[3ss3nc3]

Hi there,
I haven't been able to connect to the internet for a few days now.
When I type ipconfig into console, I get a DNS SERVER: domain.invalid written where my DNS address should be, and also I get extreme lag when I right click my Local Area Connection icon and press enable, it will say enabled but not really be enabled, and the icon doesn't change.
I have rung my ISP and he told me he can't do anything because it's a windows software problem. This seems extremely unlikely to me, but do you guys know what is causing this error or how to fix it?
Thanks.

[serverguy]

How do you connect to the internet, through a router, or a modem, USB etc?

You can try using OpenDNS to see if that will get it working:

Use OpenDNS (Change DNS settings)
1. Select Control Panel from the Start menu.


2. Click Network Connections from the Control Panel choices.


3. Choose your connection from the Network Connections window.

In this screenshot, Local Area Connection is the only choice. If you have more than one, choose your default/current connection.

4. Click Properties button.


5. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties.


6. Click the radio button Use the following DNS server addresses and type in OpenDNS addresses in the Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server fields.

Please write down your current DNS settings before switching to OpenDNS, in case you want to return to your old settings for any reason.
Preferred DNS server address for Open DNS is:

• 208.67.222.222

Alternate DNS server address for Open DNS is:

• 208.67.220.220

[MJM]

Well that was very in depth serverguy.

[3ss3nc3]

I connect just through a modem, used to use a router, but its unplugged cause someone was stealing my internet.
I connect the modem to my pc via ethernet LAN.
I have a dynamic IP so I guess I don't have anything to take out of the box anyway, but I will try what you suggest when I get home.

[3ss3nc3]

[MJM]

Usually after "Default Gateway" it should list DNS details.

If you have a dynamic IP, why is DHCP turned off?
Did you try what serverguy put down? What kind of connection do you have? DSL? Cable?
What kind of modem is?

[3ss3nc3]

Originally Posted by MJM

Usually after "Default Gateway" it should list DNS details.

If you have a dynamic IP, why is DHCP turned off?
Did you try what serverguy put down? What kind of connection do you have? DSL? Cable?
What kind of modem is?

I do have dynamic, I didn't turn DHCP off. Should it be on? How to I turn it on?

I tried what Serverguy said, didn't do anything.

I have an ADSL 2+ (DSL) connection and a Siemens Speedstream 4200 Modem.

I rang my ISP and they said I need to reformat.

[MJM]

Your ISP doesn't know it's stuff or jsut can't be bothered.

See the last screenshot from serverguy's post? That's exactly what yours should look like (i.e. obtain IP address automatically)
There's probably a service that handles it... did you mess with any windows services recently or before this stopped working (if so revert)
Do you need to dial in to your DSL? I ask because in Germany you do, or at least used to. Some people have modems that do it for them.

Who is your ISP?

[3ss3nc3]

Yeah I did it exactly like the screen shot, I've done it before, and it did nothing, didn't change the domain.invalid bit or anything, it just stayed the same.

I gather my ISP don't know anything, and I even rang a few times to talk to a bunch of different techs.

My TCP/IP settings have always been on Automatic, except when testing theories like his. I didn't fiddle around with anything, the only thing I did was move my computer and plugged it into my Plasma, which I do all the time.

My ISP is an australian ISP called Optus.

[MJM]

Well your modem should definately dial in for you (PPPoE). WHat I'd recommend is setting everything in TCP/IP to automatic for now.
Then you can do what is said on this page.
If anythign on that page is not clear, ask.
You can either try the CD or go straight to manual (which I would recommend since the CD may install some of that other "custom" software)