Internet connection tray icon missing

[Guest]

The tray icon showing the internet connection activity is missing, even
though the connection is working. Also, some applications that need to
access the internet "think" there is no connection when there is (example:
Windows help can't access the web topics, but the browser and email programs
can). The LAN connection tray icon works fine, and I can toggle it on or off
under properties, but the internet icon doesn't show even when turned on
under properties. Under the network connections folder, the internet shows
as disconnected when it isn't. I'm running XP Home SP2 with a DSL modem
through ethernet.

 

[Jack \(MVP-Networking\).]

Hi
Unless you have some propriety software installed, the LAN connection Icon
is also the Internet connection Icon
Your computer uses its LAN system to connect to the Internet.
You might have two Network card on your computer You use one of them (as you
should) and the other shows disconnect.
It you do have a second unused card disable it in the Device Manager.
As for programs that do not work with the Internet. They are probably
blocked by the Firewall and need to be allowed to use the Internet by
setting the exception rules, http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357
Jack (MVP-Networking).