Can't connect to Primary DNS Server when trying to access internet

Computer has worked fine for the last year until 2 weeks ago and now can't connect to the internet.

Running Windows Vista on broadband and connected directly to modem by ethernet.  Internet provider has run tests and confirmed modem is fine and it is as my laptop works fine on it.

By re-booting the modem, the internet will work and you can type in a couple of sites and it seems okay but you can't do anything on a site, ie enter details and even if you don't try and enter anything, you can only view usually 2 sites and then it goes again.  However, the network icon shows as on and connected to the internet.

On diagnosis, it says that it cannot access the Primary DNS Server.

Do you have any idea how I can solve this or should I just completely re-install windows from the original set up disc?
Answer
Answer
A few things you can try...  [This will have Windows try to automatically repair your connection]

  Open "Network and Sharing Center" (you can search for this from the Vista start menu)

  Under tasks, click "Diagnose and repair"

If that fails you can try...  [This will use the NETSHell utility to RESET your network interface (removes any static configurations and sets to DHCP)]

  Open a command prompt (you can also search for this from the Vista start menu, if you have UAC enabled, you'll have to start it as Administrator)
  From command prompt type:  NETSH INTERFACE IP RESET RESET.LOG

If you still have problems, try to post your IPCONFIG /ALL, HOSTS file, and ROUTE PRINT to this forum.

How to:

IPCONFIG /ALL
    Open command prompt and type:  IPCONFIG /ALL
    To save the output to a file simply type from the command prompt:  IPCONFIG /ALL > filename.txt

Your HOSTS file is located in the following path  (the HOSTS file does not have an extension, it's just named "HOSTS"):
    %windir%\system32\drivers\etc\HOSTS
                       or
    C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\ETC\HOSTS

ROUTE PRINT
    Open command prompt and type: ROUTE PRINT
    To save the output to a file simply type from the command prompt:  ROUTE PRINT > filename.txt


PS: If it gets really hairy, you can provide NETSH DUMP (this provides virtually all network settings)... You definately shouldn't need to re-install Windows.  There is most likely a network setting configuration problem that is causing this issue.  Good luck!

-Rob

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Last updated February 22, 2020 Views 98,206 Applies to: