Frequently, users have problems involving Internet connections. These are some ideas for troubleshooting both modem and network-based connections:

Network connections

In an environment where Internet access is provided through the network, verify the following:

* Can this computer view other computers/servers on the network?

* Can other computers in the same workgroup or domain access the Internet? If so, you know the problem is localized to this PC only. Try running the Internet Connection Wizard in Windows to refresh the settings.

On a small-office-based PC, network Internet access might exist with a cable or DSL connection. In such situations, here's the best way t oresolve these problems:

* Check the documentation or setup kit for the cable or DSL service to see whether a specific IP address or computer name must be used. With my cable service, for example, it works only if I specify a certain computer name.

* Turn off the cable or DSL modem, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on again. It should reset itself. On most models, you can tell it has been reset because a row of lights will illuminate. If you can't get it to reset, the problem lies with the network, not with your PC.

* Run the Internet Connection Wizard in Windows (going through Internet Properties in the Control Panel is one way to do this) and make sure Windows knows you intend to connect through a LAN rather than through a dial-up.

* If you have both a dial-up connection and a LAN-based one and are plagued by constant Connect dialog boxes popping up when you are already connected via LAN, go to the Connection tab in Internet Properties and make sure Never Dial A Connection is selected.

Modem connections

Here are some tips for troubleshooting a modem problem:

* Check the modem. To do so, use the Diagnostics (or More Info) in the Modems properties of Control Panel.

* Make sure the correct driver is loaded for the modem. Remove the modem from the Modems properties or from the Device Manager and let Windows redetect it. Also, make sure the driver you are using was designed for your OS version.

* Check the phone line by plugging a telephone directly into it to see if you get a dial tone.

* Make sure that you don't have the line and phone cables reversed if the modem has two plugs in the back.

* If line noise is a problem or you experience slow connection speeds, have the phone company check the line.

* If the modem won't stay connected to your ISP or online service, wait 24 hours and try again. ISPs have intermittent connection problems that resolve themselves after awhile.

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