Five quick fixes for Internet connectivity hang-ups
January 5th, 2008 | by Fitri |
When you start Firefox or Internet Explorer, the last thing you want to see is a plain white screen proclaiming ‘The page can not be displayed. “However, if you do not, we have a correction. If you work under Windows XP or Vista, stalking connection failures can be simply a methodical process.
Both XP and Vista are supposed to be advanced, graphical operating systems, but when your connection fails, you will find the solution in the command prompt - specifically, the command Ipconfig. Short for Internet Protocol configuration, “Ipconfig is essential to the establishment and restore your connection to the Internet. Invariably, this command, with its joint parameters, what is your ISP’s tech support rep tell you to try when you are experiencing difficulty getting online.
Here are five ways that you can increase your IQ IP and troubleshoot your connection yourself.
Web connection woes? Refresh your IP address
If you use DSL or cable broadband, you probably have a dynamic IP (Internet Protocol) address, which means that your PC Internet address changes each time you log on. Your IP address must be assigned by the DHCP (Dynamic Host Control Protocol).
From time to time, however, this process does not behave as dynamically as its name suggests: Sometimes, it is not assigning a new address at startup, and you get stuck with the old address. Since a new IP address is required to reach the Internet, when you open your browser, all you see is an error message indicating that the PC screen can not establish a connection to the Internet.
Whether your system connects directly via a modem or via a router, the first step to get an IP address is attributed to right-click on the Network icon in the system tray. From the menu, select Repair. Windows will automatically flush the old addresses and demand for new your router or Internet service provider, depending on how your PC is connected.
Most of the time, this works like a charm. But when it does not work, you need to troubleshoot the situation manually, and that’s where the knowledge of the ins and outs of Ipconfig can help you get your connection up and running.
Click Start, Run and type cmd. In Vista, you can save a step by simply typing cmd in the search box Start.
At the command prompt, type ipconfig to see your IP address presently known, the subnet mask and default gateway for all adapters. Could include other adapters Wi-Fi and Bluetooth cards, but they can be listed as disconnected.
Ipconfig basic information
In itself, Ipconfig does nothing more than display information. (Click the image here for a detailed view of the production Ipconfig.) To make it truly do something - like refreshing your IP address - you need to add parameters preceded by a space and a slash. The two parameters which are the most effective work of repairing your Internet connection are “/” and “/ renew.”
Tapping ipconfig / release supports DHCP server to delete the IP addresses for all adapters, whether or wireless Ethernet. The process should take a few seconds, confirmed with a display in the DOS box showing all zeros for the IP address and subnet mask.
Now type ipconfig / renew. If it is accepted, a new IP address, subnet mask and default gateway displayed along with the DNS suffix (mainly address of your Internet service provider, such as comcast.net) .