Thread: Can't connect?

When your network stops working, the most important thing to do is to be methodical. Don't start changing settings. First, work out exactly what the problem is. If your favourite web page can't be reached, can you reach others? Can you still see a shared printer, or the other computers? Does the problem affect only the computer you're using, or others, too?

If all the computers are affected, then it makes most sense to check the part ofthe network that links everything together - usually a router. Start by making sure that everything is plugged in, switched on, and showing the power light - sometimes problems can be caused by something as basic as a broken power supply or a switch that has been accidentally knocked. If the router looks alright, turn it off for 30 seconds then restart it. If you have a separate cable modem then restart this first, then the router.

If restarting the router or wireless access point doesn't solve the problem, it's time to refer back to the details of their original setup and to make sure nothing's been changed. If you can see the different computers at home, but not access the internet, it's sometimes worth unplugging your broadband connection for half an hour, which will cause the equipment at the telephone exchange to reset - and if you still have problems, contact your ISP.



If you use network cables to connect different bits of equipment, then take a look at the ends of each cable. Most products with a network cable socket also have small lights to show when a connection is working. The colour of the lights may change to indicate the speed, but they'll usually only light up when there's a cable plugged in, and the device on the other end of the cable is switched on. If you have a cable connected between a computer and a router, for example, and the light next to that connection on the router is not illuminated, then it could be at fault.

Ifthere's no connection light, try plugging the cable into a different socket on the hub or router. If that doesn't work, try a different cable; remember, too, that there can be two types of network cable, sometimes called 'crossover' and 'straight through.' A crossover cable, which may be marked 'cross' or 'x-over' is intended to link two PCs directly, without a hub or switch in between them. Ifused to link a PC to a router, it usually won't work.

Sadly, users with wireless networks don't get the helpful lights to tell them when things are working. If a wireless device isn't working, try connecting it with a standard network cable instead: if this restores the network then you'll know that it's the wireless part at fault. We'll explain how to fix this later on.