Network Troubleshooting

Basic Symptoms of a network problem: 

You can’t access network programs, network drives, email or the Internet.

Basic Hints of Any Troubleshooting (aka Problem Solving):

Clarify the problem – what is working and what is not.

Go from simple possible solutions to complex possible solutions – don’t overhaul your car engine only to find out later it was out of gas or had a bad spark plug.

Go sequentially through the checklist in order to isolate the problem.

Look for patterns that indicate associations.

Simple possibilities you can check before calling for help:

Is your computer turned on? If not, turn on both computer and monitor.

Has your computer been accessing the network or is this a new installation? 

 If this is a new installation, there are probably a few things that your network guy has to setup.

Has your computer been moved recently?  If it has been moved check all the cables and also check to

make sure that there is network access available (either a jack on the wall or an available plug on a minihub).

Is your computer network cable plugged in both the computer and the wall? (only applicable if you’re

not using wireless) – If not, plug it in.  If it is plugged in, quickly unplug and plug in back in.  You should hear or

feel a slight click when it is correctly in place.

Is there a light on the computer near where the network cable is plugged in?  If there is no light, and

the network cable is plugged in, call your network help person.

Are you logged in with your network password and domain name?  Sometimes people forget their

passwords or the passwords have changed.  Also make sure that you have the correct spelling of everything

including the domain name.

Have you tried restarting and logging in again?  This simple action frequently works like magic to resolve

a variety of problems.

Is your caps-lock turned on?  Many times the username and password required of network access and

network applications is case sensitive.

Has your computer given you virus warning messages?  Sometimes network problems are caused by

a virus.  Contact your network tech for assistance.

Was there anything new installed on your computer before it stopped working?  New programs can

sometimes can problems with network access.  Try uninstalling the new software and rebooting.

Were any changes, no matter how apparently insignificant, made on your machine before the problem started? 

A computer sometimes can be rather fragile in both hardware and software.  Try to determine if anything happened to

cause it.  Be honest with your network support tech.

Are any other computers nearby having the same problem?  If so it may be a bigger problem than just your computer. 

If other systems are working, try switching the network cable.  If it works then, it could be a cable problem.

Possible Network Troubleshooting Resources from the Internet:

Lebanon, Missouri R-3 District Web site

http://www.lebanon.k12.mo.us/technology/support/bnt_20020924.pdf

This pdf file is part of a school district website to provide support for non-technical users.  It is starts with simple solutions

and goes to complex possibilities.  It is very well laid our and simple to understand.

GotFusion website

http://www.gotfusion.com/tutsKS/iptrouble.cfm

This web page provides no-nonsense methodology and network FAQ in an easily understood format.  It has a focus on

potential questions that you can resolve prior to calling for tech support.

University of Virginia

http://www.itc.virginia.edu/~nfr3f/conferences/otc2002/electronic_presentations/basic_network_troubleshooting_files/v3_document.htm

This PowerPoint file not only goes over the basics of network troubleshooting, but also explains how some user actions can

cause self-inflicted problems.  It goes on to explain how some software installations make your network connection stop functioning.

Region III Education Service Center, Victoria, Texas

http://www.esc3.net/wm/troubles/

While this web page is self-described as basic network troubleshooting, it very quickly escalates into more an intermediate

level guide.  Included are diagnostic steps for both PC and MAC.

CNET

http://www.tpc.cz/toCP852.en/mirrors/www.cnetusa.com/support/Support_Documents/basic_troubleshooting_procedures.htm

This site is a more advanced network troubleshooting guide, especially for installation and configuration of network interface

cards (Nics).  It includes the basic steps, but then also looks at higher-level potential problems.

DriverGuide.com

http://driverguide.com/

This website is a huge database of device drivers for all computer components, not just Nics.   It is searchable by a variety of

methods including manufacturer and component identification numbers.  In addition to links to manufacturer websites, the

database also includes user-submitted driver files as well.

UC Santa Cruz - Glossary of Network Terminology:

http://www2.ucsc.edu/cats/sc/tools/network-troubleshoot/glossary.shtml

This webpage provides simplified explanations of terminology associated with networking.  Further links provide greater

detail on embedded specific terms.

 UP