Local area connection failed to enable.. no internet

internet connection

I am trying to figure out why my laptop all of a sudden has no internet connection when I moved it to use a different ethernet cable. This is a wired connection. It is not the ethernet cable's problem because when I moved it to use an ethernet cable that does have internet (tested by another computer), it fails to have any internet connectivity.

I am using Windows XP and from the Network Connections window, the Local Area Connection 2's status is currently "Disabled, Firewalled". I tried to right click, and click Enable, but a pop up says "Connection failed!"

I also tried to do a repair with xpnetdiag.exe, but it fails to and just says "Consult your computer manufacturer's troubleshooting information. You can also use another computer to visit online support services. Contact your computer manufacturer for additional assistance if required."

Any ideas? I suppose my last result is to contact the manufacturer if it is a hardware problem from my laptop… 🙁

Thanks..

Best Answer

AFAIK "Disabled" state means that the network card is turned off. From the fact that you can't turn it on can indicate that:

  • there is a problem with the driver of the card
    • try restarting
    • try re-installing newest driver from the manufacturer's site
  • a different (but related) driver collides or is not installed correctly (in case you e.g. installed a firewall in the meantime)
  • there actually is a hardware problem with your network card

However, I'm not sure about the "Firewalled" part.

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