Verizon USB wireless interface on Windows 8.1 computers
One of our users is trying to use a Verizon wireless / USB interface on a couple of Windows 8.1 laptops. We're getting strange results:
- when connected to the Verizon interface, most often, web pages won't load. The connection is there but the pages won't load. They do load using other connections.
- It appears that the Windows firewall is involved as if it's turned on or even if it's turned off, as long as it's the only firewall installed then the problem occurs.
- If we install the Kaspersky firewall then the problem goes away.
- If we install the Comodo firewall then the problem goes away.
So, it would seem that whatever gets shut off when a 3rd party firewall is installed does something to allow the connections to fully work. After all, they do "disable" the Windows firewall somehow, yes? And this appears to be different than turning off the Windows firewall by itself.
I'm not satisfied with having to install another firewall and would like to get the Windows firewall working.
But I have NO idea what to consider.
- when connected to the Verizon interface, most often, web pages won't load. The connection is there but the pages won't load. They do load using other connections.
- It appears that the Windows firewall is involved as if it's turned on or even if it's turned off, as long as it's the only firewall installed then the problem occurs.
- If we install the Kaspersky firewall then the problem goes away.
- If we install the Comodo firewall then the problem goes away.
So, it would seem that whatever gets shut off when a 3rd party firewall is installed does something to allow the connections to fully work. After all, they do "disable" the Windows firewall somehow, yes? And this appears to be different than turning off the Windows firewall by itself.
I'm not satisfied with having to install another firewall and would like to get the Windows firewall working.
But I have NO idea what to consider.
ASKER
I've not had the opportunity to run any diagnostic tests but that's surely a good idea. Like ping 8.8.8.8.
The problem with other firewalls is that then you have all sorts of firewalls installed here and there and you have to know what *their* vagaries are. Better the devil you know than the devil you don't know.
I really hate it when a user says: "well, I can't access other computers and, oh yes, I'm using the xyz firewall". For example, I've seen the Symantec firewalls totally mess up network communications. etc. etc.
I'm rather impressed by the Windows firewall starting in Windows 7 as there are plenty of settings that you can get at, change and add. And, after all, firewalls are in some sense rather straightforward - perhaps more so than antivirus programs ,etc.
The problem with other firewalls is that then you have all sorts of firewalls installed here and there and you have to know what *their* vagaries are. Better the devil you know than the devil you don't know.
I really hate it when a user says: "well, I can't access other computers and, oh yes, I'm using the xyz firewall". For example, I've seen the Symantec firewalls totally mess up network communications. etc. etc.
I'm rather impressed by the Windows firewall starting in Windows 7 as there are plenty of settings that you can get at, change and add. And, after all, firewalls are in some sense rather straightforward - perhaps more so than antivirus programs ,etc.
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ASKER
The thing is, I don't get to choose all the time what's installed/used. Influence yes and sometimes decide by default.
Good idea about stopping the service. I'll try that.
Any other theories?
Good idea about stopping the service. I'll try that.
Any other theories?
ASKER
I'm narrowing it down.
I removed Kaspersky and have killed the Windows firewall service (which was still running initially!)
Now I'm connected using Verizon and my remote connection remains OK.
I can ping 8.8.8.8 but can't open web pages.
Lo and behold, there is no DNS service... aha!
The Verizon interface is showing a couple of DNS server addresses but using nslookup and one of those DNS addresses seems to not work.
Even using 8.8.8.8 via nslookup does not work.
But, I can still ping IP addresses such as those DNS servers...
I removed Kaspersky and have killed the Windows firewall service (which was still running initially!)
Now I'm connected using Verizon and my remote connection remains OK.
I can ping 8.8.8.8 but can't open web pages.
Lo and behold, there is no DNS service... aha!
The Verizon interface is showing a couple of DNS server addresses but using nslookup and one of those DNS addresses seems to not work.
Even using 8.8.8.8 via nslookup does not work.
But, I can still ping IP addresses such as those DNS servers...
My opinion, standardize the antivirus and firewalls. Much easier to support. Let me know on the ping results. You could also verify DNS using NSLOOKUP and the sites you are trying to view.
The Windows firewall service running with it disabled is not an issue. In NSLOOKUP it reports responses from 8.8.8.8 not a different server, correct? Was there ever another firewall installed before all of these issues, or another antivirus? If so find the removal tool from that company to remove all remnants of that past AV. I would run ccleaner on this computer most important is the registry part.... Make sure you select YES to making a backup to registry changes before you remove anything.
What make & model are the laptops? Example Lenovo Thinkpads have Access Connections software.
Also check the network and sharing to make sure that has set the type as either Public, Work, or Home. Until that is selected nothing will work. I have seen where you never get that option on some wireless adapters and therefore cannot use the connection.
Also make sure you have the latest drivers for the Verizon adapter.
Do you have the windows updates installed up to date?
Also check the network and sharing to make sure that has set the type as either Public, Work, or Home. Until that is selected nothing will work. I have seen where you never get that option on some wireless adapters and therefore cannot use the connection.
Also make sure you have the latest drivers for the Verizon adapter.
Do you have the windows updates installed up to date?
ASKER
I have read a lot about Windows 8.1 updates and DNS issues with various connections.
But, I've not found a solution yet.
I've tried the netsh resets, etc.
I tried to use Wireshark but it seems to not see the PPP Verizon wireless connection.
I wish now I'd entitled this question: "Windows 8.1 DNS with Verizon PPP Wireless Connection"
But, I've not found a solution yet.
I've tried the netsh resets, etc.
I tried to use Wireshark but it seems to not see the PPP Verizon wireless connection.
I wish now I'd entitled this question: "Windows 8.1 DNS with Verizon PPP Wireless Connection"
What make & Model laptops are these?
ASKER
In NSLOOKUP it reports responses from 8.8.8.8 not a different server, correct?No, not correct. It doesn't generate any results from nslookup no matter which DNS server IP address is specified.
What it *can* do is ping 8.8.8.8 which leads me to a local DNS issue (i.e. on this computer).
I'm getting the other info....
ASKER
X-240 Thinkpad
Verizon software is the latest.
Verizon software is the latest.
I would try disabling Thinkvantage access connections temporarily for testing.
https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/Lenovo-3000-and-Essential/How-To-Disable-ThinkVantage-Access-Connections-or-Use-Windows-to/ta-p/887141
https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/Lenovo-3000-and-Essential/How-To-Disable-ThinkVantage-Access-Connections-or-Use-Windows-to/ta-p/887141
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ASKER
It is what it is. Thank you for the suggestions!
With Windows firewall only, can you ping 8.8.8.8 ?