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Fix Your Internet Without Leaving Your Seat! (Mostly)

The information super highway is a vast and mysterious place that we now depend on. We look to it for general research, movie titles, work, business, and school. It is just not practical to live without. So what happens when we loose our precious internet connection? It is down right frustrating!

Hopefully I can add some ease to this frustration with a few easy to follow steps (without the need of leaving your seat, mostly)

Please note: Sorry folks, I don't use Mac products often and I'm quite new to Linux. Most of us use windows so my tutorial will be primarily based on using newer versions of Microsoft Windows.

Step 1. Using Windows troubleshoot

Microsoft Windows Network Troubleshooter

The very first thing I do when I'm disconnected from the internet, without wanting to be, is to use the Windows troubleshooter. Without going into too much details, what this does is allow Windows to automatically look for any problems on your computer, network, wired internet adapter, or wireless adapter. 

Sometimes issues can occur with devices butting heads or not turning on during your computer's startup. 

This will help re-establish some of these difficulties. Here's how to get there:

The lengthy way

1. Click on Start, usually located at the bottom left and has a Windows icon.
2. Click on settings. This looks like a little gear. Similar to this: ⚙
3. Click on network & Internet. You can also type network in the search bar.
4. Click on network troubleshooter under advanced network settings.
5. Let it do it's thing and click through with the instructions. Usually this resolves most issues.

The faster way

1. Go to the bottom right of your screen to an icon that looks like either of these 
2. Right click the icon.
3. Click on troubleshoot problems. 
4. Let it do it's thing and click through with the instructions.

Step 2. Using Windows Command prompt

Microsoft Windows Command Prompt

This may seem complicated but it really isn't. It seems intimidating, but trust me, you'll be ok. What we'll do with command prompt is to release your computer's old "home address" into the wilds and to reclaim a new comfortable cottage it's always dreamed of 😉. 

Why would we need to do this? Often times, you will have tablets, phones, gaming consoles, other computers, etc. connected to the same network or your router. Sometimes these addresses can overlap causing connection issues.

Disclaimer: If you are attempting this at work, ask your IT or manager if it is ok first. Some work computers have a specific address already set to allow access to certain programs and resources your computer needs access to.

Let's get to it!

1. Right click on the start icon usually at the bottom left of your screen.
2. Click Run.
3. Right next to "Open:" type in cmd and click ok.
4. When the command prompt window opens, type in ipconfig /release and push enter.
5. It'll do some things. This will be quick and can be ignored 😉. 
6. Next type in ipconfig /renew and push enter. (This can take a few seconds to minutes.)
7. When you are able to type again, type exit and push enter.

Step 3. Update the drivers

Microsoft Windows update

Sounds complicated, I know. A driver in fun terms is the programming that "drives" your device or application, kind of like the pilot of a plane or driver of a car 😜. The not so fun part, they need to be updated properly to function. This is a little more complicated than the first two steps.

Windows update

Luckily Windows update can update most of your drivers with the most functional drivers. To initiate Windows update follow these steps: 

1. Right click the start menu.
2. Click on search.
3. In the search text field type in Windows Update and click on Windows update settings.
4. Click on Check for updates and let it do its thing. 

The manual process 1-2

This I would recommend for the more advanced user. 

1. Right click on the Windows icon.
2. You can either type in device manager or if it appears, click on device manager.
3. Click on Network adapters.
4. Right click on each one and left click on Update driver.
5. Click on search automatically for drivers. 

The manual process 2-2

If the first manual process didn't work out for you, or you cannot find your internet device, go to the manufacturer website and search for drivers. Often times, if you are using a USB wireless adapter, you may need to do this process. 

Step 4: Time to stand up and start unplugging things.

So, none of those software issues didn't work out. Now it's time to get physical 💃. 

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

From your computer

To start, unplug your internet cable/ethernet cable or wireless card (if USB) from your computer. Give it a minute or two, then plug it back in. Give it another minute or two. If this did not resolve any issues. Move on to the next step.

Walk over to your router 😱

Be sure to ask your IT to fix your internet for you if you are at work or school. If you are at home, go over to your router. Find the power cable to your router and unplug it. Give it a minute or two, plug it back in, then give about 2 to 5 minutes. What this does is allow your internet service provider's address and connection to reset. It also clears some statistics on the router and opens up it's airways.

Step 5. The hardest part, going on hold with your ISP

Photo by LumenSoft Technologies on Unsplash

Yup, it's come down to it ...you'll need to call your internet service provider (ISP). I have a few tips when contacting them.

1. Don't dial the number on your router. Do a search for your ISP on a search browser and type in technical support or customer support. For example: Verizon customer support. This usually sends you to a more direct line without having to key in a lot of options or talk to a robot.
2. Inform the representatives that you've already taken the above steps. They'll generally run diagnostics from there or some hardware reset instructions.