TechTips - How to Trouble Shoot Your Wireless Connection

So wireless can be a very tricky monster to deal with, it's ok, I am here to help you with the most general trouble shooting tips that will fix 84% (joking estimate) of your wireless problems. Wireless issues can be due to a multitude of issues. The fixes can range from your wireless device being turned off to the router needing to be rebooted. These are just simple solutions that will probably work.

So the first thing we want to verify is that if your computer has a wireless on/off switch, then it is set to the on position. Now since all laptops very on where this button is and how it is set to the on/off position you will have to do some searching. Normally they are located on the front of the laptop or on near the power button. If you need help finding your wireless button or if you aren't sure if you have a wireless button, contact your computer manufacturing website here are some of the most popular. Click on the links below.

DellHPToshibaGateway

If you find your switch is off, switch it on and test your connection. If it works great you are done if not please continue reading.

Now if it was switched on then the next step is to turn off your wireless router and then turn it back on, rebooting it. Now most wireless routers won't have an on/off switch so you just need to disconnect the power supply, normally I wait about 3-5 minutes before plugging it back in, it just seems to really clear out the router. Once this is done then you can plug it back in, let it boot up, and test to see the results.

If when the router comes back on test your connection if its fixed then you are done, if not then it's probably something a little more intense. The next steps are a little more in-depth but pretty much anyone can do them.

First thing we will do is make sure you are getting an IP address, to do this go to Start>>Run and in the new window type CMD and hit enter. A new window will appear and in this window you will want to type ipconfig and hit enter. It will display your IP address and other info if you have an IP address then we will move on if you don't I suggest you contact your wireless router manufacturer or Internet service provider for further assistance.

Next you can try to repair your connection, you do this by going to Start>>Settings>>Control Panel>>Network Connections. Once in here you will want to right click on your Wireless Connection and choose the option Repair, let it run through its steps and then when it has finished test your connection. If it worked then you are done if not we have a few more things we can try.

Next thing we will try is making sure that Windows is configured to be allowed to configure your wireless connection. To do this we will go back to the Network Connections window, if its still open good if not go to Start>>Settings>>Control Panel>>Network Connections. Once in the window we will want to right click on the Wireless Connection again and this type choose properties. In the new page there should be some tabs at the top, the one labeled Wireless Network, once you have clicked on this tab you will see at the top a check box that says Allow Windows to Configure wireless network settings. Make sure this is checked, if it is unchecked check it and click ok at the bottom. Once turned on a small icon in the lower right hand corner of your screen should pop-up and ask you to connect to a wireless network. Click on your network (if there are more than one) enter your wireless key (if one is required) and click connect. Test your connection if its fixed then we are done.

If you are still having connection issues then I would check that you are sure you have entered the network key (if required) properly when connecting to the wireless network. If none of these steps helped then you probably require more help and configuration then I can provide via this simple article. I suggest contacting the tech support of your wireless router for further assistance.

Normally the above steps will help you solve the most basic connection problems users face. Howerver there are a lot of factors that can be affecting your wireless connection so if the steps above didn't help then you probably have one of the following problems.

1. Dead wireless router (the thing that sends out your wireless signal)
2. Dead wireless network interface card (the thing in your computer that grabs the wireless connection)
3. A problem with your ISP (the company that gives you internet, Time Warner, Comcast, etc...contact them for assistance)

I will be more than happy to answer any questions anyone might have about simple wireless connection issues you can email me at techtipsjvc@gmail.com for further assistance.