Windows Network Diagnostics

Troubleshooting network problems is complicated, especially for users. Many users discover network problems when they attempt to visit a Web page with Internet Explorer. If the Web page is not available, Internet Explorer returns the message "Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage." The problem could be any one of the following, however:

• The user mistyped the address of the Web page.
• The Web server is not available.
• The user's Internet connection is not available.
• The user's LAN is not available.
• The user's network adapter is misconfigured.
• The user's network adapter has failed.

The cause of the problem is important for the user to understand. For example, if the Web server is not available, the user does not need to take any action-the user should simply wait for the Web server to become available. If the Internet connection has failed, the user might need to call her Internet service provider (ISP) to troubleshoot the problem. If the user's network adapter has failed, she should attempt to reset it and contact her computer manufacturer's technical support for additional assistance.

Windows Network Diagnostics and the underlying Windows Troubleshooting Platform assist users in diagnosing and, when possible, resolving network connectivity issues. When Windows 7 detects network problems, it will prompt the user to diagnose them. For example, Internet Explorer displays a link to start Windows Network Diagnostics if a Web server is unavailable, and the Network And Sharing Center will display a diagnostic link if a network is unavailable.

Applications might prompt users to open Windows Network Diagnostics in response to connectivity problems. To start Windows Network Diagnostics manually, open Network And Sharing Center, click Troubleshoot Problems, and follow the prompts that appear. Unlike many of the tools described in this tutorial, Windows Network Diagnostics is designed to be useful without a deep understanding of network technologies.