Internet works, but not for everything

[infinite15]

Here is the system layout:

Lenovo Thinkpad
T61p
Vista Business 32bit SP1
4 gb RAM
Duo T9300

It does have the minidock also, but the problem occurs even when not in cradle.

We have a LAN at the office which the laptop connects to no problem. The web browsers work fine. What doesn't work is the google sidebar showing not connected, office 2007 shows disconnected(i believe this might be an exchange server issue showing disconnected) but will still send and receive email, and other small issues like the full version of Adobe 7 not connecting to activate after saying changes were made, windows update won't connect, and avast is unable to download new files. Tried to delete the network profile and create a new one with same issues. It's running windows firewall and I tried turning it off but still won't work. I don't think it is the firewall and the reason being is that if I use the verizon card to access the internet
everything works like it should. Any ideas?

[stvrich]

Sounds like you're only getting intranet and no internet when it's plugged in. Maybe try a different port that you know works for internet and see if that's the issue.

I don't think it's a firewall issue if internet works with the verizon broadband card . I think the network admin in your office LAN could be filtering only HTTP traffic and hence you are able to use browsers but not all the other connections ( avast updates would most likely be ftp ). Contact your administrator and see if he has a firewall setup for the office LAN. givitaquickcheck and see...

[goldeagle2005]

I agree with stvrich. I had a similar problem on my home computer where most websites would open but apps like Avast would not update, Windows Update failed and Y! Messenger could not connect. It turned out to be an issue with my ISP and they rectified the fault. You might want to get your internet service and your servers checked out.

[infinite15]

I think the network admin in your office LAN could be filtering only HTTP traffic and hence you are able to use browsers but not all the other connections ( avast updates would most likely be ftp ). Contact your administrator and see if he has a firewall setup for the office LAN. givitaquickcheck and see...

Well, you are talking to the administrator of our office LAN, lol. I just inherited the network and all operations. They didn't have a full time IT guy until me and I am still trying to figure out how everything is configured around here. There is a firewall on our router, but my problem is that I can't access it as yet. The guy that did the IT work doesn't remember it and he didn't write it down anywhere. I'm not ready to do a factory reset on it yet, not while everything else is working ok. But I don't think it is the router as every other PC on the network works fine, can update, use the sidebar, etc. I find it hard to believe that he would restrict access to only the one PC and especially not to the presidents. I'm beginning to wonder if it might have something to do with the server, but still leaning towards the router. The PC is also no longer connecting to Exchange and backing up email, but apparently all these problems started when we switched ISP's (before I was brought on board). I really need access to this router, but I'm not comfortable with resetting it as I'm new and don't know all the proper settings yet. Not ready for a desperate crash course yet. Does it sound like problems point to the router to you?

[stvrich]

You know when you bring your car into a mechanic for a "problem or noise" and you ask the mechanic what it COULD BE, and he says "it could be anything?" well, I honestly have, in the past done funky things with machines, like ---use (free, third party) port forwarding IP/hiding... software to accomplish this or that particular obfusication of pc/software connection. For various security and security related activity. .... It COULD be anything... esp if the guy didn't document everything he did. Hopefully he is pretty STANDARD in how he does things tho'.

one possibility could be...

I'm just THROWING this out there for your consideration---
Windows Update not working and Avast not getting definitions sounds possibly as though you might have had your DNS settings hijacked. (or CONSCIOUSLY changed.... -one- possibility)

Have a look at what DNS Settings show up with ipconfig /all from a command prompt. But also, open regedit.exe and look at registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces
For each interface listed under that key, look for a corresponding NameServer value. On my PC, those values are blank (I get DNS settings via DHCP) - if you have something listed in that value, make sure it is what you expect.
Here's a screenshot:
http://www.pc1news.com/news/0201/using-the-registry-editor-for-dns-hijacking.html

Also, run a malware scan with something like www.MalwareBytes.com Free AntiMalware (if it will let you download).

Now, I'm NOT a hardcore admin. But I --AM-- probably an admins worst nightmare/user. LoL... I "do things" to my workstations, and I'm a smart monkey, so... admins always WONDERED what I was doing. But hopefully my little suggestions help you see what's going on. Or, help you build a picture of possibilities here. In the meantime, I'm curious to SEE what you do find...

re: "crash course" I TOTALLY appreciate your predicament.

[stvrich]

could the USER have changed settings or installed software that caused trouble??? for any reasons?

[infinite15]

could the USER have changed settings or installed software that caused trouble??? for any reasons?

I don't think so. I've been over the machine pretty good and I've talked to them a lot about what they've been doing. It doesn't sound like anything out of the ordinary. And they are a fairly savvy user so I'm not worried about what they are running. They don't change things a lot. Especially if everything is working. But they just left town for couple of weeks so have to wait till then to try some of what you suggested.

Now, I'm NOT a hardcore admin. But I --AM-- probably an admins worst nightmare/user. LoL... I "do things" to my workstations, and I'm a smart monkey, so... admins always WONDERED what I was doing. But hopefully my little suggestions help you see what's going on. Or, help you build a picture of possibilities here. In the meantime, I'm curious to SEE what you do find...

I am the same way, and now the monkey has control of everything... I have a ton of stuff that I want to mess with, but am keeping away from since everything is working the same as it has been before I got here. I'm just waiting on a big payment and then I get to go to town on a new server and redo our entire network... until then this monkey is keeping his wrenches at home. I'll keep you posted.

[stvrich]

GOOD FOR YOU man, all I can say is, good luck, and happy hacking.... actually, I feel like I'm pretty much in the same shoes as you... minus the job. I actually WANT to be an admin of some type. (programmer/analyst support specialist etc) I've GOT to become more specialized and skilled. I'd LOVE to "get" a small network or be a junior in a larger system. AND just .....work it.... hard. I see now with the economy the way it is... you've --GOT-- to shine, and be GOOD at what you do. I really WANT to be "the monkey in charge". And in all honesty, I'd love nothing more than to spend ALL my time doing this "stuff".

I understand what you mean. You actually RESPECT what is in your hands now. And "if it aint broke- don't fix it". But still, you ARE under obligation (I know you KNOW this and feel the stress already) obligated to master the environment you've just been tasked with. Very kewl, and Good for You (again) and good luck with it. I WANT to be in your shoes. God Bless.

[infinite15]

I know it's been a long time, but it took quite a while to figure out what was going on and then I just forgot to update the post. But of course it was something stupid. It turns out that most of the issues were taken care of when we finally noticed that sp2 had not been installed. After that all the sidebar stuff and avast updated just fine and windows update worked. I just had forgotten to let everyone know and have also recently wiped that laptop and put win7 on it so replying here kind of slipped my mind. But thanks everyone for trying to help me out. I don't know if I love it or hate it when it turns out to be something so simple.