Can't connect to server message

Question

I upgraded my MacBook (early 2008) to Lion and it works fine except for two messages that continue to pop up.  One says that it can't connect to the server because URL with "file" extensions are not supported.  The other is that I need to install a java runtime and I am not connected to the Internet.  I am connected to the internet and I am not failing to connect to any servers that I am aware of.  Anybody know why I am getting these pop ups?

Answer 1

Is Mail the only program down? I've had this happen quite a few times, I'm afraid.
First off, you should head to your Wifi connection and see what your IP address is. Are you connected to your network? I mean, does the IP address look RIGHT to you?
I have an issue where my IP address changes from it's proper address, in the 10.x range, to some unholy 169.x address that SAYS it's connected, but isn't connected to anything.
If you happen to fall into my problem-category, here's the best solution I've found so far, with an as-yet undocumented workaround:
go to Network, find your Wifi Connection, click on the right arrow to get into its setting. Then hit Renew Lease.
Say yes.
Once the IP address flashes to a correct address, in my case it's 10.x, etc., hit the Home button. This should keep the iPad from searching for another IP address and it should stay connected.
If you don't hit the Home button fast enough, the IP address will go momentarily blank and then assign itself to a false IP address. Also, sometimes it seems like you were fast enough, but you were just too slow. It's a bit of a timing issue, but shouldn't take you more than 2 tries to get it right.
Now, if you aren't having the same IP address problem I've been having, this solution probably won't benefit you. But then it won't harm anything to try it, either.
Curious: is Mail the only program that's not working? Does the Wifi work for, say, Urbanspoon or Safari? Or is it just connecting to your email server in Mail that's the issue?