[Boblawyer]

Thanks for the information. It's enough to make my head spin!

Bob