Windows XP Networking Guide : Troubleshooting
When you have troubles during a network or connection installation,
help is near. Windows XP provides a link to Troubleshooting in
device properties or when error happens in a warning pop-up window. A Troubleshooter
will help you identify the exact problem you
have by presenting you a series of multiple choice questions. It
will then decide what you need to do based on your answers.
Picture: Windows XP Help and Support Center.
The Help and Support Center of Windows XP provides shortcuts to
network Troubleshooters. From the Help and Support Center home
screen, go to "Networking and the Web" section and pick "Fixing
networking or Web problems". The available Troubleshooters can help
you fix various network problems, e.g. modem, ICS, home and small office networking,
file and printer sharing, network adapters.
Although Windows XP provides useful Troubleshooters targeted to
a specific device or function, it couldn't resolve all the
problems. Therefore, it is better to minimize problems in your network
by planning your
network and deciding what type
of network you will create in advance, whether a wired network (i.e.
Ethernet, HPNA, direct cables), a wireless network (Wi-Fi), or a
mixed network. Draw
a position layout of available computers and devices and make a checklist
of all hardware you need before starting a network installation. You
may need network adapters, hub, switch, residential gateway, broadband
modem, cables and connectors. If you plan a wireless network, you
will
need a wireless access point. Also decide
how computers in your network will connect to the Internet,
whether through an ICS host computer or a residential gateway, or
using a direct connection.
The following page outlines some common networking problems.
But more complete and focused troubleshooting tips are provided in
each step-by-step guide for creating a specific network
connection.
|
