if hard wired, why can't one get online

While on the wired connection, right click the network icon in the System Tray. Then click Troubleshoot problems.

See what Windows finds.

KCL First disable wifi on the computer then reboot. Recheck for your issue reappearing. If things do not change you can do the following as well:

Try the following steps and check if it helps:

1. Click on start and type in cmd in the search box.
2. Right click on the command prompt shortcut and select “Run as administrator”.
3. Enter these commands one at a time  in the command prompt and press enter.

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
 exit

If the issue is not fixed then try disabling IPV6, follow the steps below to do the same;

1. Right click the Network Connection icon in the Notification Area > Open Network and Sharing Center
2. On the left hand pane, click "Change Adapter Settings"
3. Right click on your Network connection in question (should be called Local Area Connection if hard-wired) > Properties
4. Uncheck the box under "The Connection Uses the following items:" that says Internet Protocol Version 6.
5. Click OK.
6. Repeat for any additional Network connections that are exhibiting the same symptoms.

You may access the link below and try the troubleshooting methods in the article and that should possibly fix the issue.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/956196