Dial-Up Connection Icons Disappeared on Me

[Stephanie Jones]

My 2-year-old son got to my computer while I was at work
and apparently did something to cause the icons for my
network connections to not show in the Network
Connections window. It's like they aren't even there. I
try to connect to the internet using the desktop shortcut
and it doesn't display the online icon in my task bar
either. It shows no sign of my PC even being online but
if I try a different ISP, I get the already connected
error message. I tried to recreate my network
connections but then it tells me that I have them already
in place. I tried to recreate them with different names
but they disappear on me too. What's wrong with my PC
and what can I do to correct the issue?

 

[Guest]

I also tried a non-destructive system recovery at a point
where my PC was running correctly and it didn't solve the
problem.

I have Windows XP Home and I just recently installed a
new graphics card. I don't seem to have any other
problems with my PC, graphic or performance wise. I just
have a problem with my connections.

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

My 2-year-old son got to my computer while I was at work
and apparently did something to cause the icons for my
network connections to not show in the Network
Connections window. It's like they aren't even there. I
try to connect to the internet using the desktop shortcut
and it doesn't display the online icon in my task bar
either. It shows no sign of my PC even being online but
if I try a different ISP, I get the already connected
error message. I tried to recreate my network
connections but then it tells me that I have them already
in place. I tried to recreate them with different names
but they disappear on me too. What's wrong with my PC
and what can I do to correct the issue?

XP's "System Restore" function was designed for exactly this type of
problem, where you don't know what happened to the computer. Go to
Start | All Programs | Accessories | System Tools | System Restore and
restore your computer to a time before your son go to it.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[Ken Wickes [MSFT]]

Troubleshooting Missing Network and Dial-Up Connections Icons
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;329050


--

Ken Wickes [MSFT]
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.