computer problem; network problem

Network computer problems can be elusive and difficult to solve. Sometimes they provide a feeling of hopelessness because the root cause can not be identified.

This section is for hard wired. Visit the wireless router section if you have installed a wireless router, you are at public facility such as a coffee shop, or hotel.

If you are installing a network take your time and follow the directions. There should be 800 number to call. Keep the number handy. These peope deal with network problems all day and have seen just about every problem. If you have not had much luck with the customer service the product supplied and/or if your problem has for no reason at all then try these steps. Basically it's the "process of elimination".

1. Call your high speed internet provider. Find out if they are having a problem. Also make sure your bill is paid. :) Sometimes they do updates or have an urgent security issue that requires them to shut parts of the network down to isolate a problem until they can fix it. If they are having a problem then you can relax and just wait until they resolve it. If there is not a problem on their end then you can ask them to help you. These people are experts at network computer problems as well.

2. Make sure everything is plugged in and is receiving power from the power source. If everything looks to be connected correctly then move on to step three.

3. Power everything down. Lets just start over. Turn the computer off and unplug everything (router off, modem off, and unplug your voip phone and printer or anything else connected to your network). Once everything is off then lets power everything back on in this order:

a. Plug in your modem. Wait a couple of minutes. Make sure all the lights on the modem are flashing.
b. Connect your router to the modem and then turn the power on to the router. Wait for a couple of minutes so that the router and modem can identify each other.
c. Connect your computer to the router. Turn on your computer only AFTER you have the cable connecting your router to your computer.
d. Try to visit a few websites. www.defragmyharddrive.com, www.google.com, www.yahoo.com.

You have basically eliminated the most common causes of a network computer problem.