Other Common Problems

Still having problems? Here are a few quick tips to consider:

• Try testing all your wireless equipment in close proximity to rule out problems related to the range of your wireless networking equipment.

• Turn off wireless encryption (WEP) while setting up your equipment. Turn encryption back on once you have made a connection.

• Can you access the Internet? If you can, but can't access computers on your network for file and printer sharing, you likely have a network settings problem in Windows. Check the settings of a computer that's connecting and make sure the settings are the same for the computer that can't connect. No access to the Internet? Check your broadband modem: Do you have a link light that shows whether your ISP is up and running? (Most broadband modems have three lights that should be lit continuously: One light for the connection to the ISP's network, another that shows a connection to your network, and one that shows the modem is getting power.)

Finally, when all else fails, rebooteverything. First the modem, then your router (if you have one), the access point, and finally, your computer. Make sure each device is up and running before you reboot (a.k.a. power cycle) the next .