Laptop connected to internet but certain apps will not connect

[I rush]

I have a laptop that is maybe 4 years old that I handed down to my brother however it says that it is connected to the internet and I am able to go on my web browsers but applications like steam, skype, and hamachi are all unable to connect to the internet. I have checked the firewall and checked for viruses but still nothing. Any help is appreciated. Also I'm running windows 7

 

[Darkbreeze]

I'd go into the routers configuration page and check that there are no domain blocks present. You might try a reset of the router configuration by unplugging the unit, finding the tiny hole somewhere on the router and using a paperclip or pen tip to push the tiny button inside the hole and the plug the router back in, This will reset the entire router configuration though so make sure the factory sticker with the original login information is still there as you'll probably need it to regain wireless acess, if you connect via wireless, unless it has push button wireless protected setup that allow you to connect by pushing the security button within a certain timeframe.

You might also try reinstalling the network adapter drivers or check the windows host file to ensure there are no blocked domains there as well. You can google "windows host file domain blocking" to find info on that.

You can also run the networking troubleshooter to see if it detects any issues.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/using-the-network-troubleshooter-in-windows-7

 

[I rush]

I'd go into the routers configuration page and check that there are no domain blocks present. You might try a reset of the router configuration by unplugging the unit, finding the tiny hole somewhere on the router and using a paperclip or pen tip to push the tiny button inside the hole and the plug the router back in, This will reset the entire router configuration though so make sure the factory sticker with the original login information is still there as you'll probably need it to regain wireless acess, if you connect via wireless, unless it has push button wireless protected setup that allow you to connect by pushing the security button within a certain timeframe.

You might also try reinstalling the network adapter drivers or check the windows host file to ensure there are no blocked domains there as well. You can google "windows host file domain blocking" to find info on that.

You can also run the networking troubleshooter to see if it detects any issues.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/using-the-network-troubleshooter-in-windows-7

so i tried resetting the router but that didnt work. i am also not very good with computers so how do u access the routers configuration page.

 

[Darkbreeze]

What's the model number of the router?

 

[I rush]

I found out that it is not the router because i connected it to my neighbors wifi and also tried my phones hotspot, neither of which worked. i also tried plugging it into my router but still nothing is working so i think it has to do with the laptop its self.

 

[Darkbreeze]

I'd recommend a clean install of the OS. There has probably been some sort of corruption of the kernel as related to the network drivers. What is your OS version?

 

[I rush]

windows 7 on a compaq laptop

 

[g90814]

if you can download and burn one, try a bootable Linux CD/DVD. If you can boot from that and get to the internet, it's definitely windows.

 

[Darkbreeze]

So, here is what I'd do. Back up any important files or documents you need to save, to another location. An external drive, a secondary drive or DVD's if need be. After you do that, you can do a reset or refresh of the system. I'd recommend a clean install but since you don't have installation media you'll have to settle for a reset.

When ready, you can initiate the reset from within windows. Instructions below. You might want to go to the product page for your laptop and download all the necessary drivers, at least for the Ethernet and Wi-Fi before you do the install in case windows doesn't have the native drivers included for your networking devices. Save them with your other backup stuff so it's ready to install after the OS installation.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc