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Never assume it’s your problem

I think we have talked about this before, but it bears repeating. When your Internet connection stops working suddenly or seems to be acting strange, don't immediately assume it is a problem on your end. Often times it is not a problem with your system at all. If this happens to you, follow these steps instead:

  1. Turn off your computer (and high speed modems and routers if you have a high speed connection)
  2. Wait about two or three minutes then plug everything back in and try your connection again.
  3. Do not fiddle with any settings if you didn't change anything before the problem. 
  4. If you still don't have Internet access, wait about an hour or two then try again.
  5. If you still don't have a connection, then it is time to call your provider and report the problem. IF you haven't changed any settings on your end, don't let the tech support people talk you into changing anything. Remember, your connection was perfect a little earlier. 

For high speed Internet connections, read our tip for troubleshooting your connection for more information.  

Related articles:

  1. Troubleshooting Your High Speed Internet Connection
  2. Routers gone bad
  3. Watch the lights
  4. Options and Preferences
  5. Internet Outages

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This entry was posted on Monday, November 27th, 2006 at 8:23 pm and is filed under Internet Tips, Riding Shotgun with Rick. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.

One comment

  1. Anonymous
    November 28, 2006 at 8:50 am

    Hi Rick, you were at my home a couple of weeks ago setting up my computers. We kept losing my internet connection and I had always assumed it was my computer. After the process of elimination, we thought maybe it was my router or my Bresnan connection. After you left and I returned home from work, I called Bresnan to ask them to check my connection. While on the phone, my entire connection (internet, phone)went down. After some troubleshooting, a Bresnan representative discovered that it was indeed a problem with the cable and setup. They fixed the problem and I’ve had great internet connection since! Thanks for helping me trouble shoot!
    Maria

    Reply

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