internet access not available on Win 7 pc

Try this Windows 7/Windows PC troubleshooting path for getting internet access back:

1. Check the Ethernet cable and port
   • Make sure the Ethernet cable is firmly connected to both the PC and the router.
   • On the router, confirm the cable is connected to an Ethernet/LAN port, not the Internet port.
   • If another Ethernet cable is available, test with that cable.
2. Restart the modem and router
   • Unplug the router power cable.
   • Unplug the modem power cable.
   • Wait at least 30 seconds.
   • Plug the modem back in and wait for its lights to stop blinking.
   • Plug the router back in and wait a few minutes for it to fully start.
   • Try the connection again.
   • Note: this temporarily disconnects everyone using that network.
3. Check network status on the PC
   • Open Settings > Network & internet on supported Windows versions and check whether Ethernet shows as connected.
   • If there is an error such as Action needed, open the Ethernet settings and review it.
4. Run network reset commands
   • Open Command Prompt as administrator.
   • Run these commands in order:

          netsh winsock reset
          netsh int ip reset
          ipconfig /release
          ipconfig /renew
          ipconfig /flushdns
     

   • Then test the connection again.
5. Reinstall the Ethernet network adapter driver
   • This is useful if the connection stopped working after an update.
   • Risk: uninstalling the driver can temporarily remove network access, so download a backup driver from the PC manufacturer first if possible.
   • Open Device Manager.
   • Expand Network adapters.
   • Right-click the Ethernet adapter and select Uninstall device.
   • If shown, select Attempt to remove the driver for this device.
   • Restart the PC.
   • Windows should automatically reinstall the adapter driver.
6. If Wi‑Fi is available, try that instead
   • If the router supports Wi‑Fi, connecting by Wi‑Fi can help confirm whether the problem is only with Ethernet.

For older Windows systems, a wired connection can also be set up through:

• Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Set up a connection or network > Connect to the Internet

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