Possible DNS problem

[Guest]

One of the two computers here suddenly stopped having internet access. The
ethernet cable and the router seem to be perfectly functional, and on the
computer it says that the connection is fine. However, when I try to go
online, I can't.

After doing some research on what might be the problem and eliminating what
can be ruled out, I'm left with the possibility that there may be a problem
with the domain name system. I read somewhere that netdiag can help determine
if the DNS has a problem, though I'm not entirely sure how it works. In any
case, here's what I get when I type in netdiag from the command prompt:

Default Server: nsbalt.bellatlantic.net
Address: 151.196.0.38

 

[Malke]

One of the two computers here suddenly stopped having internet access.
The ethernet cable and the router seem to be perfectly functional, and
on the computer it says that the connection is fine. However, when I
try to go online, I can't.

After doing some research on what might be the problem and eliminating
what can be ruled out, I'm left with the possibility that there may be
a problem with the domain name system. I read somewhere that netdiag
can help determine if the DNS has a problem, though I'm not entirely
sure how it works. In any case, here's what I get when I type in
netdiag from the command prompt:

Default Server: nsbalt.bellatlantic.net
Address: 151.196.0.38

Well, is that the correct setting for your DNS? How are you connecting
to the Internet and what is your network setup?

More importantly:

1. What is the virus/malware status of the computer? If you think it is
clean, what did you do to determine that?
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

2. What changed between the time things worked and the time they didn't?
Did you possibly install network adapter drivers from Windows Update?
If you did this, roll them back.

Malke

 

[Guest]

Yes, I recognize the DNS address as the one my ISP provided when I called
them. Both computers connect to the same DSL modem through ethernet cables.

As for the malware, the computer seems to be clean. I use McAfee as my virus
scanner/firewall.
Before I had trouble with the connection, I had Norton Antivirus; then I
switched to McAfee. Scanning with the latter revealed some viruses and lots
of potentially unwanted programs, all of which I cleaned/deleted. Also, I
used Registry Mechanic (first time). I was having a minor problem then where
my uncle was helping me and he suggested Reg Mechanic. After this I began
having trouble.

I tried the option of reinstalling the network driver before but it didn't
help; I didn't get any Windows Updates for it either.

 

[Malke]

Yes, I recognize the DNS address as the one my ISP provided when I
called them. Both computers connect to the same DSL modem through
ethernet cables.

As for the malware, the computer seems to be clean. I use McAfee as my
virus scanner/firewall.
Before I had trouble with the connection, I had Norton Antivirus; then
I switched to McAfee. Scanning with the latter revealed some viruses
and lots of potentially unwanted programs, all of which I
cleaned/deleted. Also, I used Registry Mechanic (first time). I was
having a minor problem then where my uncle was helping me and he
suggested Reg Mechanic. After this I began having trouble.

I tried the option of reinstalling the network driver before but it
didn't help; I didn't get any Windows Updates for it either.

This is why most responsible techs do not recommend registry cleaners.
Something was removed that shouldn't have been. If you can get into
Windows and Registry Mechanic has an Undo feature, use it.

Malke

 

[Guest]

How do you feel about using WinTools.net? I use it for cleaning files and
registry though I don't know how to REALLY put it to work. Also, I had my
doubts about Norton and am waiting till my yearly subscription runs out to go
to another AV solution.

 

[Guest]

It has a feature that can restore what was deleted, but for some reason I
don't have anything stored by Registry Mechanic that can be restored.
However, I did download Handy Recovery, which can recover deleted registry
files, but I never used it because I don't know what to bring back.
Is it safe to bring back most or all of the files that Handy Recovery can
recover? If any are virus-infected I think McAfee can detect them and
quarantine them. What other options do I have besides reinstalling the OS
(final, final resort)?

Thank you very much.

 

[Malke]

It has a feature that can restore what was deleted, but for some
reason I don't have anything stored by Registry Mechanic that can be
restored. However, I did download Handy Recovery, which can recover
deleted registry files, but I never used it because I don't know what
to bring back. Is it safe to bring back most or all of the files that
Handy Recovery can recover? If any are virus-infected I think McAfee
can detect them and quarantine them. What other options do I have
besides reinstalling the OS (final, final resort)?

I'm sorry, but I can't answer your question about Handy Recovery. I've
never used that program - or a registry cleaner. I think you will be
better off trying:

1. With your XP cd in the drive, do:

Start>Run>sfc.exe /scannow [enter]

If that doesn't work:

2. Do a Repair Install:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Malke

 

[Guest]

All right, thanks.
I don't have an XP cd, my OS installation is separated into three cd's by
the manufacturer. I will, however, try to do the second option, and hopefully
that will resolve everything.
Also, I had remembered that I created a restore point to before using Reg
Mechanic, and restored the computer to that point, and recovered Internet
access. However, after rebooting, I lost it again. I think this confirms that
there is/are missing file(s) in my computer.