Last updated: August 8th, 2007

General Description

"Limited or no connectivity" problems occur when your computer is unable to connect to a DHCP server.
This article features steps to resolve "limited or no connectivity" issues.

Step by Step Instructions

Static IP address

Check to see if you have any statically set IP address.

  1. Click on Start and go to Control Panel.
  2. Double click on Network Connections.
  3. Turn off any wireless connections. Then double click on Local Area Connections.
  4. Click on Properties and then double click on Internet Protocol(TCP/IP).
  5. Make sure obtain IP address automatically and obtain DNS server automatically is selected.

Firewalls

Firewalls can also cause you to have limited or no connectivity problems. ResNet recommends uninstalling Norton'Â’s Internet Security and any other Firewall programs like Zone Alarm. Leave the Windows Firewall enabled.

Bad Cables

Bad Cables could cause packets of data to be lost. Changing the Network cable might solve the problem.

Bridged Network

Bridging a Network connection can result in lag and limited or no connectivity. To check whether or not your connection is Bridged follow these steps.

  1. Click on Start and Control Panel.
  2. Then double click on Network Connections.
  3. Inside Network Connections: if you see anything that says "Bridged", right click on it and select Remove the Bridge. You will need to restart your computer.

Services

Check to make sure Windows Networking Services is not disabled.

  1. Click on Start and click Run.
  2. Inside Run, type services.msc and hit Enter.
  3. Make sure the following services are started and set on automatic:
    • DHCP Client, DNS Client, Network Connections, Network Location Awareness (Enable if you see it), Plug and Play
  4. If these services are disabled or not started. Double click on the service and click Start and select Automatic in the drop down box.

Windows XP Service Pack 2 Fix

If you installed a fresh copy of Windows XP SP2 and you are getting limited or no connectivity issues. Microsoft has released a fix for this. You download it by clicking the link below.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=17d997d2-5034-4bbb-b74d-ad8430a1f7c8&DisplayLang=en

Reinstall Network Drivers

Reinstalling/updating Network drivers may fix your Network connection. To reinstall/update your Network drivers, you can go to your manufacturerÂÂÂÂÂ’s website and download the drivers there.

Viruses and Spyware

Viruses and spyware mess with your Network settings in order to corrupt your PC and infect other computers on the Network. Purdue provides a free anti Virus utility which can be found at. http://www.purdue.edu/securepurdue/download/

Winsock

If all else fails, run a Winsock fix.

Winsock resets your Network settings that have been corrupted by spyware and adware.

The Winsock fix can be downloaded from: http://my.resnet.purdue.edu/downloads

IPv6

ResNet does not utilize native IPv6, nor does it plan to in the near future. Make sure that IPv6 is not enabled in Local Area Connection Properties in Windows XP and Windows Vista.

Troubleshooting

If you have tried the above steps and are still experiencing this error, please contact the ResNet help desk.
They can be reached by phone at 49-42200 or by email at resnet@purdue.edu