Hi Richard,

I notice that you are using a wireless setup. If possible, try connecting
your machine to your router via Ethernet cable to see if that makes a
difference. If it does, then you might need to install a cable network in
your shop.
Dwarf

"Richard in AZ" wrote:
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> I have a shop computer with Vista Premium that frequently has a problem connecting to the Internet
> while it is connecting to the local workgroup.
>
> Background. This computer has a Three-way hard drive switch that connects one of three hard drives
> at a time. Other than that all hardware is shared. One hard drive has Windows XP Pro, one has
> Vista and the third drive has a Linux OS. The computer is marginal for Vista (1.2 MHz CPU, 1 GB
> RAM, 128 Mb Video) but works okay for what I need. The network connection is via a wireless PCI
> card to a wireless DSL modem/router in my office. The Vista and XP are protected with AVG, Windows
> Defender and Windows firewall for protection. The Linux hard drive uses an antivirus, and
> antispyware software that came with it (XandRos distribution). I only use these machines when I
> need support for computers I am working on in the shop and trying to master the OS. I don't keep
> any personal records on these hard drives.
>
> The XP operation always connects to the workgroup and to the internet very quickly with a strong
> signal strength on the wireless. The Linux operation always connects to the workgroup and the
> internet very quickly with a medium signal strength (I suspect a driver issue). The Vista operation
> connects to the workgroup with a strong signal strength, but frequently connects only to the "local"
> workgroup and not to the Internet. I can access shared folders on my office computer, but I can't
> connect to the Internet. When I do a system restore to the last used date, I can then connect to
> the Internet at boot-up. (I have learned to make a restore point at the end of each successful use
> of the OS.) When choose the "diagnose the problem" option, it points to the Windows Firewall. But
> even turning off the firewall will not let the connection complete. While using the restore point
> fixes the problem, I would like to not have to got that route.
>
> I don't think it would be a hardware issue, since all hardware is shared (except the hard drives)
> and works on the other two OS's.
> I do get an IP address from the workgroup router when the Internet is not connecting.
> Does anyone have any suggestions? I am not that skilled yet in fixing the Vista OS.
>
>
>
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