Thursday, April 14, 2011

I cannot connect to the Internet.What can I try?

You would not believe how often I get this question.  If I got had a dollar for every time I heard this one, I would be a millionaire.  Okay, maybe not, but I can give you a simple way to correct most problems in your network. 

Many times, something goes wrong with the router, or the Cable/DSL/U-verse modem.  These issues can cause the computer to not “see” the Internet correctly.  The steps below will help you reset your network so that you have the highest chance of solving the problem.  There are six steps below which need to be done in the correct order:
  1. Properly turn off all the computers on your network.  How you do this depends on the version of Windows your computer is using.  Click here to see a recent blog post on how to properly shutdown your computer.
  2. Remove power from your router.  If you do not have a router, skip this step.  The power cord is usually a round black plug in the back of the router.  Simply pull the power cord out of the router.
  3. Remove power from your cable modem, DSL modem, or U-verse Modem.  The power cord is usually a round black plug in the back of the modem.  Simply slip the power cord out of the modem.  Do not confuse the power cord with the one for the router.  Even if they fit, they are not interchangeable.
  4. Wait 30 seconds.  Insert the power cord for the modem back into the modem.
  5. Wait 30 seconds.  Insert the power cord for the router back into the router.  If you don't have a router, skip this step.
  6. Wait 30 seconds.  Start your computer(s).
Your network should now be functioning correctly and the computers should be online.  Should you still have problems, contact me.

2 comments:

  1. Hello Robert. I have just reviewed the instructions on how to find the internet and also how to shut down my computer. These are things I will work on tomorrow, but in the meantime I have found that if I don't shutdown the computer and let it run, I don't have the blue screen problem telling me I shut it down incorrectly or have added some new hardware that it doesn't like.So, it will run all night and tomorrow I will turn the computer off and try to follow the new shut down instructions and then reboot to see what the results shall bring. In the meantime I hope you get this. Thanks for your comments. RM

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