Expert: Brian Benosky - 1/21/2012

Question
Hi Brian,
I have Verizion FiOS package and yesterday the phone and internet went down, but the TV remained. After a call to Verizion, the phone and internet are working.
Unfortunately My computer isn’t.
I have been unable to open any websites.
My computer is showing an excellent internet connection, but I can’t get on the internet.
I have another family member computer in the house and that one gets on the internet fine, normal. So I know it’s my computer and not the internet connection.

I’m unable to open or get on Firefox and AIM.
I was unable to open any websites, but today I was able to open Explorer. I don’t know why, it just opened for me today.
My computer is fine and my internet is fine, but it seems the two aren’t talking.
In Firefox, I have a white blank page and all it says is New Tab.
In the go to a website at the top, it doesn’t accept an address.
Page Info tab: This website does not supply ownership information
and Connection Not Encrypted.

I don’t know much about computers, but I do know this:
Windows Visa Home Premium
Service pack 2 – 64 bit

Any ideas as to how I can get my computer on the internet?
Thank you,
Randy
USA-MA

Answer
Hi Randy

There are many possible reasons why your computer cannot access the internet, so you need to do a bit of troubleshooting to find the cause.  First I would reset all connections by shutting off the computer, then the FIOS modem, and finally the router.  Then, reverse the process by turning on the router, then the modem and finally the computer.  If you are still unable to access anything, try the tips listed below:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Troubleshoot-network-connection

Finally, if you are still having trouble, contact Verizon tech support.  They will walk you through reconnecting:

http://www22.verizon.com/content/contactus

Good luck!

Brian