Configure Software

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A router or hub is likely the cause of a problem that affects an entire network. If the glitch seems limited to a single machine, it's time to inspect the configuration of that computer's OS. 
 
Common configuration problems include a mistyped or missing computer name, workgroup, or IP address. To see if this is your problem, you will need to take a look at your computer's network properties. In Win98/Me, right-click Network Neighborhood on the Desktop and select Properties. Choose the Identification tab. In Win2000, right-click My Computer, select Properties, and click the Network Identification tab. For WinXP users, right-click My Computer, click Properties, and select the Computer Name tab. 
 
In the Computer Name line (Full Computer Name in Win2000/XP), make sure the name of this computer is unique on the network. If not, come up with another name. It doesn't matter what exactly the name is, so long as it isn't the same as the name of another computer. Then make sure that the Workgroup (Domain in Win2000) name is the same as all of the other computers on your network. 
 
Now for the IP address and other network numbers. In Win98/Me, reach the IP setting by right-clicking Network Neighborhood and selecting Properties. Next, select TCP/IP Ethernet Adapter and then click the Properties button. A dialog box appears with three tabs: Gateway, IP Address, and DNS Configuration. In Win2000, open the Start menu, select Settings, and click Start Menu. In WinXP, open the Start menu and click Control Panel. Double-click Network Connections (Network And Dial-up Connections in Win2000), right-click the icon for your network adapter, and choose Properties. Highlight the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) listing and click Properties. 
 
First click the appropriate tab for your version of Windows and check your IP settings. If you are using a router for your Internet connection, you are most likely using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to get the proper IP configuration. When your computer starts up each day, it sends a request to the router for an IP address. That means you should choose the Windows option to Obtain An IP Address Automatically. 
 
If you aren't using DHCP, enter the correct IP address. Every computer needs a unique IP address; your ISP may assign temporary addresses to your machine when you log on, or it may provide a permanent IP address. If your IP address is static, you will need to get the correct numbers from your ISP or network administrator. You will also need to set the proper Gateway and DNS (domain name server) addresses. Again, check with your ISP.