How to Ensure All Applications Can Connect to the Internet

Many issues can prevent an application's Internet access.

Internet connectivity isn't all or nothing. Some applications may be able to connect to the Internet while others can't. It can be very frustrating and time consuming to troubleshoot this type of problem as there are several possible causes. Firewall settings, computer viruses, malware and specific program settings can selectively block Internet access. Being familiar with your computer and following some basic troubleshooting steps will provide a quick path to isolating the issue that is preventing an application from connecting to the Internet.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet connection

Instructions

1. Verify that there is Internet connectivity. Attempt to connect to the Internet using different types of applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger and Windows Media Player. Attempt to connect to the Internet with at least two web browsers, such as Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. Make note of which applications can and can't connect in order to isolate the extent of the connectivity problem. If no applications can connect to the Internet, the problem is all encompassing and troubleshooting of the network connection needs to be done. If some applications connect and some don't, proceed to Step 2.

2. Scan the computer with anti-virus software. Viruses can selectively block certain applications from connecting to the Internet. Some viruses will target a specific Internet browser, resulting in one browser failing to connect while another browser connects to the Internet. If the anti-virus scan finds a virus, proceed to Step 3. If no virus is found proceed to Step 4.

3. Clean suspected virus files. Select the suspected virus files on the results window of the virus scan and choose for your anti-virus software to clean, disinfect or quarantine those items. Attempt to connect to the Internet using the application that failed earlier. If the application can connect, a virus was preventing Internet connectivity. If the application still can't connect proceed to Step 4.

4. Run an anti-spyware or anti-malware scan. Sometimes anti-virus programs don't find items that can prevent Internet connectivity because those items are not strictly viruses. An anti-spyware or anti-malware program such as Spybot, Ad-Aware or Windows Defender often finds items that a virus scan won't. If the scan doesn't find any malware proceed to Step 6.

5. Remove any malware or spyware programs from the PC. Select the items found in the malware scan in the software's result window. Allow the program to automatically remove the threats. Attempt to connect to the Internet using the application that failed before. If the application connects, the issue was malware blocking the connection. If the application doesn't connect, proceed to Step 6.

6. Determine if or what firewall software is running on the machine. Multiple firewalls that are running simultaneously can prevent applications from connecting to the Internet. If a third-party firewall is running along with the Windows firewall, disable one of the firewalls. Determine if the application can now connect to the Internet. If no connection occurs, proceed to Step 7.

7. Examine program permissions in your firewall software,if present. Firewalls can selectively block any application from accessing the Internet. In your firewall's configuration options or settings make sure that no applications are blocked from the Internet. Change settings to allow all applications to access the Internet. Save the settings and attempt to access the Internet. If the program can access the Internet the firewall was blocking it previously. If an application still can't connect to the Internet proceed to Step 8.

8. Configure application settings. If any programs still can't access the Internet, examine the settings and options within the programs. Some applications can be configured to never access the Internet. Correct any application settings that may be preventing Internet access. Not all software has Internet connectivity options. Save any changes made. Now all applications should be able to access the Internet.

References

• Microsoft: Firewall FAQs, Internet Security, Network Security Software --- Microsoft Security
• Pcworld: What You Should Know About Firewalls
• Microsoft: Computer Viruses: Description, Prevention, and Recovery