Where did my Connections Go?

[A.K.R.]

OK, here's my problem:

Last night (Singapore time), I was, as usual, chatting on Neowin with some others. Then my sister came back and snatched the computer from me (just as well, because I was sleepy). So I slept until this morning, Singapore time (which is right now). I woke up, switched on the computer as usual, and connected via the third-party connection program, as usual. I was then doing something here on Neowin when I noticed something freakish. The attached screenshot below says it all.

Noticed it? No connection icons of any kind, yet my broadband connection sits on the list (WinPoET), which is the one I'm using. And I'm still connected! Just what is happening? As I'm writing this, a virus scan is being done, and I'm doing a spyware scan later too. Can anybody tell me what is happening? This is just... abnormal! I suspect dialers.

Edited August 6, 2004 by A.K.R.

[erp]

It could be adware/spyware, use adaware and spybot. Also make sure the Network Connections service is running.

[A.K.R.]

OK, the virus scan turned up nothing. I'm now using Spybot - Search and Destroy to scan for adware/spyware. Network Connections Service is up and running.

Update: there's nothing in Spybot - Search and Destroy. Doing a rescan. Nope - nothing.

Edited August 6, 2004 by A.K.R.

[A.K.R.]

Please help! I'm afraid that it may be a dialer and I don't dare to do anything else right now except sitting here!

[erp]

You should also have Client for Microsoft Networks, and File and Printer Sharing For Microsoft Networks in the Network Properties box. If you don't have them, add them.

EDIT - is your computer trying to dial out via POT modem?

[A.K.R.]

Under where?

Update: I'm on ADSL (512Kbps), and I'm dialing out through an ethernet port and an ADSL modem, I believe.

[erp]

  A.K.R. said:

Under where?

EDIT -Local Area Connection -sorry.

[A.K.R.]

Weird... can't find it anywhere I look in the control panel.

[erp]

Control Panel -> Network Connections-> Local Area Connection-> Properties-> make sure Client For Microsoft Networks and File And Printer Sharing For Microsoft Networks are listed.

It may help you just to run the network setup wizard again. Just make sure you know the settings for your internet connection. You said your DSL is OK right?

[A.K.R.]

OK, found it.

Is this OK?

[erp]

Shoot wait a minute, youre just missing the icon in your system tray? Is that all? If it's a 3rd party app I don't know, but if its from the windows connection it can be turned on and off here:

[A.K.R.]

OK, but one more thing: what about the menu items?

[erp]

The menu items are specific to your DSL connection, so only you have them. I guess you can reinstall them if you want, may make things worse. Did you get the system tray icon working?

[A.K.R.]

Yelp it's the right icon. It's working.

So I guess it's fixed then?

[colordeficiency]

It's just an option to show/hide. Maybe someone accidently unchecked the option. Ah! I see, Ngee Ann.

[A.K.R.]

Fellow Singaporean!

Weird... I installed the new build of Firefox just now, and all of the tray icons and menu items reappeared! :blink: :wacko: :s

This is freaky.