Internet Connection Problems, get error "Unable to connect please check your internet connection."

Hi, I've been having the same problem with a slight variation, being that it only started when I connected to a new network. Everything worked fine beforehand. I've also tried the fixes suggested in this thread, and haven't come up with any results.

Ian, thanks for taking the time to answer me. This is what finally worked in case you get something similar to my problem:

1.   Type “cmd” to get the “Command Prompt” to appear.

2.   Right click “Command Prompt” then click on “Run as Administrator”

· after the command prompt type netsh winsock reset and run

· after the command prompt type netsh firewall reset and run (this I got from someone else, but my computer required netsh advfirewall reset to work)

Restart your computer. 

After this go up to upper right hand corner, click on the search magnifying glass, type firewall then click on Settings underneath that. At left click on allow an app through internet firewall then add in the apps you're having trouble with.

First, thanks for responding and taking the time to try to help.

I tried the firewall settings and put everything on private and unchecked the public (this is a desktop and is on a secure router). I also added some other programs that weren't on the list.

No change. I went to my IE and changed the setting for security and that didn't work either.

I tried taking the firewall down entirely just to see if I could get connections, but nothing, so I don't think it's a firewall issue.

Let me share something that is confusing me, but may be relevant. I have a router coming in from an ATT fiber optic cable with a USB cable directly to my computer from their router. In addition, I also have a wireless router hooked up so that we can have Wi-Fi throughout the house. I also have a Wi-Fi card in my desktop.

My Internet Explorer shows a broadband connection under Connections under Internet Options.  Yet, the firewall shows the name of the Wi-Fi router as the private network. Under the Network and Sharing Center it shows the name of the Wi-Fi router as the private network and:

Access type:  Internet

HomeGroup:  Joined

Connection:  Local Area Connection

When I click on Local Area Connection a box pops up:

IPv4 Connectivity:    Internet

IPv6 Connectivity:    No Internet Connection

I'm wondering if the IPv6 non-connection is the issue?

Hello Again,

I am sorry to hear that this did not resolve the issue but rest assured will get it under wraps.

Are you using both Internet Connections at the same time? Generally it is best to use only one and disable the other because otherwise it will actually hinder your Internet Connectivity because the two different sources will try and battle to run the commands you tell them to. It is best to disable one of them so they do not battle each other over which connection is the main Internet Connection. (Also it is best to use a High speed Ethernet or CAT5 Cable to connect to the internet from a Modem/Router as these cables were specifically designed to do just that.

Try disabling 1 and then the other and see if this makes a difference if the problem persists please report back and we will explore other options.

Thanks for your time, I hope this helped.

-Ian

First, thanks for responding and taking the time to try to help.

I tried the firewall settings and put everything on private and unchecked the public (this is a desktop and is on a secure router). I also added some other programs that weren't on the list.

No change. I went to my IE and changed the setting for security and that didn't work either.

I tried taking the firewall down entirely just to see if I could get connections, but nothing, so I don't think it's a firewall issue.

Let me share something that is confusing me, but may be relevant. I have a router coming in from an ATT fiber optic cable with a USB cable directly to my computer from their router. In addition, I also have a wireless router hooked up so that we can have Wi-Fi throughout the house. I also have a Wi-Fi card in my desktop.

My Internet Explorer shows a broadband connection under Connections under Internet Options.  Yet, the firewall shows the name of the Wi-Fi router as the private network. Under the Network and Sharing Center it shows the name of the Wi-Fi router as the private network and:

Access type:  Internet

HomeGroup:  Joined

Connection:  Local Area Connection

When I click on Local Area Connection a box pops up:

IPv4 Connectivity:    Internet

IPv6 Connectivity:    No Internet Connection

I'm wondering if the IPv6 non-connection is the issue?

Internet Connection Problems are widespread and vary from case to case. From your question however it seems the most likely issue is that your Computer's Firewall is preventing your applications from connecting to the internet. You can check this easily by:

1 going to Windows Start Page "Default Page Windows 8"

2 Hover Mouse in upper-right corner of the screen then click on the "Search" button.

3 Type in "Control Panel" after a brief search you will see a button in the top left labled "Control Panel" click this and it will switch you to desktop mode and allow you to navigate the Control Panel.

4 From there click the tab labled "System and Security"

5 Next click the second option in the list labeled "Windows Firewall"

6 The first thing you want to do is check to see if you are on a "Private Network" or a "Public Network" (A private Network is generally the most secure and while on this type of Network you are less likely to be vulnerable to attacks, Public Network's are accessible by anyone and give a greater risk.)

7 On the right it will say Private Networks Connected/ Not Connected, and below that it will say Guest or public networks Connected/Not Connected. Most computer's security settings are different based on your type of connection if you are on a Public Network your computer settings will be more strict and might be preventing your programs from connected to the internet. (If it say's you are Connected to a Private Network you can most likely rule this out.)

8 If you are connected to a Private Network and your programs are still not working correctly In the Top-Left of the window under "Control Panel Home" you want to click the option "Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall"

9 A list will be displayed of all your "Internet Capable Programs" quickly scroll through and find the one's you are having trouble with and take note of the Check-Boxes next to them. If neither box is checked you will want to allow them to connect. Do this by clicking the "Change Settings" button located at top right

10 You will then want to allow your program through the Firewall, do this by simply checking the box next to it. (Note that if on Public Network doing this may leave your computer vulnerable or at a greater-risk)

11 After you have done this click ok, Now go back and try to run your program and see if the problem is solved.

12 If you cannot find your program click the "Allow another app...." button and navigate to your programs location (Generally in  the C:/ drive in the Programs folder.) and select your program and adjust the settings to allow it through the Firewall.

13 If this doesn't solve your issue and the problem persists try going into Internet Explorer, clicking the Gear in the top right and opening Internet Options. Go to the security tab and check to see how strict your settings are. You should be able to click "Reset To Default" to fix this if it is the issue. (Located in bottom right)

I hope this helps if not let me know and I will give you a few more suggestions.