If you cannot connect to the Internet, there may be several reasons why this is happening. More often than not connectivity problems are caused by loose cables or modem/routers not operating properly. Nevertheless, it is always best to try troubleshooting steps that will fix connectivity problems right away.

Here are some of the basic troubleshooting steps you can do on your own if you cannot connect to the Internet.

1. Ask yourself if you’ve made any changes to your network setup. If the answer’s Yes, then try to double check for loose network cables or any devices that are not properly plugged in. Another way to check if network cables are plugged correctly is to check the status of your Local Area Network connection.

a) Go to Start >> click Control Panel >> select Network and Sharing Center .

 

 

b) Under Network and Sharing Center window, select Change adapter settings found on the left pane >> check the status under Local Area Connection if it states Network cable unplugged. If yes, this means that your modem/router doesn’t recognize any computer connected to it. So you need to check the network cables and make sure they are properly connected. If you still can’t connect try interchanging the ends or use another cable since it might be damaged. Proceed to step 2 if you still cannot connect to the Internet.

  

Note: If you are connected wirelessly, check if the wireless key or password was changed or perhaps you have overlooked turning on the wireless button on your laptop/netbook.

2. Reboot your modem or router by simply removing the power cord from the outlet if there’s no Power button. Do not reset your modem/router because this might mess up its current settings. If the lights are still on (even after unplugging the power cord) remove the battery backup of your modem/router to reboot the device. Wait around 30 seconds to a minute for your device to finish restarting.

 

Observe the lights on your modem and make sure that the important ones are lit. Most modems have a cable or DSL light that’s supposed to be a steady green light. If these lights are not lit then that’s the problem. If you have a phone connection with your Internet, as well, verify if your phone has a dial tone. Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) if both phone and Internet are not working because they might be having an outage. Proceed to step 3 troubleshooting if your modem/router is working fine.

3. If your modem is working fine or the lights are normal, but you have a router in between, try connecting your computer directly to the modem. You will have to reboot/power cycle the modem again with this new network setup by unplugging the power cord from the outlet and wait for 30 seconds to a minute for it to boot. Test to see if you can connect to the Internet by visiting several websites. Proceed to step 4 if you still cannot connect.

 

   4. Check if it’s your firewall or anti-virus software that’s preventing your computer from connecting to the Internet. If you have recently updated your firewall or anti-virus software, this could be another possibility. So it’s best to disable this software temporarily and try to visit websites to see if you are able to get online. Don’t forget to turn your firewall or Anti-Virus back on if you still cannot connect. Visit various websites and not just one to make sure you’re online.

 

5. If you’re using DHCP, double check your Internet Protocol Version 4 settings if it’s set to obtain an IP address automatically.

 

a) Go Start (orb icon) >> Control Panel >> Network and Sharing Center >> Change adapter settings >> right click on Local Area Connection >> select Properties.

 b) Click Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) >> then Properties. Under Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window, make sure Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are selected.

 

    

If all settings are the same, try to release/renew your IP address by following these steps:

 

a) Start >> type Run on the search box then press Enter.

 

b) Type cmd to open a command prompt window >> type ipconfig /renew then press Enter.

 

c) Type ipconfig /release and again, press Enter.

 

d) Type ipconfig /renew and again, press Enter.

 

Note: This command will not work if you’re using a static IP address.

These are just some of the basic troubleshooting steps that will help you resolve connectivity issues. If you still cannot connect to the Internet, let us know right away since we have a team of specialists who will be able to assist you.