Home Network Troubleshooter

 

Welcome

Can't get your home network to work?

  1. Start by checking that your Antivirus/Internet Security software is not preventing your computers from connecting to each other. Turn off your antivirus software on all networked computers. Can the computers connect now?
  1. Have you run the 'Set up a home or small office network' wizard on both computers and given the workgroup on each computer the same name? (The default name is MSHOME). This is required even when one or more computers uses a wireless connection.
    • If no, Open 'my network places' (via the 'start' menu) and click on 'Set up a home or small office network'  and follow the instructions. Repeat on all networked computers.
    • If yes, Read on:
  1. Check whether the computers on the network can be pinged - i.e. they are connected to the network even if they won't allow access.
    1. On one computer, click 'Start', click 'Run', type cmd (or command if using Windows Me or earlier) and click 'okay'. Type ipconfig in the menu that appears and press 'enter'. Make a note of the ip address that displays (This is a series of numbers, separated by dots).
    2. Go to another computer on your network and repeat the above steps, but type ping followed by the above computer's ip address (no space after ping), instead of ipconfig. If the ping is successful, a line starting 'reply from [the pinged computer]:' will display. If unsuccessful, a 'Request timed out' message will appear.
  1.  You must be using at least one computer that is not running Windows XP. Here's what to do on the XP computer:
    1. Open 'My Computer', click 'tools' and click 'Map network drive'. Enter the ip address of the computer you wish to connect to in the bottom box and click 'browse'. Navigate down to a shared folder on the remote computer that you wish to assign to the z-drive on your base computer. Check 'reconnect at login' if you wish your computer to try to find this folder each time it boots. You may need to change the file sharing permissions on the file on the remote computer first. (Do the following on that computer). You do this my right clicking on the folder and selecting 'properties'. From the 'properties' menu selct the 'Sharing' tab and check the 'share this folder on the network' box.
  1. Remember to restart antivirus software. If doing so shuts down your network connection then proceed to: how to configure your antivirus software to allow network access
  1. We recommend a monthly Windows Registry Scan to ensure that your computer functions optimally. Free registry scans are available from registry-fix software providers. Learn how to optimize your computer and speed up a slow computer.
  1. If you are still having problems, take a look at the microsoft home network help page
  1. Printer sharing via a home network requires the computer to which the printer is connected to be switched on. To connect a printer directly to a network, so any computer on the network can use it without needing to turn on a computer, use a printer server. One good value server is the D-link DP-301P+ (shown on the left)
Features:

  • Provides direct connection to printer without printer cable
  • Supports all the major networking protocols
  • Easily configured using a web-browser
  • Great alternative to software-based printer sharing
Technical Details:
  • Description: Compact print server
  • Connectivity: USB connection
  • Compatability: All major protocols such as TCP/IP, NetBEUI, AppleTalk, and EtherTalk
  • Operating Systems: Windows, Macintosh, Linux, and all other TCP/IP compatible operating systems
  • Special Features: Built-in Centronics connector that connects directly to your printer without a printer cable
  • Configuration: Easily configured using a Web-browser from any computer on the network
  • Warranty: One-year limited warranty



© COPYRIGHT 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
  Home Network Troubleshooter


Design downloaded from FreeWebTemplates.com
Free web design, web templates, web layouts, and website resources!