Internet connection issues

[Langwi]

Hello Community, I have a laptop Toshiba Satellite C655 with the following Intel Celeron, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. For about a week now I cannot use my computer in normal mode with Windows, because it freezes right after I try to log on to my account(I am the both the only user and administrator). Once I type my password, the Windows ''welcome'' will appear on the screen and stay that way indefinitely. However, I am able to get access to the Internet using Windows in safe mode, with all the restricted number of features you can guess( No sound, deactivated antivirus software etc). Because I bought my computer on sale to a store who did not provide with the Windows 7 Home premium CD, I decided lately to install a free version of the operating system Ubuntu and use it until I have the wherewithal to purchase a new laptop, but unfortunately I am not able to get access to the Internet( my service provider is Verizon). I have even called my ISP but nobody could solve this issue. Please, will someone tell me the necessary steps I need to follow in order to get access to the Internet using Ubuntu, which i have never used before. I can see the network logo loading up but I still get the message that Firefox cannot access to the Internet. By the way, if someone can also solve the Windows issue I would be very glad. Thank you very much indeed beforehand to all of you

[JOSEm441]

1. boot into safe mode and enable the adminstrator account http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/enable-the-hidden-administrator-account-on-windows-vist... , then login and use it instead of the lone account you are using now. if you still have the issue try step 2.

2. If you want download an .iso file that can be used to create a Windows 7 DVD see this link http://forum.notebookreview.com/windows-os-software/604187-legal-download-digitalriver-windows-7-sp1...

If you need details this link explains one of many ways to create the DVD: http://www.wikihow.com/Burn-ISO-Files-to-DVD

3. I just installed Ubuntu 12.04 yesterday, First make sure your wirless or wired NIC is enabled in Ubuntu (Fn F8 I believe)

Let us know and also if you are using wireless or wired connection

Welcome to the Forum

[Langwi]

Thank you for quick answer. I use a wireless connection and my software antivirus is McAfee

[JOSEm441]

Are you able to login with the new account?  If not create the windows DVD and try a repair install http://www.ehow.com/how_8497684_repair-install-windows-7.html

[smith6612]

Most newer computers unless specifically ordered as such from the manufacturer do not include a physical Windows disk that would either restore the factory image (ugh) or allow you to install Windows as if you bought a boxed copy from a store. Instead of a disk, they offer a Restore Partition on the hard drive of the computer which offers the factory image of what the computer was set up with. With this factory image, a program is often installed within Windows which allows you to create a Recovery Disk set across two blank DVDs should something happen to that partition (format, hosed MBR with no means to fix it, HDD failure). As shameful as it is and as much as I miss the old days where Dell computer for example, gave the actual Windows disk to you to use, the OEM technically isn't breaking any Microsoft agreements. Now, if the computer came with absolutely no restore method period (and wasn't blown out by you, say, running Disk Partition tools or installing Ubuntu Linux), then technically that is against the Microsoft Software agreement. System builders must supply a disk or means of recovery along with a Certificate of Authenticity if a copy of Windows is to be included with a system.

If your copy of Windows 7 is still intact, boot it into Safe Mode and log into your user account. Open up the program "eventvwr" otherwise known as the Event Viewer by simply using the Start Menu search to find the program. In the Event Viewer, go through the System and Application logs from a time and date where you started the system in Normal mode rather than Safe Mode and check for any entries that are marked "Error," "Critical" or "Warning." Particuarly, pay attention to messages saying Services could not be started, Services have timed out/hung, or timeouts have occurred (3000 seconds). Often Windows will boot but sit at the "Welcome" stage if services are not working right. In addition, consider what software might have updated the day Windows last worked propertly and consider doing a System Restore to a time before via Safe Mode, or for that matter removing the updated/installed programs from that day. There is most certainly something on start-up causing a hang or a very long login, in which case Event Viewer and msconfig can do wonders if you know what you're looking for. For a new system to break in a week is unacceptable and often keys into a bad software install or factory image.

As far as Ubuntu goes, Wireless drivers in Linux (regardless of it being Red Hat, Debian, FreeBSD, etc) tend to be a bit iffy. If you have a more Generic card such as something from Broadcom, you'll find that Linux distributions will often pick up on the device and have a driver already installed upon first boot. Some systems however require the use of proprietary drivers (if they're fairly new and do not have a community driver out for the wireless chipset) or Windows drivers via ndiswrapper if there is absolutely no manufacturer or community support for a card. Almost every Wired/Ethernet chipset however should be supported, so that should be a matter of plug and play in Ubuntu. If Wired works fine, Ubuntu should come up saying it's found Proprietary drivers for your Wireless which you can install if you have a supported card. For that matter if you use the default (GNOME GUI) copy of Ubuntu, go to Administration > Additional Drivers or open the Unity Applications section and search for "Additional Drivers" while on a working wired connection and simply enter in your administrator (root) password. If any proprietary driver is available from say Broadcom, or Qualcomm/Atheros, it'll say so and give you the option to install it.

If Windows is royally hosed and you don't enjoy using Ubuntu, ask Toshiba to send you a Windows disk. They shouldn't have a problem with it but they may charge you for it, but technically that would fall under a Warranty Request.