| Problem | Possible solutions |
|---|
| Can’t connect to other computers or share files and printers on a home network | - Make sure network discovery is turned on.
- Make sure you have shared the files or printers.
- If password protected sharing is enabled, you have two options.
- Make sure the computer that you want to connect to has at least one shared folder.
- Make sure all computers are in the same workgroup. See Join or create a workgroup.
- In addition to enabling file sharing, make sure you set sharing properties on the folder or printer you want to share.
- Go to the website of your router manufacturer to download and install the latest firmware for your router.
|
| Can't connect to a home network (wireless connection) | - Make sure the router and modem are turned on.
- If you're using a laptop, make sure the wireless switch on the front, side, or back edge of the laptop is turned on.
- If Windows doesn’t detect a network that you think is in range of your computer, open Help and Support and search for "Troubleshoot problems finding wireless networks."
- Make sure the network adapter is working correctly.
- Download and install the latest version of the network adapter driver from the manufacturer's website.
- Clear the DNS resolver cache. For more information, seeDNS (Domain Name System): frequently asked questions.
|
Can't connect to a home network (wired connection)
| - Make sure the router and modem are turned on.
- Make sure that the Ethernet cable is inserted into the network adapter in your computer.
 Ethernet cable - Make sure the Ethernet cable is not defective. Test this by using a different cable that you know works properly.
- Make sure the Ethernet cable is connected to the correct port on the router.
- There might be problems with your network adapter. Check your local area network (LAN)connection.
- Make sure the network adapter is working correctly.
- Download and install the latest version of the network adapter driver from the manufacturer's website.
- Clear the DNS resolver cache. For more information, seeDNS (Domain Name System): frequently asked questions.
|
Can't remember network key
| If you've forgotten your network key, and there is no one else who knows it, you'll need to set up your wireless router again. See Set up a wireless router.
|
Network connection is intermittent (periodically disconnects)
| - Turn off the power-saving option in the network adapter's properties.
|
Network connection is too slow
| - Go to the manufacturer's website to check for more recent drivers for your network adapter.
- Make sure you have the latest Windows Vista service packs installed.
- Try turning off autotuning.
- Make sure the capacities of the router and the network adapter are compatible.
- If you’re using a wired connection, try modifying the flow control setting.
|
Can’t connect to a workplace network from home (or another location) using a VPN connection
| - Make sure you typed the virtual private network (VPN) server name exactly as provided by your network administrator.
- Make sure you have an active Internet connection.
- If your modem is external, make sure that the modem power is turned on.
- Check your encryption settings.
- Contact your network administrator for assistance.
|
Can't set up an incoming connection
| |
Can't share the root of a drive
| |
There's a duplicate IP address on the network
| |
I need advanced information about network troubleshooting
| See A Support Guide for Wireless Diagnostics and Troubleshooting |
, clicking Control Panel, clicking Network and Internet, clicking Network and Sharing Center, and then clicking Manage network connections.
If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.