With Windows XP networks, there are times when odd network problems may occur, and you may not know handle them. Problems may include slow network connections and difficulty with connecting to a network that are caused by either a slow Internet connection, faulty network settings or problems with the computer you are using. Fortunately, Windows XP offers several network services that help you fix network connection problems.
Instructions
1. Open your Windows "Start" menu, and access the "Control Panel." Select "Network Connections," and then select "View Network Connections." Right-click on "Local Area Connection." Click on "Disable," and wait for the status to change to "Disabled." Right-click on the icon again, and click on "Enable." Wait for the computer to enable the connection--the status changes to "Connected." Disabling and re-enabling your connection can refresh the network and repair minor problems.
2. Repair the network connection. To do this, access the "Local Area Connection" window (see Step 1), and right-click on the icon. Select "Repair," and wait for Windows to determine the problem and fix it automatically.
3. View the status of your "Local Area Connection." If it says "Limited or No Connectivity," there may be a problem with your IP address. Turn off your modem for at least 30 seconds, and power it back on. See if the status of your Internet connection changes. If you are using a router or switch, turn it off to refresh the settings, and turn it on again after at least 30 seconds.
4. Set the computer to the "DHCP" setting if you are using a router. Navigate to your "Local Area Connection" (see Step 1), and then right-click on it. Select "Properties," and click on the "General" tab. Select "Internet Protocol TCP/IP," and then choose "Properties" just below the menu. Click on the check box for "Obtain IP Address Automatically" and "Obtain DNS Server Automatically." Click on "OK" when you are done.
5. Tighten the Ethernet cables attached to your modem, router and computer if the status of your connection says "Unplugged." This status denotes that it cannot establish a network, because it cannot detect an Ethernet cable. If you have already tightened all cables and the status does not change, you may have to replace the Ethernet cables.
6. Reboot the computer if the status says "Connected" but you cannot connect to any websites. If this does not work, call your Internet service provider, and ask if there is a service outage in your area.
