Two computer related issues

Factual Questions
1

I would search more myself, but part of my issue is connectivity to the internet. I’m running Windows 7 on a brand new HP laptop, firefox for my browser.

  1. I have a wireless router (Belkin “play”), that seems to be working just fine. The computer shows a strong signal, but I have constant issues loading pages. “Server not found” errors on a very regular basis.

  2. When I can connect, I am having issues viewing pictures online. If I do see a thumbnail image, which is sporadic–then clicking on it usually gives me nothing in return.

Any help would be appreciated!

2

Do you have any other computers in the house, and are they functional?

Do you have another browser on your laptop, and is it functional?

Is this limited to specific sites, or systemic across the entire internet?

Is your local ISP having troubles (you can usually find this out by calling them)?

Do you have a better connection certain places in your house (closer to your router, at different angles to your router, etc)?

3

I resolved the picture issue with a download of Chrome. Not sure what the issue was with firefox…

The connectivity issue is a problem regardless of where I’m located in the house. I can sit right next to the router and not have a problem. A friend uses her laptop here all the time, and doesn’t have an issue with connection.

4

That last post should read: “I can sit right next to the router and not have a connection”.

5

Call HP for support. I’ve had a number of problems with new HP laptops, and they actually have been able to fix them over the phone.

6

It sounds to me like a software or hardware issue in the PC itself.

Is chrome fast, or is it still slow, but loading pictures? That could be a simple difference in the way the browsers handle limited connectivity/high packet loss.

As was already suggested, HP is probably your best bet.

7

Does your router allow a direct Ethernet connection? And do you still have problems if you try that? If so, then you need to also consider the ISP. Either way, you also need to consider the router (unlikely as its a Belkin) or the hardware/software (more likely because its an HP.)

8

My HP was doing a very similar thing, and for my situation, HP had me uninstall and reinstall the wireless driver. There might have been more steps, too, but it was a couple years ago and I don’t remember any other details.

9

Firefox isn’t the problem.

Since you are using Win7, download this gadget to monitor your network connection. Then download/install inssider to manage your wireless.