Font of knowledge PC question

[Kosmic Kartman]

Running Windows Vista Basic.

Along the bottom of the screen is a strip with icons. One of which is a double computer screen with a red cross that turns into a globe to show you when you're connected to the www.

Problem. It's stopped working and shows I'm not connected even when I am. Even if I hover over with the curser it says not connected.

Any ideas how to get it working again.

My PC skills are pretty shite so go easy please.

[Lazarus]

Is it wireless or wired?
if its wired - how many ethernet ports (where the internet cable plugs into your PC) have you got.
If you have more than one, it might be displaying the one that ISNT plugged in.

[Kosmic Kartman]

It's wired and is via Talk Talk Speedtouch modem that's plegged in to a USB port.

[andybesy]

Yeah, windows displays one icon (of the type you described) per network connection.


So it's not an icon for "the internet", instead it's an icon for each potential network connection.


Are there several similar icons? You might need to click to the side to expand the area to show all icons, rather than just active ones.


When you say it shows you're not connected, do you mean the icon shows you're not connected BUT the internet works, or do you mean the internet don't work even though the cable is in fact plugged in?


If so is it an actual cable, or is it wireless?


Step one is always switch it on and off again. Pull the power lead from the back of your router, count to three and plug back in again. Then restart your computer.


Let us know how you get on, and we'll soon get you sorted.


Andy

[Kosmic Kartman]

Yes you're right that it's a network connection.

Problem occured a few days ago. First thing I tried was unplug the modem. Restarted computer plugged modem back in. When I click on the icon it shows all available networks : Speedtouch and a host of other wireless networks. It says that the modem is not connected but I know it has because I'm here having this dialog with you now.

[BBROWN1664]

GET RID OF VISTA!

The worst OS from Microshaft since Windows ME.

The problem will fix itself then.

[Kosmic Kartman]

GET RID OF VISTA!

The worst OS from Microshaft since Windows ME.

The problem will fix itself then.

Thanks but that's not an option I was looking for.

Anyone else that can think of a solution I'd be very happy.

[Dead Eye]

Well if you're internet is working fine, then just ignore it? Granted not an overly helpful comment

I can't remember if this applies to Vista or not, but on the properties of a Network Adapter I think you can check a box which says something to the effect of "Show even if disconnected" which is likely checked in your case. You need only uncheck it and the icon would disappear. I remember this being the case on XP, but I'm uncertain as to Vista. I did use it for over a year but that was several years ago I've been running 7 since just before it was publicly released as Microsoft loved me for going to one of their seminars