I am using windows 7 on my laptop and it can connect to the network when my network switch is powered -off-, but it will not when the network switch is on??? Help

Terminology: Network Switch - a device used to connect multiple devices to a network, usually via Ethernet ports; most home/small office routers have one integrated into them. Is this the switch you're talking about? Or do you mean the wireless on/off switch on the front/back/side of your laptop?

yes network switch is correct - connected through the network switch from my phone ethernet cableTonia Manion Business Analyst

All right, but we're still a little sparse on the troubleshooting information here. Do you mean your local network doesn't work or just the Internet? Is there any specific error message that appears? Does it show as Not Connected? Is this a router or a true switch? Is it capable of providing DHCP? Can you post the results of an IPCONFIG /ALL of when the network isn't working and another of when it is? What is the make and model number of your laptop and also the switch?

It seems impossible to connect to a network when a switch is off, that is the purpose of the network switch. the switch connects multiple devices to the 1 internet connection. I believe you should state what type of internet connection you have. Are you on dsl or cable? does the dsl or cable have a wireless modem attatched? Are you attatching a secondary switch to this modem and then having problems? If you are using cable connected directly to one computer and it works but does not work when a switch is involved i know the problem. Most cable connections are authenticated via mac address. You need to clone the computers mac address into the switch or have the cable company change the mac address allowed. In other words we need more info.