Troubleshooting Windows XP Internet Connectivity
By Candace Benson
Windows XP includes a number of tools to get you online and to maintain your connection. Most problems can be corrected with resets or a few tweaks. Dial-up modem users should reduce the number of active programs and processes if using a software, or soft, modem. If you're using a wireless network adapter to connect to the Internet and you are experiencing signal problems, move the computer closer to the router, move the router to a more central location in your home or office, and remove other 2.4 GHz devices, such as cordless phones, from the immediate area.
Reset Network Components
Step 1
Power off your router, broadband modem, hub and/or switch. Unplug these devices if they do not have power switches.
Step 2
Shut down each computer on the network. Check the Ethernet cable connections, if using a wired connection.
Step 3
Restart the router, hub or switch, then power up the broadband modem.
Step 4
Restart each computer.
XP Repair Wizard
Step 1
Boot up the computer. Right-click on the network icon in the taskbar, if available, and left-click on "Repair." Follow the on-screen instructions to finish or troubleshoot the repair. If you do not see an icon, continue.
Step 2
Click on "Start," then "Control Panel." Click on "Classic View" in the left column.
Step 3
Double-click "Network Connections." Right-click on the network that provides your Internet connectivity, and left-click on "Repair."
Step 4
Follow the on-screen instructions to finish or troubleshoot the repair.
Uninstall and Reinstall Drivers
Step 1
Click on "Start," then "Control Panel." Click on "Classic View" in the left column.
Step 2
Double-click "System." Click on the "Hardware" tab, then select "Device Manager."
Step 3
Double-click "Network adapters" or "Modems," depending on your type of Internet connection. Double-click your specific network adapter or modem brand.
Step 4
Read and troubleshoot any error messages listed under device status. Click on the "Device" tab if Windows reports, "The device is working properly."
Step 5
Click on "Uninstall." Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation. Restart the computer, then allow Windows to detect and reinstall the hardware.
Tips
- Install Windows XP Service Pack 3 and all hot fixes if your computer is not up-to-date. Older versions of Windows XP may cause software incompatibilities with network equipment and modems.
Writer Bio
Candace Benson has nearly five years of experience as a volunteer coordinator and has worked for non-profits and state agencies. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Benson wrote for a number of video game websites and blogs and worked as a technical support agent. Benson currently writes for eHow.