F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Networks Problem with internet access while system believes connection is active.

Problem with internet access while system believes connection is active.

Problem with internet access while system believes connection is active.

C
Crazyglo
Member
61
02-14-2026, 11:21 AM
#1
While hovering over the system tray item, it displays an internet connection status. However, that's not true—I don't have one. It seems to depend on my browser, but it works with Chrome, Waterfox, and Spotify. The Network Troubleshooter isn't able to detect any problems. I'm connected via Ethernet to a router using Wi-Fi from my phone, which doesn't make sense. Rebooting didn't resolve the issue; I can still access my NAS without problems.
C
Crazyglo
02-14-2026, 11:21 AM #1

While hovering over the system tray item, it displays an internet connection status. However, that's not true—I don't have one. It seems to depend on my browser, but it works with Chrome, Waterfox, and Spotify. The Network Troubleshooter isn't able to detect any problems. I'm connected via Ethernet to a router using Wi-Fi from my phone, which doesn't make sense. Rebooting didn't resolve the issue; I can still access my NAS without problems.

S
seomilk77
Member
181
02-14-2026, 11:21 AM
#2
Update your post with complete hardware details, operating system information, and power supply specifications. Provide the disk drive specifications, including make, model, capacity, and current usage. List all connected peripherals and clarify whether they are wired or wireless. Identify the network type—wired or wireless—and check the Reliability History/Monitor and Event Viewer for any error codes or warnings related to connection issues. Execute built-in Windows troubleshooters to detect and resolve potential problems. Run the 'dism' and 'sfc /scannow' commands to scan for corrupted files. Review the router logs if available, noting who has administrative privileges and seeking assistance if needed.
S
seomilk77
02-14-2026, 11:21 AM #2

Update your post with complete hardware details, operating system information, and power supply specifications. Provide the disk drive specifications, including make, model, capacity, and current usage. List all connected peripherals and clarify whether they are wired or wireless. Identify the network type—wired or wireless—and check the Reliability History/Monitor and Event Viewer for any error codes or warnings related to connection issues. Execute built-in Windows troubleshooters to detect and resolve potential problems. Run the 'dism' and 'sfc /scannow' commands to scan for corrupted files. Review the router logs if available, noting who has administrative privileges and seeking assistance if needed.

G
gvn12345678
Member
242
02-14-2026, 11:21 AM
#3
The local network communication is working. The issue occurs when connecting from your PC to the external environment.
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gvn12345678
02-14-2026, 11:21 AM #3

The local network communication is working. The issue occurs when connecting from your PC to the external environment.

F
FadedCowboy
Junior Member
44
02-14-2026, 11:21 AM
#4
run the command to trace the network path
from the Windows command prompt and capture the output
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FadedCowboy
02-14-2026, 11:21 AM #4

run the command to trace the network path
from the Windows command prompt and capture the output

J
james26665
Senior Member
537
02-14-2026, 11:21 AM
#5
Begin with the tracert mentioned earlier. If it succeeds, it's likely a DNS problem. Use NSLOOKUP for and then NSLOOKUP for the same domain. Check if the first search returns IP addresses or encounters errors. The second search should always succeed if the first one works to 8.8.8.8
J
james26665
02-14-2026, 11:21 AM #5

Begin with the tracert mentioned earlier. If it succeeds, it's likely a DNS problem. Use NSLOOKUP for and then NSLOOKUP for the same domain. Check if the first search returns IP addresses or encounters errors. The second search should always succeed if the first one works to 8.8.8.8

I
Inezze009
Senior Member
716
02-14-2026, 11:21 AM
#6
I restarted the router, which finally let Windows recognize that there was no internet connection. The troubleshooter reported that no ethernet cable was connected. It turned out it had been dislodged at some point.
Why my NAS functioned or why Windows kept insisting I had internet until the router rebooted, I can't explain.
I
Inezze009
02-14-2026, 11:21 AM #6

I restarted the router, which finally let Windows recognize that there was no internet connection. The troubleshooter reported that no ethernet cable was connected. It turned out it had been dislodged at some point.
Why my NAS functioned or why Windows kept insisting I had internet until the router rebooted, I can't explain.

D
domi_2901
Junior Member
30
02-14-2026, 11:21 AM
#7
Discussing the setup, it seems you're asking about the same router being used by both the Windows system and any NAS. Clarifying the physical arrangement of modem, router, or combined devices is also important. Other potential issues might exist as well.
D
domi_2901
02-14-2026, 11:21 AM #7

Discussing the setup, it seems you're asking about the same router being used by both the Windows system and any NAS. Clarifying the physical arrangement of modem, router, or combined devices is also important. Other potential issues might exist as well.