Tech Tip: "Reboot and Pray"

Your computer isn’t connecting to the internet.  “Why is this happening?!?”  You click on “Diagnose Connection Problems” and its no help.  You’re about to call your internet provider’s tech support.  Don’t do that.  Try this first.  It is so simple; you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it before.

Troubleshooting a Network Problem at Home

Step 1:  Save your work and shut down your computer.  Oh, you never turn off your computer?  Well, trust me, it’s a good idea to give the poor machine a break from time to time.  Shut it down properly.

Step 2:  Turn off your router.  And your modem (if you have two separate pieces of hardware).  I typically will just unplug these devices.

  

Step 3:  Everything is off now?  Good.  Turn on your modem.

Step 4: Turn on your router.

Step 5: Now, turn on your computer (See what you are doing here?  Turn everything back on from the wall to the keyboard…that’s a good way to remember.)

Step 6: Give your computer time to load up.  Don’t be impatient and start clicking around.

Step 7: See if you have internet connectivity.  If you do, celebrate.  If you don’t, let’s look for other “simple fixes” before we sit on hold for 45 minutes to talk to outsourced tech support…

Simple Fixes:

1. Make sure all cables are attached.  (Wired connections)
2. Make sure the wireless switch is turned on (laptops)
3. Make sure the modem/router is ON.
4. Did you pay your bill?
5. Check another device to see if THAT gets a connection. (Hint: enable Wi-Fi on your phone and search for the network.  If you can connect, but your computer still won’t, then it’s likely a problem with your computer’s settings…)

All other advice I have is for specific operating systems, and you can Google that on your phone. (example searches: Windows 7 no internet connection, Windows XP not connecting to internet) 

Other things the “Reboot and Pray” method works for:

(Unplug or remove battery if possible)

A cell phone that is not getting signal when it should

A cell phone that is not sending/receiving messages

Your cable box/satellite receiver

Gaming Systems

Mp3 players and iPods