Using Network Connection Repair in Windows XP

Windows XP includes a multi-step process for repairing a network connection, replacing a series of manual steps. To start the repair process, follow these steps:

1.	Open My Network Places.
2.	Click View Network Connections from the Network Tasks menu.
3.	Right-click the network connection that is not working and select Repair from the context menu.

The Repair option performs the following tasks in this order. The equivalent command-line options are also provided:

• Renews the computer's DHCP-provided IP address; equivalent to ipconfig /renew

• Flushes the Address Resolution Protocol cache; equivalent to arp d*

• Reloads the NetBIOS name cache; equivalent to nbtstat R

• Refreshes the NetBIOS name; equivalent to nbtstat RR

• Flushes the Domain Name System (DNS) cache; equivalent to ipconfig /flushdns

• Re-registers DNS names; equivalent to ipconfig /registerdns

• Restarts IEEE 802.1x Authentication (starting with Service Pack 1)

Note

The Repair option is not available on user accounts that are not members of the Administrator or Network Configuration Operators group. For example, a Guest, Standard, or Limited User account will not list this option.

As you can see, the Repair option saves a lot of time when compared with the amount of time needed to run several command-line utilities. Keep in mind that Repair cannot solve problems caused by an invalid static IP address. It is primarily designed for systems using DHCP (server-assigned) IP addresses.