Network and Sharing Center shows not connected, but computer is connected to wireless network

Anonymous
2009-11-06T21:59:55+00:00

When I open the Network and Sharing Center, or hold my mouse pointer over the internet connection icon on the bottom right of the taskbar, it shows that I am not connected to a network. However, I know I am connected to the internet. My internet and email are working fine. Also, when I click the option "Connect to a network," the list of available wireless networks come up, and it shows that I'm connected to my home network. How do I make Windows recognize everywhere that I'm connected to the internet, instead of just on the wireless-networks-available list?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Internet and connectivity

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Anonymous
2011-08-23T06:30:04+00:00

Had exactly the same issue running Windows 7 (win7). Connected to the Internet but status showing no connections and a red cross on the network icon. Problem also caused problems connecting to Lync and Office365 as well as VPN, which apparently uses the status to check if connectivity is available.

Found the solution here: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en/w7itpronetworking/thread/df17c593-e78f-4878-97b0-7569307934c5

Apparently some permissions gets wrong in the Registration Database and needs to be fixed using RegEdit. The solution is a step by step and might be solved just by deleting a cache folder using RegEdit and potentially setting some permissions.

Hope it helps.

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  1. Anonymous
    2009-12-14T19:19:20+00:00

    benjamin, I might have a working copy of that file since I have 2 other computers running Windows 7 just fine. I'm out of the house until wednesday, and I can't check if replacing that file on the problem computer will help. I will check as soon as I get back. Shoot me an email at *** Email address is removed for privacy ***. If you use Limewire we can use that to transfer the file, if not I can probably email you the file.

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  2. Anonymous
    2009-12-17T23:57:14+00:00

    I am having this same exact issue except it is with Windows 7 - shocking, nah?. But yeah, I can't get to HomeGroup and really need to so I can connect Xbox360 and stream all my stuff!!

    Please hellp!!

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-02-25T17:15:30+00:00

    I'll just have to jump in on this bandwagon of confused W7 users.  I've been running W7 since the original RC was made availabe for MSDN subsribers.  Same thing as above.  Says my computer is not connected to a network.  I'm on a wired 1-gig network as opposed to wireless, but alas...Same dumb problem.  Please let us know if any solution is either found or admitted to.

    Thanks...

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