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How to fix internet errors on Windows?

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This tutorial is designed to help you detect and fix problems on wired network connections (Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi) in Windows. This tutorial does not cover network connection problems related to specific problems.

You may experience network problems or internet connection in Windows for several reasons. Here are some common reasons that can cause these problems are as follows:

  • The switch wireless network adapter is disabled

  • Passphrases or security keys WEP, WPA or WPA2 are incorrect

  • The cables are not correctly connected

  • There are damaged or incompatible drivers

  • Missing updates

  • Configuring network connection

  • There are hardware or software problems

How to use this tutorial

Because instructions may vary for different Windows operating systems, open this tutorial on each team to see the correct instructions for that computer or use the selector of this page to choose an operating system.

To move around the tutorial, click on the steps in the left pane or click Next below and complete each step before proceeding to the next. If you are troubleshooting a problem with a wired network, skip the Step 1. Connect because it only applies to wireless networks.

Test your network connection after each step before moving on to the next.

 

Connect to a wireless network in Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1 (only wireless networks)

If you have a laptop or a computer with a wireless network adapter, you can see a list of available wireless networks and connect to one of them. The wireless networks appear only if your computer has installed a wireless network adapter, the adapter is on and the wireless access point is within range.

 

View wireless networks and connect to

If you have a laptop or a computer with a wireless network adapter, you can see a list of available wireless networks and connect to one of them. The wireless networks appear only if your computer have installed a wireless network adapter, the adapter is on and the wireless access point is within range.

Heads Up

  • Whenever possible, you should connect to security-enabled wireless networks. If you connect to a network that is not secure, be aware that anyone with the right tools can see everything you do, including the websites you visit, the documents with which you work and usernames and passwords you use. Turn off sharing network helps to minimize risks. For more information, see Enable or disable sharing and How do I know if it is safe to connect to a network?

To connect to a wireless network:

  1. On the desktop, click or click the wireless network icon The wireless network iconin the notification area.
  2. In the list of wireless networks, tap or click the network you want to connect, and then tap or click Connect .

  3. If you are connecting to a secure network, enter the security key and press or click OK .

Note

  • If you have entered your login, you pressed OK and nothing happened except that now button OK is not available, you may need to adjust the settings of the application timeout identification router (for example, sets the timeout to 30 seconds). For instructions, contact the router manufacturer.

 

Connecting to a wireless network by pressing a button on the router

If your router supports Windows Connect Now (WCN), or Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), follow these steps to add a computer to the network:

  1. Turn on the computer.

  2. To connect to a network, slide your finger quickly from the right edge of the screen, click Settings (or if you use a mouse, pointing to the upper right corner of the screen, move your mouse down and click Settings ) and then press or click on the network icon ( The wireless network iconor The wired network icon). Click or click on the network you want to connect and then press or click onConnect .
  3. Instead of typing a security key or passphrase, press the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) button on the router. The router will automatically configure the computer to connect to the network and apply the security settings of the network.

 

Where I can find the key network security?

If you want the security key to connect to the network, it first searches a command button on the router. If you find a button, press it and see if the router add your PC to the network automatically. Some manufacturers of wireless routers establish a security key that you can find on a label attached to the documentation or base of the router. Otherwise, you can open the website of the wireless router settings. On this page, you can set or automatically generate the security key.

 

To find the network security key on the website router configuration
  1. Connect the computer to the router via a network cable (Ethernet).

  2. Open a web browser and type the IP address of the wireless router in the search bar (eg 192.168.1.1 or 172.16.0.0).The default IP address is on the documentation that came with the router.

  3. Enter your username and password to open the web page router configuration. The default username and password values ​​are included in most documentation routers.

  4. On the website router configuration, look for a wireless connection option or wireless configuration. According to the router manufacturer, it may be a tab, an icon or option of a task pane.

  5. In the web configuration page of the wireless connection, look for a security option or wireless encryption. The security key (sometimes called network key, passphrase or network password) must be indicated in a nearby section.

Note

  • Different manufacturers have different router configuration pages. If you do not find the router settings, please contact your router manufacturer.

Connection Troubleshooting

If you have trouble connecting to a wireless network, then you will find suggestions on how to solve common problems.

 

What can you do if I do not see my wireless network from the list of available networks?

It is possible that the wireless router is not configured to spread the network identifier (SSID). If this is the case, you will not see the network from the available networks. When the router is configured to broadcast the network ID, the network is visible to anyone who is within range of the network.

To check the wireless router and disseminate the network identifier (SSID), see the documentation that came with your wireless router or follow these basic steps:

  1. Connect your computer to the network with a network cable, start Internet Explorer and type the IP address of the wireless router (eg 192.168.1.1 or 172.16.0.0). The default IP address should appear in the documentation provided with the router.

  2. Enter the username and password for the router configuration. Router documentation will include the default user name and password values.

  3. On the wireless router, look for an option Wireless configuration . According to the router manufacturer, may be a tab, an icon or option of a task pane.

  4. On the Wireless Settings page, look for an option to Enable SSID Broadcast or Wireless SSID Broadcast . Click the button or check the box to select this option and save the router configuration.

    Note

    • If you do not find the option to enable the dissemination, see the documentation included with the router or contact the router manufacturer.

 

How do I connect to a hidden wireless network?

A hidden wireless network is a wireless network that does not broadcast its network identifier (SSID). Typically, wireless networks broadcast their name and the machine "hears" the name of the network you want to connect. Because hidden networks do not broadcast your name, your PC can not find, therefore, the network must find your PC. For this to happen, your PC must spread the name of the network you want and your own name. In this situation, other computers "listening" networks will know the name of your computer and the network to which it is connected, which increases the risk of your computer being attacked.

If you still want to connect to a hidden wireless network despite the risks, you first need to collect certain information from the wireless router. Use the following basic steps to collect that information. You can also check the documentation that came with your wireless router or contact the router manufacturer.

  1. Collect the following information:

    • Network ID (SSID), which is the name usually appears in the list of available networks

    • Security type (WPA, WPA2, WEP or 802.1x)

    • Encryption Type

    • Security Key

  2. To connect to a network, slide your finger quickly from the right edge of the screen, click Settings (or if you use a mouse, pointing to the upper right corner of the screen, move your mouse down and click Settings ) and then press or click on the network icon ( The wireless network iconor The wired network icon). Click or click on the network you want to connect and then press or click on Connect .
  3. Click or click hidden Network in Connect and writes information network.

    The network will be added to the list of networks and will be available to connect to it later when the computer is in range of the network.

 

The wireless connection is not active when the computer comes out of standby or hibernation and resume operation.

There are two possible causes:

  • The automatic connection is disabled for this network. The next time the computer connects to the network, check the box Connect automatically .

  • Leaving from standby or hibernation, it is possible that the wireless network connection is not re-activated if the power options wireless adapter are configured for a power saving mode. Here's how to check or change the power options in use.

     

    To check or change the power options
    1. To open Power Options, flick your finger from the right edge of the screen, click Find (or if you use a mouse, pointing to the upper right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down and then click Search ), typePower Options in the search box and then tap or click Power Options .

    2. Alongside the current power plan, click or click Change plan settings , and then click or click Change advanced power settings .

    3. Double click or double-click the section Wireless Adapter Settings , and then click twice or double-click the section power saving mode .

    4. If the current configuration is Maximum Performance , press or click on it and select Maximum Performance .

    Note

    • If you use a laptop or a tablet, you can also set On battery in peak performance .

Check the hardware in Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1

Many network connection problems are due to hardware is not installed correctly. The following information is presented about how to check the cables, how to check or reset the modem and how to detect problems with the network adapter.

 

Make sure your hardware is compatible with Windows

For a list of compatible hardware, visit the Compatibility Center on the Windows website and search for your device.

Note

  • You may need to sign in with your Microsoft account before continuing.

 

Check the wireless switch (only wireless networks)

If you are using a laptop, make sure the network adapter in the laptop is on. Many laptops have a physical switch front or side, on top, which enables or disables the network adapter. Normally, there is an indicator light on the laptop that shows whether the network adapter is enabled or disabled.

 

Make sure all cables are connected properly

The problems of lack of fit or disconnect Ethernet cable, ADSL connections, connection cables, telephone cables, USB cables or power cords can cause errors in the network or Internet. Check all connections to ensure they are correct. This section applies primarily to wired networks, but if you try to establish wireless communication with the home network, you should check the modem and the modem cable as described below.

To check ADSL Internet connections

  1. Check the telephone line from the phone jack to the port of the ADSL phone line modem.

  2. Make sure there is no ADSL filter (a small device that connects the telephone line) between the phone jack and the modem.

  3. Check the Ethernet cable from the Internet in the ADSL modem to the computer's network adapter.

  4. Make sure the ADSL modem is connected to an outlet and turned on.

  5. To avoid interruptions in Internet connections, ensure that all phones connected to the same line as the ADSL modem connected to a telephone line ADSL filter.

To check your Internet connection cable

  1. Check the coaxial cable from the wall to the cable modem.

  2. Check the Ethernet cable from the cable modem to the computer's network adapter.

  3. Make sure the modem is plugged into an outlet and turned on.

To check your Internet connection Dial

  1. Check the telephone line from the phone jack to the port modem telephone equipment and make sure the connections are correct and the phone line is not damaged.

  2. Be sure to mark the correct number, including necessary access numbers (for example, 9), and that number is not busy.

  3. Make sure the call waiting feature is disabled on the phone line to connect to the Internet, so that incoming calls do not interrupt the Internet connection.

  4. Most dial-up modems work only with analog phone lines. Verify that you have installed analog lines or, in the case of digital lines, make sure your computer has a digital modem.

To check USB network adapters

If the cable connecting an external modem to the computer is a USB cable, you must perform additional checks. A USB cable has different connectors at each end. One end is flat and rectangular; the other connector is a square with corners in two corners. To verify a USB connection, perform these steps:

  1. If the modem is connected to the computer through a USB hub, try not to use the USB hub. To do this, connect the modem directly to one of the USB ports on the computer.

  2. If the modem is connected to a port on the front of a desktop computer, try connecting the USB cable to one of the rear ports of the equipment in place. Some computers do not provide enough to power the front USB ports. This can cause problems with the modem connection.

If you have difficulty determining the correct way to connect a cable, consult the documentation included with the modem, network adapter or computer. If adjustments cable connections were made, test the Internet connection before proceeding to the next step. To test the connection to the Internet, open your browser and try accessing a website you know, for example, http://www.microsoft.com.

 

Check the indicator lights on the modem.

Check the indicator lights on the modem or Internet connection device (can be a modem, a modem with a wireless router or a combined modem and router device). Most of these devices includes an indicator light labeled "Broadband Link", "Internet", "Online" or something similar that indicates the existence of an Internet connection. If you are unsure, consult the documentation included with the device.

 

Resetting the modem

In some cases, the IP settings or network configuration that receives the Internet service provider (ISP) might be incorrect or need an update. Sometimes, the connection between the modem and the ISP has problems. To update the configuration of the modem or router, restart the modem. This creates a renewed connection to the ISP. Use one of the following methods to restart the modem, following the steps of your modem type.

To restart an external modem

  1. Disconnect the cable that connects your computer or router to the modem. This cable can be a USB cable or an Ethernet cable.

  2. Turn off the modem using the power switch located on the front or back of the modem. If the modem does not have a power switch, unplug the power cord from the back of the modem or unplug it from the outlet.

    Note

    • Some modems have a battery backup that prevents the lights go out. For this type of modem, press and quickly release the Reset button. If you do not see the Reset button, remove the battery.

  3. Wait several minutes and then turn off the modem and reconnect the cable from your computer or router to the modem.

  4. Restart the computer.

  5. Test the connection to see if you can access Internet.

To restart an internal modem

  • Restart the computer.

 

Use the Device Manager

Use Device Manager to see if the network adapter is working correctly:

Note

  • To perform these steps, you must log on as administrator.

Check if the network adapter is enabled

  1. To open Network Connections, quickly slide your finger from the right edge of the screen, click Find (or, if using a mouse, point to the upper right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down and then click Search ), typeNetwork Connections in the search box, tap or click Settings , and then tap or click View network connections .

  2. Hold or click the right mouse button on the adapter and then press or click Enable .  You may have to provide an administrator password or confirm your choice. Administrator permission required

    Note

    • If the network adapter is not functioning properly, you may need to download and install the latest driver for the adapter. (If you received an installation disk with the network adapter or the equipment it is possible that the driver is included on the disc).

      If you still have trouble finding the latest driver for your hardware, go to the "To Download and Install a Driver" tab Step 4 of this tutorial.

 

Checking the use of the correct network adapter

Some computers have multiple network adapters. For example, if you purchased a new desktop computer and during the purchase updated the adapter to a different one, it is very likely that your computer has a network adapter built into the motherboard and secondary network adapter inserted into a slot equipment available. To check this, look for two network ports on the back of the computer. (Network ports are similar to telephone connectors appearance, but larger). Usually laptops have only one network port, unless a USB network adapter is used.

Follow these steps to check and set the correct network adapter as the default.

To set the default network adapter

  1. To open Network Connections, quickly slide your finger from the right edge of the screen, click Find (or, if using a mouse, point to the upper right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down and then click Search ), typeNetwork Connections in the search box, tap or click Settings , and then tap or click View network connections .

  2. If multiple network adapters installed, the default adapter will have a check and be labeled "Default".

  3. If the correct network adapter appears as disabled, hold or click the right mouse button on the adapter, and then press or click Enable .

  4. If the wrong network adapter appears as the default, hold or click the right mouse button on the correct adapter, and then press or click Set as default connection .

Using an automated solver problems in Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1

An automated problem solver is a tool that can automatically find and fix some problems in your computer. Although troubleshooters are not designed to solve all problems, are a useful tool because it can save you time and effort.

Run the Network troubleshooter and then test the Internet connection first.

  • To open the Network troubleshooter, quickly slide your finger from the right edge of the screen, click Find (or, if using a mouse, point to the upper right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down and, then click Search ), type network troubleshooter in the search box, tap or click Settings , and then tap or click Identify and repair network problems .

You can also run specific troubleshooters to focus on a problem or network connectivity in particular. For example, if you can not connect to the Internet or access a particular website, there may be a problem with the Internet connection. Try the troubleshooter Internet to solve the problem.

If you can not connect to a computer on the home network or a corporate network, there may be a problem with the computer's network adapter. You may need to restart the network adapter or update the adapter driver. Try the troubleshooter network adapters to fix the problem. Follow these steps:

  • To open the Troubleshooter Network Adapter, quickly slide your finger from the right edge of the screen, click Find (or, if using a mouse, point to the upper right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down and then click Search ), enter troubleshooting in the search box, tap or click Settings , and then tap or click Troubleshooting . Press or click Network and Internet , and then tap or click Network Adapter .

Update Drivers in Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1

network adapter driver is software that your computer uses to communicate with the wireless network adapter. The network adapter drivers outdated, incompatible or damaged may prevent network connections or cause intermittent disconnections.

If you just upgraded from a Windows operating system to another, it is possible that the current network adapter driver is designed for previous Windows operating system. If you have experienced power outages, viruses or other problems with your computer, it is possible that the driver is corrupted. Windows Update automatically download and install recommended updates.Installing important, recommended, and optional updates can update system features and other software that may help you fix network connection problems.

Then, we show two other ways to find and install a driver:

  • Install the software from the device manufacturer . For example, if the computer or the network adapter included a disc, this may contain software that you install a driver for the network adapter.

  • Download and install the driver yourself . You can find the driver on the manufacturer's website. Try this method if Windows Update can not find a driver for your network adapter and this did not include the software that installs a driver.

Note

  • In teams of Windows RT 8.1 , Windows Update automatically updates the drivers. You can not directly install other drivers from the manufacturers.

Hide all

 

To update the driver using Windows Update
  1. To open the Start, quickly slide your finger from the right edge of the screen (if using a mouse, point to the upper right corner of the screen and move the mouse pointer down) and then tap or click Start .

  2. Press or click Search , type Windows Update and press or click Windows Update .  You may have to provide an administrator password or confirm your choice. Administrator permission required

  3. Press or click Check for Updates .

    If updates are available, tap or click the links to see more information about each update. Windows Update tells you if an update is important, recommended, or optional. Each type of update might include drivers.

  4. On the Select the updates you want to install , look for updates for your network adapter, select the driver you want to install and click OK .

    We may not have driver updates available.

  5. On Page Windows Update , click Install Updates .  Maybe you have to provide an administrator password or confirm your choice. Administrator permission required

    Windows Update will tell you if the updates were successfully installed.

Note

  • Restart the computer after you install hardware drivers.

 

To download and install a driver

If the computer can not connect to the Internet, you must manually download a driver from another computer and save it to a USB flash drive to install on your computer.

Usually driver updates are available on the websites of manufacturers adapters. To find the driver, follow these steps:

  1. Find out the manufacturer and model name or number of the network adapter.

  2. Go to website contact information for OEMs and seek its manufacturer.

  3. Go to the manufacturer's website to find and download the latest driver for the network adapter driver.

  4. If you find an updated driver, follow the installation instructions provided in the website. Most drivers are installed automatically. Once it has downloaded, double-click or double-click the file to start the installation and then the driver is installed on the computer.

Some network adapters include drivers that you must install on your own. Here's how to download a driver that is not installed automatically.

  1. Flick your finger from the right edge of the screen and then press Search . 
    (If you are using a mouse, says the lower right corner of the screen and click Search
     ).

  2. Type Device Manager in the Search box and then press or click Device Manager .  You might request you to provide an administrator password or to confirm your choice. Administrator permission required

  3. Double-tap or double-click Network Adapters , hold or click the right mouse button on the adapter and then tap or click Properties .

  4. Press or click the tab controller , then click Update Driver , and then follow the instructions.  You may have to provide an administrator password or confirm your choice. Administrator permission required

For information about network adapters compatible with Windows, go to the Compatibility Center on the Windows website and search for your adapter.

Updating the firmware of the adapter and router

Your network adapter or router probably need to update the firmware , especially if you can only connect using WEP or no security. The firmware is embedded in a hardware device that controls how the device interacts with the operating system software.

Download a firmware update from the manufacturer's website adapter or router and apply by following the instructions on the Web site or the downloaded file.

 

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