Internet Troubles... - MacInsiders - Student-run McMaster University Help Forum

10-12-2010 at 08:07 AM

So, I haven't been able to get internet access at school for a couple of weeks now and I'm pretty frustrated.

I can connect to the MacConnect network just fine, but can't load any internet pages (no internet access). The diagnostic says "Windows cannot connect to DNS server (primary source)". No idea how to fix that.

I'm running Windows 7 on an HP laptop and it worked fine earlier in September and all through summer school. The most recent things I've done is delete the Cisco thing that we're not supposed to need and change my internet provider at home.

Can anyone help? I'm fed up with nothing go my way.

10-12-2010 at 08:19 AM

I'm not the best with software issues, but wouldn't a system restore to a few weeks back fix the problem?

10-12-2010 at 08:47 AM

Take yr laptop to tech support - they're v. helpful. I think they're in BSB but I'm not certain.

10-12-2010 at 10:28 AM

i have the exact same problem. I could get online all year last year and all through the summer. Since september I have only been able to get online once in a class room. I know in some classrooms no one can get on but other times I can see people online and I can't. It always shows I'm connected but IE/firefox won't load and just says no connection. I never see the mac login screen. The only place I can get online for sure is at the cafe in HH.

I do see many other people with the same problem. Countless numbers of times I have been trying to get online and can't and after looking around at some other screens I see people running connection repairs with no luck but the someone three rows ahead are online just fine.

If you figure it out I'm interested to knowwhat the issue is, likewise if i figure it out I'll post it too

10-12-2010 at 11:52 AM

Try chrome, see if that works.

10-12-2010 at 01:58 PM

http://library.mcmaster.ca/faq/wirel...ork-macconnect
This is the macconnect FAQ page for dealing with problems. There seems to be a lot of them connected with CISCO products.

Also, try updating the microsoft vpn client

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackdragon

Try chrome, see if that works.

Seriously? The problem they have is that there is NO INTERNET through the connection. It's most likely a configuration/hardware issue. your suggestion is paramount to the following

person A: "I'm out of cereal"
you: "Try a different bowl"

10-12-2010 at 02:01 PM

Try the link posted in the above post. And if that still doesn't work, go to the UTS office in BSB. http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/serviceca...n=0&menu=dummy

10-12-2010 at 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~*Sara*~

Try the link posted in the above post. And if that still doesn't work, go to the UTS office in BSB. http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/serviceca...n=0&menu=dummy

However the tech support is charged @ $75 dollars an hour... So try to fix it on your own.

Edit: have you tried reinstalling your cisco manager? It probably managed your internet settings for you and removing it may have caused your problem.

10-12-2010 at 02:44 PM

Well, can you connect to wireless internet elsewhere? If so, it's probaby a problem with the school. When I had this problem, I called the operator (Dial McMaster and press 0) and asked them.

Me: Why can't I connect to the wireless?
Them: We're experiencing technical difficulties right now. It should be fixed soon.

Then again...that was only for one day...so IDK. Call the operator and ask to be directed to where they take care of technical difficulties.

10-12-2010 at 03:13 PM

maybe try updating your drivers for your wireless card ?

REPLEKIA/. · 10-12-2010 at 05:49 PM

Click Start>Run and type in cmd, hit enter.
At command prompt type:

Code:

netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt

That will reset your TCP/IP.

Then also at command prompt type:

Code:

ipconfig /flushdns

That will flush your DNS cache.

10-12-2010 at 10:18 PM

Gonna try to reinstall VPN...we'll see what happens on campus.

So, what's flushing the DNS mean/do? Sorry, I'm totally a n00b when it comes to the internet/network aspect - my dad does that part...I just type, print, surf and generally wreck the thing.

10-12-2010 at 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~*Sara*~

Try the link posted in the above post. And if that still doesn't work, go to the UTS office in BSB. http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/serviceca...n=0&menu=dummy

i completely thought u posted a fake link cuz it ends in "dummy"....lol

10-12-2010 at 10:57 PM

I'm not sure but flushing your DNS cache probably won't fix the problem if it has been occurring for a few weeks now.
The first piece of code posted though may fix it but leave it as a last resort: http://support.microsoft.com /kb/299357 (theres a link there to download a Fix it Wizard which does everything automatically if your wary of typing it in yourself lol)

Have you tried connecting to MacSecure instead? Can you connect at home currently?

10-19-2010 at 08:20 AM

Fixed it (it seems)! First I tried both Command prompts, they didn't work. Then I went online and would out how to change TCP/IP settings in Windows 7 and do so for both IPv6 and IPV4. It turns out I have preferred DNS servers listed (I THINK I installed them when setting up my printer at home) that do not exist on campus.

I'll let you know if I breaks down again...I'm cautiously excited, lol.

Thanks for your help everyone. Seriously, you guys really know your computers.