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Quick answers to real classroom technology questions. An online service of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse.

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I can't connect to my network, what should I do?

Most network connection problems can be solved by following some simple troubleshooting steps:

Begin with the easiest solution. With networking, this is checking to make sure the network cable is properly connected to both the computer and the network port on the wall. If you do not see a blinking light on your network card, chances are the physical connection to the network may be the problem. Double check those cables.

If you are in a room that has more than one network port, try connecting using a different port. If that works, then the network port may be the problem. You should let your tech specialist or network administrator know that there is a bad port in your room.

If you are on a wireless network, moving your computer may cause you to fall out of the range of the wireless access point. Try moving your computer to a different location to see if you regain connectivity.

Sometimes your computer may need to have its IP address renewed. Each computer on the network needs to have a unique address, known as the IP address. To renew the IP address, go to Start, Run and type CMD to open up a shell.

Run

Next, type in ipconfig /renew (make sure to have a space between the two words) to get a new IP address for your computer.

If you still cannot connect after trying these troubleshooting steps, your network card may be improperly installed, or it may not be properly configured to work with your network. You will need to contact your tech specialist for assistance.

Additional Websites

An Educator's Guide to Computer Networks

Jan's Illustrated Computer Literacy 101

How Stuff Works: Computer Stuff

The Elder Geek on Windows

Paul Thurrott's Windows Supersite

Annoyances.org

Windows Update

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Tech-Ease for Windows is your source for just-in-time answers for classroom technology questions. A companion Tech-Ease for Mac site is also available. This collection is a part of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse and is funded in part by a grant from the Florida Department of Education. Copyright 2008 by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education, University of South Florida.

			Quick answers to real classroom technology questions. An online service of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse.
ETC HOME	TECH-EASE HOME	HARDWARE FAQ	SEARCH
I can't connect to my network, what should I do? Most network connection problems can be solved by following some simple troubleshooting steps: Begin with the easiest solution. With networking, this is checking to make sure the network cable is properly connected to both the computer and the network port on the wall. If you do not see a blinking light on your network card, chances are the physical connection to the network may be the problem. Double check those cables. If you are in a room that has more than one network port, try connecting using a different port. If that works, then the network port may be the problem. You should let your tech specialist or network administrator know that there is a bad port in your room. If you are on a wireless network, moving your computer may cause you to fall out of the range of the wireless access point. Try moving your computer to a different location to see if you regain connectivity. Sometimes your computer may need to have its IP address renewed. Each computer on the network needs to have a unique address, known as the IP address. To renew the IP address, go to Start, Run and type CMD to open up a shell. Next, type in ipconfig /renew (make sure to have a space between the two words) to get a new IP address for your computer. If you still cannot connect after trying these troubleshooting steps, your network card may be improperly installed, or it may not be properly configured to work with your network. You will need to contact your tech specialist for assistance.			Additional Websites An Educator's Guide to Computer Networks Jan's Illustrated Computer Literacy 101 How Stuff Works: Computer Stuff The Elder Geek on Windows Paul Thurrott's Windows Supersite Annoyances.org Windows Update
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Site Map \| Submit a Question \| About Tech-Ease \| Privacy Policy \| ETC Home Tech-Ease for Windows is your source for just-in-time answers for classroom technology questions. A companion Tech-Ease for Mac site is also available. This collection is a part of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse and is funded in part by a grant from the Florida Department of Education. Copyright 2008 by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education, University of South Florida.