Default Gateway Is Not Available

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Every time I boot my backup computer, I have to run Windows Network Diagnostics before I can access either my local network or the internet. Quoted below is the message after it runs:
__________________________________________________________
Windows Network Diagnostics

Issues found
The default gateway is not available Fixed
Reset the “Local Area Connection” adapter Completed
Investigate router or broadband modem issues Not run

Issues found
The default gateway is not available Fixed

The default gateway is a device that connects a local network or computer to
the Internet. A broadband modem or router is usually the default gateway.

Reset the “Local Area Connection” adapter Completed

This can sometimes resolve an intermittent problem.
____________________________________________________________

It only takes a few seconds each time, but what is irritating is that I use Mouse Without Borders to control both my main and backup computer, so I have to plug in a USB mouse to run the troubleshooter every time I boot before I can use my wireless mouse and keyboard on the backup.

Any ideas why this happens every single time on startup? Or what I could do to prevent it?

Both computers have Windows 10, but the main one has updated to service pack 1 (or whatever Windows calls it) and the backup one hasn’t. Both computers are wired to a Comcast gateway, and I’ve never had the problem on my main computer.

Thanks, Poindexter

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Even though you have a computer where you don’t get this on, I’d first power cycle the router.

If you are using a separate modem and router then switch both off and all computers then disconnect the cables for a couple of minutes.

Reconnect the cables then switch just the modem on (if applicable) and when all of its lights are on, do the same for the router and then switch just the problematic machine on to see if you get the same problem.

Drivers next – right click on the Start button and select Device Manager/View/Show hidden devices and expand Network adapters.

Right click on the adapter you are using and select Update Driver Software – Browse my computer – Let me pick…

You may have more than one in there especially if you have upgraded the machine to Win 10.

You could try each by clicking on them and then on Next where that driver will be installed and then check to see if the same problem occurs when you boot up.

This has also been known to be caused by a 3rd party antivirus program and disabling that so that it doesn’t auto start on boot or using its Uninstaller may help to determine if it is the cause.

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Thanks for the suggestions. The Comcast gateway is a combo modem and router. It was unplugged from the wall for 10 minutes and nothing changed.

There are 3 hidden devices (all Windows entries) in the device manager for network adapters in addition to my Nvidia network card. All say the best driver is installed.

Same antivirus is on both computers.

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It’s possible the default gateway is mis-configured.
Run “ipconfig /all” on both computers and make sure that everything, except the IP address, matches.

cheers, Paul

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That’s a great idea. Unfortunately my main computer just went into the shop so I won’t be able to check that for a few days.

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Poindexter,

Could it be that you have configured a specific IP address and gateway on your backup computer?

To check:
1. Open Network and Sharing Centre
2. Click Change adapter settings
3. The Network Connections window opens
4. Double click on your network adapter
5. In the network adapter Status window click Properties
6. Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and
7. then click Properties
8. Check if you have specified a specific IP address and Default gateway.

A picture probably explains it best:
46681-Gateway

As Paul says, compare with the corresponding data on your main computer.

HTH,
mo.eu

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Can you post a pic of your expanded Network adapters when you get it back ?

Windows invariably tells you that you have the best driver, but what I suggested was a method to install an alternative one.

I’ve had antivirus problems on one computer but not on another with the same AV program, so that is no guarantee that it isn’t the cause this time around.

To eliminate it as a cause would be to boot up into Safe Mode with Networking where it wouldn’t be loaded or would any other 3rd party programs.

Have you installed anything on that machine prior to this problem that isn’t installed on the other ?

Intermittent problems though are the hardest to nail down.

What has it gone into the shop for ?

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The good news is that a recent Windows update seems to have solved whatever the problem was with the network adapter. It also caused a new startup problem, but that’s for another thread on another day.

The main computer is being serviced for some recurring hardware problems (DVD drive and the water cooling system).

Thanks to all for your input. There’s a reason why this is the only forum I read on a regular basis.

Poindexter

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