How to Repair My Local Network Connections in Windows XP

Local area connection signal

A local area network (LAN) is a network or group of computers within a small area that are connected to each other by way of a hub or a router. Once in a while, these connections won't connect efficiently, or for reasons unknown, sometimes they won't connect at all. If you are on a computer with Windows XP there is a simple way to test and repair your local network connection.

Things You'll Need

• PC with a local area network connection

Instructions

1. Check to be sure that all of your cables are connected to the router or hub properly, and that your wireless link is turned on. If all of your connections are secure, it is time to repair the connection in Windows XP with their automatic repair tool.

2. Left click on "Start", and then left-click on "Control Panel."

3. Left-click on "Network and Internet Connections." Click on the control panel icon of "Network Connections."

4. Right-click on the connection you wish to repair when the connections list is displayed, and then left-click on "Repair" in the Options menu.

5. Wait for windows to run diagnostics. At this point it will work on reapiring your local network connection. A window will come up telling you what windows is doing to diagnose the problem. When the repair is finished, it will tell you to try to connect again to the Internet.

6. Try connecting to the Internet to check and see if your connection was repaired. If windows is not able to repair the connection it will tell you what the problem is, such as whether or not a cable is unplugged.

Tips & Warnings

• Occasionally Windows will alert you with an icon in the system tray on your desktop, letting you know that a local network connection is not working. You can right-click on the icon and select "Repair" from the menu tray instead of starting the process from the "Start" menu.

• If you right-click on your connection that you wish to repair (step 4) and "repair" is not an option that is listed, you need to check your modem, router or hub and cables to make sure that all are connected properly before continuing.

Resources

• Troubleshooting Local Network Connections in Windows.
• Microsoft Windows tips on setting up network connections for home or office.