Another Big Fish Games problem

jeregrl · Dec 10, 2008

I've enjoyed Big Fish Games for years. I purchased a new HP Pavilion dv6810 laptop with Windows Vista 32bit. When I try to download any game, I get an error 801 that says I'm not connected to the internet. I've tried everything Big Fish advises to do (whitelisting, running in XP compatibility mode, etc.). I've talked with Big Fish about this for 6 months and still have not gotten a resolution. Other programs have the same problem. When I try to update adobe, I get the error that I'm not connected to the internet. Same thing with Java. Does anyone have an idea of what to do. Also I'm not able to download any bit torrents. It says no connection.

lordbob75 · Dec 10, 2008

Sounds like an error with either your internet or your browser. Try downloading safari, firefox, or chrome and see if you get the same errors. If that doesnt fix it, then im stumped.

stormy13 · Dec 10, 2008

jeregrl welcome to the forum.

I have a good idea what may be causing the problem. I have a feeling that what is causing the problem is the bloat/crapware that HP (and the rest of them (Dell, Acer, etc) like to install) in the form of HP's connection software, that overrides Vista's default connection settings. If I am right then if you can find it (or them, last Acer I worked on there was at least two different variations of the same thing) and disable it, things should be normal.

To disable it open msconfig (click on Start and type msconfig in the search box) and click on the Startup tab and see if you can find anything relating to HP and internet connections. There may also be a service (same as above only this time type serv and then select Services from the list) and see if there is anything similar (leave and of the Windows services alone).

P.S. Be nice if someone more familiar with the HP specific software could weigh in here and point jeregrl to the correct items in msconfig and Services to disable.

sygnus21 · Dec 10, 2008

stormy13 said:
jeregrl welcome to the forum.

I have a good idea what may be causing the problem. I have a feeling that what is causing the problem is the bloat/crapware that HP (and the rest of them (Dell, Acer, etc) like to install) in the form of HP's connection software, that overrides Vista's default connection settings. If I am right then if you can find it (or them, last Acer I worked on there was at least two different variations of the same thing) and disable it, things should be normal.

To disable it open msconfig (click on Start and type msconfig in the search box) and click on the Startup tab and see if you can find anything relating to HP and internet connections. There may also be a service (same as above only this time type serv and then select Services from the list) and see if there is anything similar (leave and of the Windows services alone)

How does your opinionated tirade help cure the OP's problem? What specific advice do you offer? It's people like you who have less knowledgeable users doing more harm than good to their systems by listening to "generic rubbish"

Offer some concrete advice or simply say you don't know, and point them towards someone who does, like HP's Tech Support, but don't tell them to remove stuff without telling them what that "bloat/crapware" is.

P.S. Be nice if someone more familiar with the HP specific software could weigh in here and point jeregrl to the correct items in msconfig and Services to disable.

Is the best advice given thus far.

To the OP,

Are you wireless? If so, do you get a constant connection? Might it be your connection settings?

You can run a diagnostic check on your internet connection by going to:
"Control Panel",
"Network and Sharing Center", under your network click,
"View Status", when the "Local Area Connection Status" box opens click,
"Diagnose" and see what it says, then go from there.

Also, go into your
"Control Panel",
"Windows Firewall",
"Change settings",
Click "Exceptions" tab and check to see if your game is listed, if it is, make sure the check box next to the game is checked. This tells your firewall the game is good to run. You can also check to see what other items are blocked, but be careful.

Let us know.

stormy13 · Dec 10, 2008

First of all I didn't say anything about removing anything, I said to disable it. And that is why I suggested looking for and if present, disabling the HP connection software to see if that is what is causing the problems. If it isn't the problem then it can be easily re-enabled if desired.

As for bloat/crapware this is the kind of thing I am referring too,

and that is only about 1/3 of the Add/Remove list.

lordbob75 · Dec 10, 2008

@sygnus21: Wow way to be supportive and polite.

Stormy is right though, PC sellers like Dell and HP DO load their computers with crapware. This is not due to any mean intentions on their part, and its not that the crapware is not SOMETIMES USEFUL to SOME PEOPLE, its that all the "free" software and trails that they load on the hard drive before shipping it cause more harm than good. Usually it is good intentioned and advertising, but it tends to slow the computer down (thus bloatware). I myself have had nothing but problems with it, and the last time i bought a new prebuilt computer the first thing i did was wipe the drive rather than face the daunting task of having to clean those programs (like NORTON *growls*) off painfully and slowly (not to mention buying the ones that i want) it is simply easier to start with a fresh slate (despite the problems of finding new drivers and programs)

Now please remember Sygnus, we say this with good intentions, so please dont attack people for their opinions. If you disagree, just say so! (Please keep in mind im not trying to attack you either!)

@Jeregrl: In Sygnus' suggestions, i think he might have an idea, but i think stormy could also be right. I would try stormy's first (because it is easier and will likey solve your problem).

~Lordbob

sygnus21 · Dec 10, 2008

lordbob75 said:
@sygnus21: Wow way to be supportive and polite.

Stormy is right though, PC sellers like Dell and HP DO load their computers with crapware. This is not due to any mean intentions on their part, and its not that the crapware is not SOMETIMES USEFUL to SOME PEOPLE, its that all the "free" software and trails that they load on the hard drive before shipping it cause more harm than good. Usually it is good intentioned and advertising, but it tends to slow the computer down (thus bloatware). I myself have had nothing but problems with it, and the last time i bought a new prebuilt computer the first thing i did was wipe the drive rather than face the daunting task of having to clean those programs (like NORTON *growls*) off painfully and slowly (not to mention buying the ones that i want) it is simply easier to start with a fresh slate (despite the problems of finding new drivers and programs)

Now please remember Sygnus, we say this with good intentions, so please dont attack people for their opinions. If you disagree, just say so! (Please keep in mind im not trying to attack you either!)

@Jeregrl: In Sygnus' suggestions, i think he might have an idea, but i think stormy could also be right. I would try stormy's first (because it is easier and will likey solve your problem).

~Lordbob

I disagree with stormy's generic remove things that don't look right fix. What if the OP doesn't know what to look for and removes the wrong programs?

Yes, some computer makers put a lot of crap on their systems then leave it up to the consumer to figure out, or fix if things go awry. I've personally had to deal with it, and it is a pain. You get no disagreement with me there.

However I've seen what this "generic remove" stuff mentality can do to the ill informed. I just helped someone with a problem like that in this very forum here: http://www.vistax64.com/gaming/194949-bioshock-microsoft-visual.html#post898135, and here: http://www.vistax64.com/general-discussion/196895-huge-vista-problem-help.html

Both received bad advice and both are fairly new to computers. So yeah, I think I've been supportive.

Remember, not everyone is a "power user", so some of that "crap" serves a function.

Sorry, maybe I should have been a little more PC (politically correct).

lordbob75 · Dec 11, 2008

No you were right, just perhaps a little unclear. Though you are right about not necessarily knowing what to remove. What's OP?
Sorry for snapping at you.
Another idea for Jeregrl: look on the eight corner of the start menu, and see if there are any other network icons. If there are, then you are using a third party program to mo itor your wireless, so try to disable it.

I still think you should try anoher browser and see if you get the same errors.

sygnus21 · Dec 11, 2008

What's OP?

Original Poster.

jeregrl · Dec 11, 2008

I checked my network connections and diagnosed my connection and found no error. I also checked my windows firewall to see if the programs I'm having trouble with were whitelisted and they are. I went into msconfig and there is a process called HPWireless Assistant but it has been unchecked and the date disabled is July the 8th. So what are the other junk programs? The picture in your message was too small for me to read.

sygnus21 · Dec 11, 2008

jeregrl said:
I went into msconfig and there is a process called HPWireless Assistant but it has been unchecked and the date disabled is July the 8th.

You can:

1- Call HP and find out what the program does,
2- Do a Google search and see what the program is or does, or...
3- You can enable it and see if it cures your problem

Or...If the machine is still under warranty, I'd call HP and have them troubleshoot the problem before uninstalling anything. After that, go from there. I'd also have a look at HP's forums; just to get an idea of what's what.

Good luck.

lordbob75 · Dec 11, 2008

Other junk programs are just programs that you dont want; usually programs that come preinstalled on prebuilt computers. (there is a reason i custom build)

Sometimes they screw with each other, and sometimes not. In this case it looks like its disabled and running ok. Once again, please try using another browser such as firefox, chrome, or safari. This really might help the problem. Or it might not. BUt its worth a shot.

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