Local Access Only

[deans6571]

Hi,

Please login to safe mode with networking and check if it is able to connect to internet. Please use the following link for detailed instructions to login in safe mode with networking: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/123496-safe-mode.html

In the safe mode with networking check the IP address for Ethernet connection.

Please post back with the results.

I have already tried Safe Mode -

but Ethernet still does not connect.....gives 'Limited Connectivity' (Unidentified Network) and gives an IP address of 169.254.129.226.

 

[Madhur B]

Hi,

In some cases, changing Speed and Duplex Settings may help in resolving the issue, to change the settings for Speed and Duplex please follow the below mentioned steps:

1. Click the "Start" button, and select "Control Panel."
2. Click "View network status and tasks" under the "Network and Internet" option.
3. On the left side of the window, click on "Manage network connections."
4. Right-click "Local Area Connection" and select "Properties."
5. Click the "Configure" button.
6. Select the "Advanced" tab along the top of the window.
7. Select "Speed & Duplex" from the "Property" box.
8. Change the speed 100Mb full and click Ok, check if you are able to connect to internet. If that does not work then change it to 100Mb half
9. If issue persists, Change the speed 10Mb full and click Ok, check if you are able to connect to internet. If that does not work then change it to 10Mb half and check if you are able to connect to internet.

If issue still persists then we might have to reinstall the Operating System on the computer.

Please post back with the results.

 

[deans6571]

Hi,

In some cases, changing Speed and Duplex Settings may help in resolving the issue, to change the settings for Speed and Duplex please follow the below mentioned steps:

1. Click the "Start" button, and select "Control Panel."
2. Click "View network status and tasks" under the "Network and Internet" option.
3. On the left side of the window, click on "Manage network connections."
4. Right-click "Local Area Connection" and select "Properties."
5. Click the "Configure" button.
6. Select the "Advanced" tab along the top of the window.
7. Select "Speed & Duplex" from the "Property" box.
8. Change the speed 100Mb full and click Ok, check if you are able to connect to internet. If that does not work then change it to 100Mb half
9. If issue persists, Change the speed 10Mb full and click Ok, check if you are able to connect to internet. If that does not work then change it to 10Mb half and check if you are able to connect to internet.

If issue still persists then we might have to reinstall the Operating System on the computer.

Please post back with the results.

Ok - I have now tried all the above but unfortunately, the Local Area Network is STILL showing as 'Unidentified Network' and won't connect.

Looks like the only option now is to reinstall Vista....

I have had a look and I do not have a Vista Installation Disk but I DO have the product key. How would I go about reinstalling it...?!

 

[Madhur B]

Hi.

Yes, product key is required for the installation of Windows Vista on the computer.

Please back-up the data from the computer and then reinstall windows. Please use the following link for detailed instructions: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/117366-clean-install-full-version-vista.html

Please post back with the results.

 

[deans6571]

Hi.

Yes, product key is required for the installation of Windows Vista on the computer.

Please back-up the data from the computer and then reinstall windows. Please use the following link for detailed instructions: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/117366-clean-install-full-version-vista.html

Please post back with the results.

The link you have provided is instructions for re-installing Vista from a Vista installation DVD, however, I do not have a disk? I only have the product key but no disc.

I have also looked on my machine (Acer Aspire 1610M) and there is an Acer program which allows me to 'Restore to Factory Settings'. Do you think I should try this before re-installing Vista?

 

[Madhur B]

Hi,

Yes, you can try the factory restore on the computer and check if the computer is able to connect to internet.

Please back-up the data from the computer (if any) before restoring the computer to factory settings.

Please post back with the results.

 

[deans6571]

Today I reset my pc back to factory settings (Using an Acer app) and unbelievably - I am STILL getting 'Limited Connectivity'??!!!!! I really cannot believe this.....!!!!

I cannot understand why it's doing this - the router works fine (via wifi) so why does my pc NOT connect via Ethernet?!

I think I only have 1 more option - I have a 2nd router, that I can try. If it still does not work, then the issue MUST lie with my pc.

 

[Madhur B]

Hi deans6571,

First check if the Ethernet adapter is present in the computer.

If yes, then try to connect directly from the modem and check if internet is working.

If issue persists then it might be an issue with the Ethernet port and it might need a replacement. If the computer is in warranty, then contact the technical support for Acer so that they can do the needful.

For any further questions in future please feel free to contact me.

 

[deans6571]

I am going to try something else : I have a genuine copy of Windows XP, which I am going to install, in place of Vista ( which I was thinking of doing anyway). Once installed and set up, will see if the 'Limited Access' issue has been resolved and will report back.

 

[Madhur B]

Hi deans6571,

Sure let me know the results.

 

[deans6571]

Ok, so I now have installed XP (this was a clean genuine copy), in place, of Vista, and have updated all the necessary drivers and everything.

Believe it or not - XP is now giving me the same error : 'Limited Connectivity'!!! The wifi dongle still connects without any problems but the Ethernet just refuses to connect!

This is leading me to believe that the issue must lie with the physical Ethernet adaptor card within the pc itself.

Can you recommend an Ethernet card that I can buy ( will probably look on eBay or Amazon UK) which will be compatible with Windows XP (Service Pack 3) and also one which will physically work with my desktop : Acer Aspire M1610?

If you can recommend me one, I will buy and install and hopefully will cure the 'Limited Connectivity, once and for all..!

 

[Madhur B]

Hi deans6571,

The Network Adapter on this computer is on the motherboard and you would need to get either a PCI Network Adapter or PCIx 1 Network Adapter depending on the availability of free slots in the computer.

Also you can connect a USB to Ethernet adapter dongle and check. It will be available in any of the local stores.

Providing the specification for the computer: Acer Support: Aspire M1610 Specifications

For any further questions in future please feel free to contact me.

 

[deans6571]

Thanks for the info on the network adaptor - appreciated. I have now ordered a new one and will report back once received and installed - hopefully it will cure this problem once and for all!!

 

[Madhur B]

Hi deans6571,

It should take care of the issue, for any further questions in future please feel free to contact me.

 

[deans6571]

Woot !!! Just received my TP-LINK PCI Ethernet card today - installed and updated the driver, and low & behold, my pc is now working via Ethernet again!!!! Happy Days :D

Looks like the default installed Ethernet socket was faulty! Thanks for all your help on this by the way - appreciated! :D