If Something Goes Wrong

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Resolving a hardware conflict

Check Control Panel's Device Manager to verify that the Wi-Fi adapter is recognized by Windows®, and that the driver is loaded. Carefully note any error messages— these will be very helpful if you should confer with a support technician at a later time.

Verify that the network connection is configured to obtain its Internet Protocol (IP) address dynamically:

1Click Start, Control Panel.

2Double-clickNetwork Connections.

3Right-click the name of your wireless network connection, then click Properties.

4Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), then click Properties.5Select Obtain an IP address automatically.

6Click OK, then click Close.

Use IPCONFIG to verify that the computer has a useful IP address—one other than the private address of 169.254.xxx.xxx assigned by Windows.

Click Start, then click Run...

Enter Cmd and press Enter.

Enter "IPCONFIG /ALL" and press Enter.

The IP address for each active network adapter will be displayed.

Connect your computer directly to your router or broadband modem, by plugging a standard CAT5 Ethernet patch cable (sold separately) into your computer's RJ45 Ethernet port. If your connection problem disappears, the problem lies in the Wi-Fi part of your network.