Because of the variety of network hardware, network configurations, operating systems, and setups, not all of the below information may apply to your network or operating system.
Note: We cannot assist you with network problems due to an unknown password or unknown ISP settings, as we have no method of verifying or determining this information.
Adapter resources
Verify that the network adapter is properly installed and detected by the computer with no conflicts. In Microsoft Windows, open the Device Manager and verify there are no errors. "Network adapters" should be present for each network adapter installed in the computer, similar to the example on the right.
If conflicts exist or the network adapter is being detected as an "Other device", the network card has likely not been properly installed in the computer. Try letting Windows re-detect and install the network card by removing the network adapter and any other conflict devices from Device Manager and then rebooting the computer. If Windows re-detects the card but does not find the drivers, download the latest network card drivers from the computer manufacturer's website or the network card manufacturer's website.
Verify connections
Wired Network
If this is a wired network, verify that the network cable is properly connected and make sure the LEDs next to the network jack are properly illuminated. For example, a network card with a solid green LED or light usually indicates that the card is either connected or receiving a signal. If the green light is flashing, this is an indication of data being sent or received. The picture to the right is an example of a LAN port with two LED indicators next to the RJ-45 port. With this port, one LED will light up if connected properly and the other will flash when transmitting data.
If there are no lights or the lights are orange or red, the card may be bad, not connected properly, or may not be receiving a signal from the network. If you are on a small or local network and have the capability of checking a hub, switch, or router, verify that the cables are properly connected and that it has power. If after checking the connections, the LED indicators appear bad, the network adapter, port, or cable may be defective.
Wireless Network
If you're using a laptop with a wireless network, look for the laptop's Wi-Fi button and make sure it is turned on. Many laptops have a Wi-Fi button that allows the wireless network to be turned on and off. The Wi-Fi button is often located just above the keyboard or on the front edge of the laptop, but it also may be integrated with a F key as well. The pictures to the right are examples of a Wi-Fi button and Wi-Fi indicator on a F key that are enabled.
If the button is turned on, make sure you're using the correct Wi-Fi hotspot by right-clicking on the Network icon in the Windows Notification Area and clicking "Connect to a network". Usually, the network with the strongest connection (the most bars) will be your wireless router.
Finally, when connecting to most wireless networks, you need to enter the proper SSID password to connect to the network. If the incorrect password has been entered, you will not be able to access the network.