Windows XP Internet Problem

[Theodore]

My Windows XP Desktop is showing that its connected to the internet, but when I try to open internet explorer it says. "Cannot Find Server. Page can not be displayed". How do I get it connected ? My laptop is connected to a router which is connected to my desktop and the internet on laptop works fine.For some reason though just the internet on my Desktop does not work. Does anyone know how to fix this? If so please let me know thanks.

[Philip21]

Rather than starting by uninstalling important Windows Updates as the other poster suggested, do more systematic troubleshooting.

1. Answer the First and Second Questions of Troubleshooting:

First Question Of Troubleshooting: If the problem is new, what changed between the time things worked and the time they didn't?

The Second Question of Windows Troubleshooting: what is the malware/virus status of the machine? If you think it is clean, what programs (and versions) did you use to determine this?

Be sure the computer is clean:

2. If nothing has changed and the computer is clean, what antivirus/security programs are you running? Have AVG 8 and/or Zone Alarm? Both these programs have had updates that caused Internet connectivity problems. don't recommend either of these programs, but if you want to keep them check on the manufacturers support websites.

3. If #2 isn't applicable:

• Unplug the router.
• Unplug the modem.
• Wait 60 seconds.
• Plug in the modem and wait until all the lights are on.
• Plug in the router and wait until all the lights are on.

Do you have Internet connectivity now? If not:

4. Connect your computer directly to the cable/DSL modem. Do you now have Internet connectivity? If yes, there is a problem with the router. They don't last forever. Replace it.If there is no Internet when your computer is connected directly to the cable/DSL modem, call your ISP because something is wrong with either the cable/DSL modem or your Internet service.

Post back with answers to all the above for more help.

[Theodore]

Ok when the problem first started I had tried to Install Windows Service Pack I got a prompt saying that the Access is Denied. The system began to uninstall Windows Service Pack 3. Somehow the computer got turned off during the uninstall and since then I can not access the internet. I tried all of those, disconecting the modem and router and reconecting it. I also ended up calling my ISP and was told that the problem most likely is with my Desktop. The Modem and Router are working fine. On my desktop it shows that its connected to the internet through the Control Panel. When I go to open Internet Explorer It shows that the page can not be displayed. I have Spyware and Norton Anti virus On my computer. I tried to turn off the firewalls and there was no change. I also tried to turn off the Anti Virus there was also no change. If this helps I would be greatful. If you need other information feel free to ask. Thanks

[Philip21]

So, what has changed since the network was working is a failed attempt to install SP3 and an incomplete removal of SP3. The result is a big mess.You might try a system restore to a point before the installation of SP3. If the system gets restored back to life, then fix the cause of the "access denied" message. If not, then I would reinstall XP. Of course, if you had only made backups (with something besides ntbackup), you would just restore the last backup.

[DAIJIRO]

I agree with Philips.Your failed install and then failed uninstall of SP3 has left the system in an unknown state. The very first thing you should do is back up your data if you haven't done so. This way if the worst happens and you need to do a clean install of Windows it won't be the end of the world.You can try what Jim suggested and do a System Restore to before you installed SP3 and see if that works. I'm not hopeful, but it is no big dealto try. If that gives you a good working system but you still don't have Internet connectivity, you can reinstall your network adapter drivers.If that doesn't give you a good working system, then you can try a RepairInstall next. If the Repair Install doesn't work, then do a clean install.With a clean install, you'll be able to put on SP3 right away and everything will work.