"Default gateway is offline"

I have been having issues with my internet connection on my sony vaio for a few months now. When I start it up, I generally have internet connection for a few minutes, then with out explanation I get message from my browser that says the websites are unavailable. I am using Google Chrome as a browser. I can sometimes right click on the wireless icon near the time and "repair" the connection for a while, but it usually goes back to not working with in a few minutes. My computer also maintains that I have an established connection through all of this, usually saying its running a 24.00 mbps. I ran the "troubleshooting" option from windows live messenger, and I get the error message "Your default gateway is offline". I know this is an issue with my computer, because I am running another laptop through th same router, and I have no issues. That laptop runs on Vista, however, my roommates also run XP and do not have this issue. The problem appears to be getting worse, because just last week I was able to connect for enough time to check my email, and tinker online, do some homework, but today I cannot connect for more than 5 seconds at a time. I Have looked to see how many internet connections I have running, because I saw this was a solution for many other people, and I have 3, a LAN connection, the connection to my router and a "1394 network connection" which I don't know what is. I have disabled the 1394 and the LAN, but it did not solve my issue. Thank you for reading, any help is much appreciated!

You could be having a failure with your wireless adapter in the laptop. It could be that where this laptop is there is interference or it is too far away from the wireless router. 24Mbps speed suggests that the speed has been reduced due to signal quality problems. 54Mbps is what it should be at with a strong signal. Get closer to the router and see if it helps your problems. It could be malware related. It could just be some problematic software on your computer like a firewall or something.

After reading this, I do realize that It works better in a room that is closer to the router it self, but the speed is still 24.00mbps. I run 2 laptops wirelessly, right next to each other, and the other works just fine, so my guess is that there is not a problem with the signal entering the other room. What kinds of things might cause interference? if it is a failure with the adapter, how can I fix this? Thanks agian

the connection to my router and a "1394 network connection" which I don't know what is

As far as i know, 1394 is the technical name for USB / Firewire (referring to the 1394a/b standard) and is nothing to worry about.
i don't think that this would be causing your network problems.

If you have a spare USB wireless dongle then try using that to see if that can connect without problems.

If that fails or you haven't got a spare USB dongle, try, as others suggest, downloading an ISO for puppy linux (apparantly it's about 100mb but don't quote me on that) and burn that to a CD. boot the CD (after restarting computer) (you may need to alter the boot order in the BIOS first so make a note of all your current settings) when the menu loads, select the "Try without installing" (it will probably be phrased differently but i've never used puppy linux myself so i don't know the exact phrasing) If your network stays connected (using the onboard wireless card) it suggests a problem with your current Vista installation, if the problem still persists, it suggests a failure (partial or complete) of your internal wireless card.

if it is a failure with the adapter, how can I fix this?

This can be done 2 of ways:

1) a new internal wireless card fitted by either a technically minded friend (N.B. this may void your warranty (if applicable)) or a local, reliable computer repair shop (get a quote first) (this may still void your warranty (if applicable), the only way to NOT void your warranty (if applicable) is to take it back to the place where you got it from and getting them to replace it (get a quote first))

—OR—

2) a USB wireless dongle, plugged into any available USB port of your laptop. You can pick yourself a Belkin Wireless N USB dongle for about £40 from argos (in uk as i don't know your location)

I hope any/all of this helps you in fixing your computer

Regards

Duey

N.B. All linux distributions are made entirely from "open source" freeware so there is no cost involved (except the cost of a blank CD if you burn it yourself!)

Reason for edit - Puppy Linux link

What is the make and model of your laptop? Check the manufacturers web site for an updated driver then install it and see if that helps.