The
network card allows you to connect to other computers either locally or over
the World Wide Web (internet). Before we get to involved with trying to fix a network problem this site can not
give you all the steps you will need to fix a network problem, it is just too
complex. I can how ever help you trouble shoot it for the most common problems,
if these steps fail you will have to call a local tech to assist you. By using
this guide you may save your self some money by fixing it your self.
These cards are a go no-go type of component.
They either work or they don't. However most problems with network card are caused by configuration failure.
By configuration failure I mean that the card is getting the wrong information
to allow it to do it's job. If you have reseated the card, checked the cable is
connected and still having problems connecting then the next step is to trouble
shoot the configuration.
Steps:
A) Go to start, then accessories, then command prompt. Type in -
ipconfig
You should get a listing like this:
Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix .
homecomp
P Address... ………………........ :
192.168.1.4
Subnet Mask .. ....... . . . . . . . . . ...:
255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . ..... . .... . . :
192.168.1.1
If you do not see this then you are having a configuration problem, you need to
check the properties for the network card. If you see this go to how to check
for connectivity.
B) Check the properties of the card in computer management/device manager. Does
it have a red circle with a slash over the icon? Does the properties say "Device
is functioning normally" or does it say "The drivers for this device are not
installed. (Code 28)" or something similar? (go to reinstalling card/drivers)
C) If the card is green and the properties display "This device is working
properly." you may have a configuration problem.
D) Go to My Network Places, right click, select properties from menu. Network
properties opens, do you see the "Local area Connections" or just "New
Connection"? Right click on the "Local area Connections", select properties from
menu.
E) DHCP Settings: When you look at the properties page you should see at a
minimum four items that are checked. The main item of concern in the box labeled
"This connection uses the following items:" The one you want to check is labeled
"Internet Protocol". High light it and go to the properties button. When it
opens the area we are looking for is "Obtain an IP address automatically" the
radio button should be checked, the boxes below should be grayed out. Close the
TCP/IP Protocol page.
F) Static IP Settings: The main item of concern in the box labeled "This
connection uses the following items:" The one you want to check is labeled
"Internet Protocol". Highlight it and go to the properties button. When it opens
the area we are looking for is the IP, Subnet Mask, and Gateway. Normally these
would not be set unless you have a Local Area Network setup with a DNS server.
If this is the case you need to know what the ip, subnet mask, gateway, DNS, and
Wins addresses are for you LAN. If you hired someone to setup your LAN they
should have gave you a configuration document, if not you may have to call them
to get the information. If any of these parameters have changed, you will not be
able to connect.
