Troubleshooting and Testing Network Settings

Windows Vista includes many tools for troubleshooting and testing TCP/IP connectivity. This section looks at automated diagnostics, basic tests that you should perform whenever you install or modify a computer's network settings, and techniques for resolving difficult networking problems involving DHCP and DNS. The final section shows you how to perform detailed network diagnostics testing.

Diagnosing and Resolving Local Area Connection Problems

Occasionally network cables can get unplugged or the network adapter might experience a problem that temporarily prevents it from working. After you plug the cable back in, or solve the adapter problem, the connection should automatically reconnect. You can diagnose local area connection problems by performing the following steps:

1. Click Start and then click Network. In Network Explorer, click Network And Sharing Center on the toolbar.
2. In Network And Sharing Center, click Manage Network Connections.
3. Right-click the connection you want to work with and select Diagnose.

Windows Network Diagnostics will then try to identify the problem. A list of possible solutions is provided if there are identifiable configuration problems. Some solutions provide automated fixes that can be executed by clicking the solution. Other solutions require manual fixes, such as might be required if you need to reset a network router or broadband modem. If your actions don't fix the problem, refer to other appropriate parts of this troubleshooting section.

Diagnosing and Resolving Internet Connection Problems

Because there are so many interdependencies between services, protocols, and configuration settings, troubleshooting network problems can be difficult. Fortunately, Windows Vista includes a powerful network diagnostics tool for pinpointing problems that relate to the following:

• General network connectivity problems
• Internet service settings for e-mail, newsgroups, and proxies
• Settings for modems, network clients, and network adapters
• DNS, DHCP, and WINS configuration
• Default gateways and IP addresses

To diagnose Internet connection problems, follow these steps:

1. Click Start and then click Network. In Network Explorer, click Network And Sharing Center on the toolbar.
2. Click Diagnose And Repair.

Windows Network Diagnostics will then try to identify the problem. If identifiable configuration problems exist, a list of possible solutions is provided. Some solutions provide automated fixes that can be executed by clicking the solution. Other solutions require manual fixes, such as might be required if you need to reset a network router or broadband modem. If your actions don't fix the problem, refer to other appropriate parts of this troubleshooting section.