| Thursday, February 15, 2007 |
| Troubleshooting your internet connection. |
Thanks for watching Tech Check with Sam and Chase! This week we talked about what to do in the event that your internet connections is down. You might want to print this guide out, since it won't be available the next time you go offline, right? If you haven't watched the segment yet, do so by clicking here.
First: don't panic!!
Second: check your connections - all of the plugs coming into and out of your router, modem and computer. Make sure the modem and router (if you have one) are turned on and plugged in. You might also want to familiarize yourself with what your modem lights look like when your connection is up and running, so you can note differences when your connection is down. There have been several times we have gone offline because our kids pulled the plug on our modem, or something was bumped, or a cable came loose.
Third - Power cycle. Power cycle is a geeky way of saying turn everything off and then turn it on again. Start with your computer - shut it down. Then unplug your modem, then your router. Wait for 2-5 minutes, and then plug your modem back in. Wait one minute, and then plug your router back in. Finally, restart your computer, and see if the problem is fixed. If the problem is not fixed, go ahead and begin the call to your internet service provider - you can typically complete the steps below while you are on hold!
Fourth - Try repairing your network connection. You can do this by right clicking on the networked computers icon in your system tray (bottom right), but not all computers have that icon in their tray. If you don't, (and you are running Windows XP), just click the start button, then My Network Places, then View My Network Connection, then click on the Network Troubleshooter link (left side of the screen) Don't waste too much time here - if the above steps haven't got you back online yet, chances are the problem is with your Internet Service Provider.
If you'd like to learn how to use advanced networking tools like Ipconfig, Here are a couple of articles that will help you. CLICK HERE 1 and CLICK HERE 2 - pay attention to the part of this guide where it talks about "pinging". You might also print these pages for reference as well.
Finally, if none of this works, and you haven't done so yet, then it's time to call your ISP and tell them you are down. Be prepared for a long wait, and people that aren't particularly helpful, but don't be rude to them - they have to deal with rude people all day, it won't help your cause. After you give them the information they request, be sure and note that you have completed the steps listed above - this should save you some time!!
If anybody has any more tips, please leave them in the comments section below. |
posted by Chase Thompson @ 11:52 AM   |
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