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Troubleshooting network problems on your Netbook
Wireless broadband (also known as WLAN) can, with no warning, abruptly stop working but if you adhere to my easy tips you may keep your sanity:
Switch off and back on again
First, save your work and turn your notebook off. If you have access to the wireless router and/or broadband modem, turn them off as well. Now turn the devices back on one at a time, modem first and after that the router and finally your Netbook. It’s an old trick but you’d be amazed how often it works.
Are you well connected?
Begin by checking all your connections are sound. Make certain any USB connectors are pressed securely home, and if you have a PCMCIA wireless card fitted, make certain that is accurately seated as well. Mobile broadband users must confirm that his or her SIM card is accurately fixed to the dongle and that the USB part isn’t bent as this is very easy to overlook.
Can Windows help?
Next, you should check My Network Places. You can find this area by clicking the icon in the system tray, from the start menu in Windows XP or from the control panel in any version. Does something seem unusual, e.g. any fresh network icons listed? If there is a different wireless network within range that has a stronger signal, your wireless card might connect to that instead if it isn’t secure. If there are any unfamiliar networks listed, just remove them and double click on your own network to reconnect.
Move your net book closer to your router
The next matter to attempt is to physically move your Netbook closer to the router, and if that solves the problem it is possibly due to interference. It is essential to use microfilters between the wireless router and the phone socket to remove interference, so confirm they are in position and also that no additional devices that make use of radio waves can interfere. Turn any you find off one at a time until you find the one creating the problem.
Reset it and forget it
As a last option try resetting the wireless router to its original factory settings by using the reset switch on the reverse (you may need a pointed object similar to a ball point pen to accomplish this) or by logging into the router’s control panel from a web browser – try the default IP address (192.168.1.1) to get into it – and restoring the factory settings from there.
If nothing is working still you might have a more serious hardware breakdown and the best approach to deal with this is to remove each component by unplugging it from your network till you find the broken part. The manufacturers may have a customer service line you could try if nothing else works, and some may have a website you can search. You will probably find troubleshooting information particular to your machine on their FAQ page.
About the Author
David Millard is a professional writer and owner of {Best Netbook Reviews|Best Netbook|Best Netbook Review}. For more advice on mobile computing and product reviews visit {Best Netbook Advice|Netbook Advice|Overcoming Wireless Network Problems}
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Aniexty Broom – Live @ Factory Fresh, Brooklyn.
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