Can't access Internet

[Raven]

Dual G4 1.25 GHz. OS 10.4.11

Weird! Everything was fine this afternoon. Came back in a few hours and can't get online.
When I tried to check my Network Prefs, a window keeps popping up -
"your network setting has been changed by another application".
When I click OK, the window keeps coming back.
The only thing I can do is FORCE QUIT System Preferences to get outta there.

I disconnected the router and just tried using the modem. No change.
I tried Repairing Permissions.
I booted up from my Install DVD and used Disk Utility to repair Disk.
Went through Internet Assist again.
Rebooted each time.
No change.

Any ideas what to do??? I'm using my wife's eMac.
Please advise.
You folks are constant lifesavers!  :-)

[krissel]

This was created by one of the latest security updates. I suffered the same problem.

The complete solution is to do the following:

Go to Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration and delete the following (suggest make copies to the desktop first if in doubt):

com.apple.airport.preferences.plist
NetworkInterfaces.plist
preferences.plist
com.apple.nat.plist

HOWEVER, this will require you to reenter a lot of information so you had better have all of it written down somewhere.

I solved it by going to System Prefs , then Security and ticking the box that says "Require password to unlock each secure preference".  That stopped the looping warning message and I haven't seen it since.

[Gregg]

QUOTE(krissel @ Nov 7 2008, 04:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This was created by one of the latest security updates. I suffered the same problem.

So I wonder why it happens to some but not others. I've downloaded every security update, and I've never encountered this.

Pumpkin (that's my search term in case I ever need to find this thread again)
No, I won't remember

[kbeartx]

QUOTE(Gregg @ Nov 7 2008, 07:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE(krissel @ Nov 7 2008, 04:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This was created by one of the latest security updates. I suffered the same problem.

So I wonder why it happens to some but not others...

THAT is the 64-gigabyte question!!!

My 'Macspider sense' tells me the diff is at the Airport!  No, wait!  Not AT the Airport, but IN the Airport!!  Only if you take a certain route to the Airport?

Wait, I'll try again:

I think the prob only happens if you're using an Airport Router!!

KB

[Highmac]

QUOTE(kbeartx @ Nov 7 2008, 09:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think the prob only happens if you're using an Airport Router!!

KB

Nope - got it with Netgear DG834G as well..... but used wirelessly through Airport.

Strange thing is we couldn't get our PC to connect to the net either (wirelessly through the same Netgear). Went into the Netgear settings page which confirmed everything was fine, logged in to Netgear help page and everything has been hunky-dorey since.

We may never know....  

[kbeartx]

QUOTE(Highmac @ Nov 7 2008, 03:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Nope - got it with Netgear DG834G as well..... but used wirelessly through Airport. ...

[emphasis mine]

Umm...methinks you are splitting hairs rather minutely there...you do have an Airport in your network, yes?  IMO, my spidey-sense feeling still holds.

KB

[Highmac]

Good morning kbear....

Airport card and software, yes, but no Airport router - the Netgear is our modem/router. And, of course, the PC (XP Pro) doesn't use any Airport anything  

I'm guessing (since I'm no techie) that the software update sent some signal to the router that b*ggered it up, which would account for us suffering the same symptoms. As a sign-off on another forum says: "It works. Now if only I knew what I did...."

In case it helps anyone else, what I DID do, as far as I recall: Started with the usual reboot of the Netgear and restarted the iMac, still couldn't connect; unplugged Netgear from the phone socket and reinserted it; still no joy. Then logged in to Netgear admin page (local page, on the iMac). It showed everything as being OK, with expected upload and download speeds (so it was obviously on line by then). Then clicked on Netgear 'web support/knowledge base' link and it connected.

Then I was able to see this thread....  

And no problems this morning.

[krissel]

The looping window problem in Network Prefs only occurs on PPC Macs that are running Tiger.

[Raven]

Thanks again Krissel.
I only had two of the 4 you suggested to trash -
NetworkInterfaces.plist
preferences.plist
(How in the heck do you know that was the problem?)

After that, it took a while to get all my settings right in Network Prefs, and finally... voilà!
Back online 26 emails later! Not sure what I did.

That takes care of the modem to get me back online.
BUT I can't seem to get my Belkin wireless router to work so my wife's eMac can get online like before.

I've hooked up all the cables properly, checked them 5 times, and then get stuck at the 1st step of the Install CD...
"checking settings on computer and router".
It goes no further.
Everything is grayed at the bottom of the window... CANCEL. BACK. NEXT.

Is this the same issue or something else?

Dual G4. 1.25 GHz. OS10.4.11

[Gregg]

QUOTE(Raven @ Nov 8 2008, 12:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks again Krissel.
(How in the heck do you know that was the problem?)

QUOTE(krissel @ Nov 7 2008, 04:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I suffered the same problem.

How good is the support you get from your ISP? I've gotten decent help from AT&T when I've had router issues.

[Raven]

OK. It's all working and good.
Had to set up my Network Prefs again BEFORE doing the Router install.

Easy for you, but a pain in the butt for me! :-)

Thanks TS. You're the best!

[kbeartx]

QUOTE(Highmac @ Nov 8 2008, 02:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

... Airport card and software, yes, but no Airport router

I sit corrected
KB