No Internet Access After Disabling It DNA Leak (Fix Available)

thisisme786thisisme786
edited October 2014 in VPN Setup Support
In the Newest Update for Windows Client (v.19) the DNS Leak Protection was added. 
I personally have found it very good, however, the feature does not work properly. If you have the feature 
enabled and then you later on decide to disable it (or lets just say you disconnected from the VPN and wanted to
disable the DNS Leak Protection) then it is highly likely that you won't be able to connect to internet (Uninstalling the PIA
client won't solve the problem).
I have managed to work out two possible fixes for this: First Don't enable the DNS Leak Protection feature until this gets fixed.
Second: If you have lose Internet access (even if the DNS Leak Protection & VPN Kill Switch are unticked/ disabled), then this
might work for you.
Go to Network and Sharing Center, then click on Change Adapter Settings
1: Disable whatever adapter that is connected. 2: Open Device Manager (press start and type device manager) and uninstall the 
Ethernet adapter if you are connected using an Ethernet connection, if not uninstall the wireless adapter if connected to wireless.
The adapters will reinstall themselves upon a restart (usually a restart is not required and whilst uninstalling the adapter if asked to
remove the adapters software press 'No'.)
image


Another method.
'To fix in windows, after disconnecting from the vpn, go to network connections, select the interface which was bound to the tap-win, right-click and select "disable." Re-enable and the interface should reset its dns IF it's set to auto-acquisition, (the default). 
   If you have originally changed it for fixed dns servers, then reset them by right click the adapter name and selecting properties, select "internet protocol tpc-ip" on the list and select 'properties", and then enter your preferred dns addresses. '
From Max.
«1

Comments

  • SupportSupport
    Hi thisisme, I am going to PM you on how to help us debug this issue.
  • vtbrncovtbrnco
    Support - Can you post an announcement or back to this thread when client update is made that resolves this issue.  I have same issue with v 19- thx.
  • SteevoSteevo
    I had what appears to be the same problem after installing the latest version enabling the DNS leak protection and since my adapter drivers didn't 'show' a problem in the process of trying to figure something out, at my wits end I tried IE instead of my Firefox. When I got the page that said it cannot display the webpage I pressed the box "Diagnose Connection Problems". It detected and quickly solved the DNS connectivity issue.
  • crashincrashin
    edited September 2012
    I had to uninstall my adapters earlier to get my connection to work as well.

    The diagnose connections thing with IE didn't find anything for me.
  • thisisme786thisisme786
    not sure what to say here, support hasn't replied to either of my two tickets which have now been left unanswered for quite a few days, on the bright side, I hope the temporary fix help other people too.
  • hitenhiten
    edited September 2012
    Hi thisisme786,

    Have they replied your tickets?
  • SupportSupport
    Hello,

    If you are having issues with this feature, please disable it until the next version.  We have received your feedback and are working on repairing this issue.

  • thisisme786thisisme786
    not sure what to say here, support hasn't replied to either of my two tickets which have now been left unanswered for quite a few days, on the bright side, I hope the temporary fix help other people too.
    Hello hiten,
    Not as of this moment, however, as the Support has stated above that they are working on it, lookout for v.20 coming out soon.

    Thanks
  • vtbrncovtbrnco
    Any update on this - is v 20 still slated to resolve this?  When is that foretasted to be released?  Thx!
  • toptentopten
    Hi mods and admin,

    How are we to know the version number of the (Windows) client?  There's no version number on the d/l page, the file has no version reference and the PIA blog doesn't announce updates. Appreciate the new features but looking forward to v20 to fix this.

    Thanks
  • SupportSupport
    The version # is listed after clicking "Advanced" in the settings on the bottom left corner of the settings screen.
  • thisisme786thisisme786
    Request completed ;) 
    v.20 Windows Clients allows you to do that ;)
  • toptentopten
    Request completed ;) 
    v.20 Windows Clients allows you to do that ;)
    Thanks, looking forward to getting this resolved.

    My point was that - without following this thread - there is no way for a user to know that the software has been updated without downloading the software, installing it and checking the version number.  One would *never* know of any updte unless they repeatedly returned to dowload, install and test repeatedly.

    At a minimum, there should be an statement on the download page of the current version number.
  • agentsmithagentsmith
    edited October 2012
    I assume I installed v2.0 Windows client (downloaded Oct. 1) and it's buggy as hell. Indeed, it doesn't reset the DNS to the original setting after disconnecting it -- not even after uninstalling it. Speaking of uninstalling it, PIA clients (past and current versions) do not uninstall cleanly. The "Uninstall" item on the Start menu is pretty much useless. Uninstalling it through the control panel leaves all associated files/folders/registers orphaned.

    The older version of the PIA client still allows me to remotely access my desktops with my laptop/tab/phone. The latest version does not. So, I'm sticking to an older version (v1.6). The manual DNS leak solution (using CLI) suggested on the famous DNS leak test website has been working just fine with the older version -- and again, not with the new version.

    As for the "Kill Switch" feature, I have the feeling that somehow it's the culprit as to why it doesn't reset to the original settings after disconnecting it.  I just use a certain app to specifically terminate running programs in the event I lose connection with the VPN and resume automatically when the VPN connection is reestablished.
  • thisisme786thisisme786
    edited October 2012
    I assume I installed v2.0 Windows client (downloaded Oct. 1) and it's buggy as hell. Indeed, it doesn't reset the DNS to the original setting after disconnecting it -- not even after uninstalling it. Speaking of uninstalling it, PIA clients (past and current versions) do not uninstall cleanly. The "Uninstall" item on the Start menu is pretty much useless. Uninstalling it through the control panel leaves all associated files/folders/registers orphaned.

    The older version of the PIA client still allows me to remotely access my desktops with my laptop/tab/phone. The latest version does not. So, I'm sticking to an older version (v1.6). The manual DNS leak solution (using CLI) suggested on the famous DNS leak test website has been working just fine with the older version -- and again, not with the new version.
    Please try to open a ticket at support.privateinternetaccess.com they will not help you but also fix this into the next client if necessary. Rather than uninstalling the PIA client, why don't you look up the PIA's directory and delete the whole folder in Program Files because you are going to have to reinstall it any ways.

    As for the "Kill Switch" feature, I have the feeling that somehow it's the culprit as to why it doesn't reset to the original settings after disconnecting it.  I just use a certain app to specifically terminate running programs in the event I lose connection with the VPN and resume automatically when the VPN connection is reestablished.

    Hi, would you like to share the name of that program with me and others.
  • SupportSupport
    v21 has just been released which should address these concerns.

  • agentsmithagentsmith
    @thisisme: Yes I've been everywhere to tidy up the orphaned components including the registry.  But my point is that there's an "Uninstall" item on the PIA start menu that doesn't lead to anything. Why bother to put it there when it doesn't do anything? Besides, isn't it a standard in coding nowadays to include a "clean" uninstall feature instead of having the users hunt for these files?

    There's a host of them out there and a few free ones.  Just do a search for "make vpn more secure".
  • thisisme786thisisme786
    @thisisme: Yes I've been everywhere to tidy up the orphaned components including the registry.  But my point is that there's an "Uninstall" item on the PIA start menu that doesn't lead to anything. Why bother to put it there when it doesn't do anything? Besides, isn't it a standard in coding nowadays to include a "clean" uninstall feature instead of having the users hunt for these files?

    There's a host of them out there and a few free ones.  Just do a search for "make vpn more secure".
    I do agree that there should be an uninstall specific application, however, I can't personally complain about the uninstall feature in the start menu as it has always worked for me. Try reinstalling the client in safe mode and uninstall it in safe mode. 

  • agentsmithagentsmith
    @thisisme: Yes I've been everywhere to tidy up the orphaned components including the registry.  But my point is that there's an "Uninstall" item on the PIA start menu that doesn't lead to anything. Why bother to put it there when it doesn't do anything? Besides, isn't it a standard in coding nowadays to include a "clean" uninstall feature instead of having the users hunt for these files?

    There's a host of them out there and a few free ones.  Just do a search for "make vpn more secure".
    I do agree that there should be an uninstall specific application, however, I can't personally complain about the uninstall feature in the start menu as it has always worked for me. Try reinstalling the client in safe mode and uninstall it in safe mode. 

    Hmmm...how come it's only picking on me? I've done the uninstall/reinstall process so many times already and on at least five machines but never got the "Uninstall" feature working. That's a bummer for me. :-(
  • maxmax
    The topic statement of this thread has a solution, although its not perfect. Indeed the network interface does not reset its dns servers. Removing the dns servers is an excellent failsafe to prevent unwanted unsecured connections from occuring. To fix in windows, after disconnecting from the vpn, go to network connections, select the interface which was bound to the tap-win, right-click and select "disable." Re-enable and the interface should reset its dns IF it's set to auto-acquisition, (the default).
       If you have originally changed it for fixed dns servers, then reset them by right click the adapter name and selecting properties, select "internet protocol tpc-ip" on the list and select 'properties", and then enter your preferred dns addresses.
       Personally, I will take that small amount of trouble in order to have secured connections as opposed to unsecured, esecially given that I'm sure it will be addressed shortly by the devs, also as finding an application which accomplishes this function for free does not seem to be as easy as a google search. Cheers!
  • Starry322Starry322
    Has version 2.1 fixed the issues for anyone else? I tried to uninstall (not cleanly) v19 because of the loss of internet connection when disconnected but it seems v21 hasn't improved anything for me yet. For both my wireless and ethernet I can only connect to the net when going through the PIA client. 

    I've tried disabling the TAP adapter as well as uninstalling the ethernet adapter and rebooting. Still no joy. Any advice?
  • joohjooh
    i just disabled the program and did  Steevo solution worked great
  • p9426999p9426999
    v.21 still has this problem.  I just installed it today, ran into this issue several times, and have now decided to quit using this program until it is more stable.
  • SupportSupport
    There is a known issue regarding having two adapters installed as described on the client support page.  However, in this case, you should be able to simply disable internet kill and DNS leak protection.

  • 5Mule5Mule
    I have two adapters, wireless and wired.  Trying both of these functions has crippled my network settings. :(  Even after uninstalling, I can't access the settings panel, tcp ip settings for any/either of the interfaces.  I am on windows 7. 
  • thisisme786thisisme786
    I have two adapters, wireless and wired.  Trying both of these functions has crippled my network settings. :(  Even after uninstalling, I can't access the settings panel, tcp ip settings for any/either of the interfaces.  I am on windows 7. 
    have you tried to un-install both adapters? (like I mentioned in the first post). 
  • 5Mule5Mule
    Yes - uninstalled all adapters, including my vmware virtual adapters. 
    Dropped all adapters, rebooted.  No change.

    I had only my wireless adapter connected during the pia install.
    It worked flawlessly after install.  I got curious and tried both dns leak and the kill switch.  They worked during testing.  But when I went to turn them off, that is where I ran into problems.

    Now whenever I disconnect from the vpn, the wireless adapter would not get any settings and I could not get past my router.  I un-installed and same issue.

    No matter what I do, I can't get a DHCP ipv4 value to be assigned to the adapter now.
    I can get an IPv6 dhcp value assigned.  I can disable the protocol, just can't click PROPERTIES [it flashes a small box and the dialog disappears, not the normal size of this dialog].
    When I disable ipv6 from the protocol list in the adapter's properties the adapter tries to get a dhcp v4 address none stop.

    Can a developer of the installer weigh in on what registry values are adjusted for the kill switch and the dns leak?  or what other commands are run that would have such an effect?

    To work around the dhcp issue with just this adapter I issue these commands.

    netsh interface ip set address name="Wireless Network Connection" static 192.168.1.89 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.1 1
    netsh interface ip add dns name="Wireless Network Connection" address=192.168.1.1 index=1

    If I don't issue these commands, my wireless adapter is dead (since I can't access the properties of tcp ip v4 protocol settings in the adapter properties dialog.  So I manually set these from the command line.
    When I manually set this to dhcp, is when I can watch it try to get a response dhcp v6 response but not a dhcp v4 response.  I guess I could break out my snooping kit and try to sniff this dhcp traffic to make sure the dhcpv4 is being sent, but I feel almost 100% certain it is as I get a dhcp v4 response from the wired connection and on wireless adapters on other machines.  It is just this wireless adapter that was lucky to be on while doing this install and testing of the kill switch/dns leak... :(




  • daviddubyadaviddubya
    I am a new user of PIA, having installed it about a week ago.  I experienced the problem of losing my Internet connection after trying to Disconnect and/or Exit PIA with both VPN Kill Switch and DNS Leak Protection enabled.  It took several elapsed hours of back and forth emails to get my Internet connection back.  I was very disappointed to discover this problem dates back two months.  I understood, from my emails with support, that this problem had been discovered recently.  Oh well.  Uninstallikng PIA and running the Windows Network Troubleshooter seemd to be the thing that worked for me, as Steevo said in an earlier post.  I reinstalled PIA, did not use DNS Leak Protection on the advice of Support.  PIA is running fine again, but I have not tried to Disconnect or Exit.  Is it safe to Disconnect or Exit with DNS Leak Protection disabled???
  • thisisme786thisisme786
    edited November 2012
    Yes - uninstalled all adapters, including my vmware virtual adapters.  
    Dropped all adapters, rebooted.  No change.

    I had only my wireless adapter connected during the pia install.
    It worked flawlessly after install.  I got curious and tried both dns leak and the kill switch.  They worked during testing.  But when I went to turn them off, that is where I ran into problems.

    Now whenever I disconnect from the vpn, the wireless adapter would not get any settings and I could not get past my router.  I un-installed and same issue.

    No matter what I do, I can't get a DHCP ipv4 value to be assigned to the adapter now.
    I can get an IPv6 dhcp value assigned.  I can disable the protocol, just can't click PROPERTIES [it flashes a small box and the dialog disappears, not the normal size of this dialog].
    When I disable ipv6 from the protocol list in the adapter's properties the adapter tries to get a dhcp v4 address none stop.

    Can a developer of the installer weigh in on what registry values are adjusted for the kill switch and the dns leak?  or what other commands are run that would have such an effect?

    To work around the dhcp issue with just this adapter I issue these commands.

    netsh interface ip set address name="Wireless Network Connection" static 192.168.1.89 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.1 1
    netsh interface ip add dns name="Wireless Network Connection" address=192.168.1.1 index=1

    If I don't issue these commands, my wireless adapter is dead (since I can't access the properties of tcp ip v4 protocol settings in the adapter properties dialog.  So I manually set these from the command line.
    When I manually set this to dhcp, is when I can watch it try to get a response dhcp v6 response but not a dhcp v4 response.  I guess I could break out my snooping kit and try to sniff this dhcp traffic to make sure the dhcpv4 is being sent, but I feel almost 100% certain it is as I get a dhcp v4 response from the wired connection and on wireless adapters on other machines.  It is just this wireless adapter that was lucky to be on while doing this install and testing of the kill switch/dns leak... :(
    >Run this and see if it fixes the issue for you:

    >To get in touch with the developers use this link: http://support.privateinternetaccess.com/

     PIA is running fine again, but I have not tried to Disconnect or Exit.  Is it safe to Disconnect or Exit with DNS Leak Protection disabled???
    If you are really that worried about DNS leaking then manually set the DNS to '4.2.2.1 and 4.2.2.2'.

  • daviddubyadaviddubya

    thisisme said:

    If you are really that worried about DNS leaking then manually set the DNS to '4.2.2.1 and 4.2.2.2'.

    @thisisme786 - I am not worried about DNS leaking.  I am upset that a PIA option screws up my Internet connection, that the problem has been known for 2 months and that Support went back and forth with me for about three hours before realizing I had experienced a known problem.  I want to be able to Disconnect or Exit PIA without loosing my Internet connection.  My question is, "Is it safe to Disconnect or Exit with DNS Leak Protection disabled???"  Thanks.

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