Network Diagnostics
Using the Windows Network Diagnostics should be a first step when troubleshooting any Internet connectivity or home network issue. Much of the functionality from the Network Diagnostics in Windows XP has been automated with the new Network Diagnostic Framework (NDF) that is included in Windows Vista™.
Windows Network Diagnostics writes events to the Event Log if it is triggered for any reason. These events are available in Event Viewer under Applications and Services Logs, Microsoft, Windows, Diagnostics - Networking. Some examples of events that Windows Network Diagnostics can detect are listed below:
- Incorrect IP address information
- Mismatched workgroup settings
- Incorrect firewall settings
- Incorrect hardware configuration
Windows Network Diagnostics automatically launches when it detects that there has been a problem related to connecting to the Internet or a home network. You can also manually launch it. Use the following steps to manually launch Windows Network Diagnostics:
- From the Windows Vista default Start menu, click Help and Support.
- In the Windows Help and Support window, click Troubleshooting.
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- In the Troubleshooting in Windows window, click Troubleshoot network and Internet connection problems.
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- In the Troubleshoot network and Internet connection problems window, select Click to open Network Diagnostics.
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Note:
There are several other methods to open the Network Diagnostic including right-clicking on the Network icon in the Taskbar Notification Area, and then choosing Diagnose and repair.
- Windows Network Diagnostics attempts to identify the problem.
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- If Windows Network Diagnostics finds a problem, it presents you with recommendations to resolve the problem.
Example 1:
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Example 2:
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- Windows Network Diagnostics attempts to repair the problem.
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- Windows Network Diagnostics resolves the problem. In the Windows Network Diagnostics dialog box, click Close.
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