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Problem: No PCs show on the network.
Likely Cause: Windows is probably at fault, but the source
could be hardware. An easy way to check which it is: If you can access the
Internet, chances are the problem is not your hardware or drivers.
The Fix: If the problem is not hardware, start by going
through the various Windows settings to see which has gone bad.
- If you've never been able to see other computers on the network,
check that they're all part of the same workgroup. (Windows Vista
changes the default workgroup name.) Select Start, Run, type
sysdm.cpl, and press <Enter>. Click the Computer
Name tab and then the Change button, and look at the
Workgroup field.
- Next, look for duplicate IP address assignments, another common
problem. Windows will usually pop up a warning about one PC being
assigned an IP address that's already in use on the network. A router
and/or PC reboot will often solve this; but also check that manually
assigned, static IP addresses haven't been set on some systems in the
same area the router uses to assign automatic IP addresses (check each
PC individually by clicking Start, Run, then typing cmd /k
ipconfig and pressing <Enter>).
- Running Windows Update on all systems could solve this problem, too,
particularly on XP machines. As always, check cabling and Wi-Fi
settings. (Also, is the PC you want to reach actually on?)
- Finally, make sure the printers or folders you are trying to access
are shared and have the appropriate permissions for clients to read;
you'll need to log in as an administrator to do this. For folders, go to
Windows Explorer, right-click the folder you want to share, and select
Share. For printers, go to Start, Printers and Faxes
(Printers In Vista), right-click the printer you want, and choose
Sharing. Remember, sharing in Vista is quite different than in
XP: Make sure network discovery and file and/or printer sharing are
turned on in the Network and Sharing Center.
How to Avoid It Next Time: Once these issues are remedied,
the problem should not crop up again. If it does resurface, a few reboots
ought to take care of it.
Problem: Your Net connection is dead.
Likely Cause: Your router could have seized up,
sunspots might be mucking with the Web, or...
The Fix: Start with the issues you can control. Modems
and routers are vulnerable to frequent crashes. A simple reboot usually
corrects the problem.
- First, try using another PC to reach the Web (you could have a
faulty network card in the first machine). If you can't do that,
check if your local network is working (if not, the culprit might be
the router, which you may need to reboot or replace).
- Next, see if your cable or DSL modem is displaying error lights.
If it indicates trouble, unplug it. You may as well do the same for
your router and shut down your PC. Wait about 30 seconds after
you've unplugged your gear, and then plug everything back in and
start up your PC.
- If that doesn't work, try resetting your PC connection in
Windows. The most reliable way in XP is to click Start, Run
and type CMD (in Vista, type CMD at the search
prompt). Then type ipconfig /renew at the terminal prompt.
You'll get a similar outcome by right-clicking the network
connection icon in the system tray and selecting Repair.
However, I find the terminal method more effective.
- If you're still not online and you usually connect via a
wireless adapter, try plugging in directly to the router via an
ethernet cable. Still not working? Try skipping the router and
connecting a PC directly to the modem to further isolate the
problem. Check all cables and replace them if possible. Examine
cable modems for fraying on the coaxial wiring.
- No dice? It's time to call your broadband provider to check for
known outages in your area. (Don't forget to check the obvious: If
you use a cable modem, is the cable TV working? Did you pay the
bill?) Some providers can test your network gear remotely, as well;
in some cases the ISP may need to send a reset signal to your modem.
But at this point you're likely dealing with a network outage. Such
outages are usually temporary, but reporting them and
complaining--repeatedly--will likely result in a speedier
resolution.
How to Avoid It Next Time: Invest in backup
connectivity gear--find a nearby friend whose Wi-Fi signal you can use,
or buy a wireless data card and account for your laptop. Even having
dial-up numbers for your ISP or an AOL or NetZero CD handy can get you
online in a pinch.
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