Computer Connected to Router via Ethernet, but Cannot Open Other Internet Based Programs

[Kristopher]

Hello all! 

I've had this issue for almost 3 days now. It started Monday evening.

As the title says, I am physically connected to my router (Model: SR203), and my computer says that I am connected via ethernet. Even though I am connected via ethernet, it is still connecting to wifi signals. My other devices connect to the primary router with zero issues what so ever.

I currently have a WiFi extender downstairs to cover the dead-zone in my home. My computer keeps connecting to my extender, rather than the router. And when I'm connected to the router, I have no internet. I am currently running into a series of strange occurrences and every Sky rep I've spoken to is at a loss. Each one has basically told me 'I am out of troubleshooting options,' and to just reset my computer because "it can't be the router".

The scenarios below have been all of the ways I've tried connecting to my broadband.

Scenario 1 - PC is plugged into router via ethernet. Computer acknowledges ethernet connection. Only able to open web browsers.  Cannot open other applications that require internet (i.e. Steam, Discord) 

Scenario 2 - No ethernet. Connecting to main SSID. Zero internet access.

Scenario 3 - Connecting to WiFi Extender with limited internet capability. Can browse the web. Limited website access. Cannot open other applications that require internet (i.e. Steam, Discord) 

Trouble shooting I've done thus far:

1) Monday evening, unplugged/power cycled the router. This resulted in temporary success at the very beginning had no issues for the remainder of the night running any application/program. 

2) Tuesday, the issue reoccurred. Tried the previous solution with no success. Called Sky for assistance. We tried the following: network setting reset, disable then re-enable drivers, computer restarting, and router resetting. After an hour of trouble shooting, the call ended with me being told 'I'm out of options. It's most likely your computer and not the router. ' After the phone call, I did some additionally google searching from my phone and tried adjusting the DNS. After the DNS adjustment, I was able to access my web browser. I also tried a series of IPCONFIG prompts with no noticeable changes. Left the router unplugged overnight hoping for any improvement,

3) Wednesday, called Sky twice. First phone call ended with minimal success since I was not home to trouble shoot. I was informed everything looked fine from their end. The mention of my router being technologically antiquated by 10 years was brought up. The second phone call was almost similar to Tuesday's. Again, I was told it's most likely my computer and not the router. I reinstalled Windows 11 in order to try and start from scratch, so to speak. For about 30 seconds, I was able to independently connect to my router via ethernet and open applications. Then I lost it very shortly after and was back to where I ended Tuesday night and connecting to the extender. 

I have other devices that are connecting to the main router and are able to run every single application just fine. I have no idea what else to do. PLEASE HELP. I do not want to factory reset my computer only for it not to change anything.

[Chrisee]

@Kristopher sounds like a network address issue on your PC. Go into the network properties for the ethernet connection and check the PC has an IP address in the range 192.168.0.2 to 192.168.0.253 if it doesnt set the settings to get the address from the router. Without a valid IP address the network adapter will show as connected but no data flows. 

Once you have definitely got a valid iP address go into the network properties of the Wifi adapter and diisconnect it from the extender. 

If you are stuck post what version of windows or other operating system your PC usesxand someone can tell you how to access the settings you need.

[jamesn123]

@Kristopher 

I must be honest everything you have described points to the PC being the problem since no connection method works for you whether it be direct ethernet, direct WiFi or extender WiFi.

Are you sure there is nothing running on the PC that would cause this such as a VPN, Antivirus etc?

[Kristopher]

Chrisee, 

Thanks for the response. I'll give it a retry later today once I'm home and report back. Just for reference, I'm using Windows 11 Home. 

[Kristopher]

James,

Thanks for the response. I thought that might've been the case as well, so I went and disabled everything that I thought might be affecting the PC. I tried to use my VPN, and it ended up disabling the internet completely. Then I disabled my antivirus, and that didn't do anything. I was still able to use my web browser, but nothing else. I did try a fresh reset of Windows 11 as an ISO, and everything worked fine for ~30 seconds before it all reverted to the problem Im currently having. 

[jamesn123]

@Kristopher 

If it worked with a new Windows install for a short period it suggests that it could be a network adapter driver related issue as Windows automatically downloads drivers for you during first setup. Have you checked you have the correct drivers for your NIC?

[Kristopher]

I have not. I was under the assumption that the OS install preserved all of data, including the adapters. I've only had the service for roughly a week. I haven't been into any of my settings in that time to change anything. But I will take a look later.