How to Troubleshoot a Windows Wireless Network Connection

Windows simplifies the process of setting up a wireless network for homes and small businesses. But several factors can cause a network connection to stop working or to never be connected in the first place. For example, the modem or router could be experiencing problems, or a computer on the network might not be configured correctly. By troubleshooting these issues, you are likely to find a simple solution to get the wireless network up and running.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Turn on a computer that is unable to connect to the network. Click the "Start" button and go to "Control Panel." Make sure it is in "Classic View" and select "Network and Internet Connections."

2. 
    

   Check the status of the network connection. Double click "Network Connections" from the "Network and Internet Connections" window. Find the wireless network in the "Network Connections" list. If it is not listed, the driver is not properly installed.

3. 
    

   Right click "My Computer" and select "Manage." This will open the "Computer Manager." Select "Device Manager" from the left pane, then expand "Other Devices" in the right pane.

4. 
    

   Right click the network adapter and select "Properties." Check the device status on the "General" tab. If it is not working properly, go to the "Driver" tab and click the "Update Driver" button.

5. 
    

   Click the "Troubleshoot" button if the wireless networking device appears to be working. Follow the steps in the troubleshooting tool by answering the questions stated to determine the problem with the Windows wireless network connection.

References

• Troubleshooting Microsoft Windows XP-based Wireless Networks in the Small Office or Home Office