Internet connectivity probs

[Benchwayze]

Does anyone have any idea why Microsoft Word thinks I am NOT connected to the internet, when I know I am?
Whenever I use the program to look up spellings and meanings of big words, like cat and mat! I get the message 'Directory not searched as you are not connected to the internet.'


TIA

Regards
John

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

I would first confirm (by booting google for example) that you're online which sounds like you've already done. Then, because I suspect this is a bit of a tekky problem you're probably best off searching the Microsoft support site and following their advice very carefully. It sounds like either a config switch in word or a version incompatibility type thing. This is why a search through microsofts support site should help. If you find MS too badly written, which I often do, try simply googling the exact error message. There are usually loads of hits from better explained support sites that aren't quite so anal as Microsofts.
HTH

 

[Benchwayze]

Thanks Bob.

I think it's the internet settings tbh. I just tried to update Java, and that program doesn't believe I am online either! I must be, as I am posting here okay!

I am going to buy a Windows 7 disc, and reinstall everything on this lappie. Get rid of all the Toshiba 'pish'!

 

[fumbles22]

It might be your antivirus blocking it's connection to the internet. Possibly?

 

[Benchwayze]

Possibility . I'll disable it and try again...

 

[nev]

Firewall settings? There is probably a setting somewhere that says something like 'allow these programs access to the internet'.

 

[Benchwayze]

Tried the anti-virus setting. No joy. Firewall is another possibility Nev. My Son has just spoken and he's coming over this evening. Might even get my desktop PC back on song too!

 

[AndyT]

This may be wrong, and it's the sort of thing that will be different in the various versions of Word, but make sure that the document you are editing has its language setting set to English (UK). If it's accidentally set to a language for which you don't have a dictionary locally, it may (pointlessly) be trying to search an online dictionary instead.

 

[Skeety]

OK, this will sound like a cop out but have you tried re-booting it?

Can you get to anything on the internet? It could be an issue with your ISP's DNS server or stale DNS records locally.

Happy to take a look remotely.

Jon.

 

[Benchwayze]

I reinstalled Microsoft Office. No joy.
Reinstalled Firefox; no joy and now the browser jumps from posts I am reading into Yahoo Search and/or any link that might be in a post, without my clicking the link. No viruses apparent, no malware. I have rebooted frequently
Updated drivers. and scoured the machine with CC Cleaner. All to no avail.
Just living with it, until I can get a windows disc, and install my own system,.
.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Some helped a little
It's just an annoyance for now and I'll get it sorted later (Rather than sooner! :roll: )

Than ks again folks,

john

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

did a trawl of the MS support site yield anything that acknowledges what it is?

 

[Benchwayze]

No Bob.. Unless you know what a DNA error in Yahoo search is.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

I'm guessing you meant to type DNS error. Have a read through the below and it might help. Particularly the action of attempting to repair your network by right clicking on your network icon as you can boot a troubleshooter there.


DNS stands for Domain Name Service. Most DNS errors usually indicate lack of a connection to the internet. DNS is used to translate human addresses (for example, www.bhcblog.com) into computer addresses (like 10.64.254.11) ..

When you hit a dns error it usually means your computer cant get to the internet. If it only has the problem for certain addresses it means that either there's no entry for it or perhaps you mistyped it.

A couple ways to fix this problem :
1. Try right clicking on the networking icon in the taskbar and hitting repair.
2. goto a command prompt (start --> run, type cmd ) and type : ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew.
3. if you goto control panel and then network properties and you go into the IPv4 settings for your network adapter, you can statically set the DNS. I recommend using a verizon DNS server 4.2.2.3 because it's easy to remember.
4. If none of the above fix it, try a different machine, it most likely means your internet connection may not be up properly. Check cables and connectivity and make sure you are getting an IP address.. If you goto the command prompt (see step 2) and type IP config you should have an ipaddress. If the address begins with 169.254 it means you are not being assigned an IP address and you will not be able to connect until you get one.

 

[AndyT]

Or for a quicker method, power down the router rather than the PC and then restart it.

 

[Benchwayze]

I right clicked on the network icon.
It told me there was a problem it couldn't fix because I was not connected to the internet. Yet the icon tells me I am. This must be so, because I can navigate to sites. And I am posting here without trouble.

In eBay I am trying to leave feedback. I click on my eBay, and select Account, but I get thrown out of eBay, and yahoo search comes up with DNS yahoo search error. I do a 'go back', which works, but as soon as I try to navigate inside eBay I get thrown out again.

I tried system restore but I am told there are no restore points, and I can't do that without contacting an administrator1 (Huh???) That's me innit?
Oh yes... My IE and Opera browsers can't connect at all. Just this dodgy connection in Firefox.

I am fed up trying to fathom this, and getting nowhere. Something has gone haywire, so I'd better limp along until I can get my main PC back up and running, and then get a disc for this Laptop.