How to Fix the Windows "Limited or No Connectivity" Error Problem

You may occasionally get an error message that reads "This connection has limited or no connectivity. You might not be able to access the Internet or some network resources." It indicates that your PC is having a problem trying to access your network device to connect to the Internet. Very often, a bug that typically affects Windows XP Service Pack 2 causes this error message. This bug causes a loss of your network connectivity in workstations that use Microsoft's L2TP-based VPN (virtual private networking) client to connect to the NAT-based networks. Read on to learn how to fix the "Limited or No Connectivity" problem. (If your connection works but you still get the error message, skip Section 1 and go to Section 2 to learn how to disable it.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Determine whether the problem is caused by the Windows XP Service Pack 2 bug

1. Review these three symptoms, and determine if you experience any of them after you install the Windows XP Service Pack 2:*You get the error message "Limited or No Connectivity" when you try to connect to your network.*You have a problem connecting to your local area network or to the Internet.*You keep on receiving an error message: "Acquiring IP Address" message If you experience these symptoms after installing the Windows XP Service Pack 2, then this bug is causing the problem. In this case go to Step #2, otherwise skip to Section 3 below.

2. Download and run the Microsoft patch (KB884020). See Resources below for the link to download this patch. Run this update so as to install it.

3. Install this registry fix that follows*Open your notepad and type in these lines: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\IPSec]"AssumeUDPEncapsulationContextOnSendRule"=dword:00000002*Save the file as FixReg.reg to your desktop*Double-click on the saved file and it will be installed into your registry.*Re-start your computer and it the error message will likely be gone. If you still see the error message, follow the steps in Section 2 below.

What to do if your Connection Works But you Still Get the Error Message

1. Click on the "Start" button and then click "Control Panel."

2. Double-click on the Network Connections icon. Right-click the "Local Area Connection" icon. Click "Properties."

3. Click on the General tab. Uncheck the option that's labeled "Notify me when this connection has limited or no connectivity." Click OK.

What to do if the Patch does not Fix the " Limited or No Connectivity " Problem

1. Determine if there is a different cause for problem by following the steps below.

2. Check your DSL router for any malfunctions. Re-configure or power cycle your router.

3. Check your computer's network card configurations and network cabling to ensure that the problem does not lie here.

4. Check your firewall to determine whether this is what's blocking you from connecting to the network or to Internet. Disable the firewall and try connecting with it disabled. If it is the problem, then re-set or uninstall and re-install the firewall.

5. Reduce your connection speed to 10 Mbps and test this to see if it fixes the problem. Do this by clicking: *Click on: Control Panel >> System >> Device Manager*Go over to the properties of your Network card. Click the "Advanced tab."*Locate the "Link Speed and Duplex" section. Change the settings from "Auto Detect" to "10Mbps/Full Duplex."