• PC World
• »Computers

Network Reconnections

Severed Server

Problem: Your computer suddenly loses its connection to the Internet.

Quick fix: If your PC connects through a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server--which means its IP address is automatically assigned by the server--the link between the server and your PC may sometimes become muddled. To restore it in Windows XP and 2000, click Start, Run, type cmd, and press Enter. At the command prompt, type ipconfig /release and press Enter. Then type ipconfig /renew and press Enter. For Windows 98 and Me, click Start, Run, type command, press Enter, type winipcfg /release, press Enter, type winipcfg /renew, and press Enter.

Home In on Your Wireless Net

Problem: Your 802.11b or 11g wireless network worked great for a year but has suddenly slowed to a crawl, for no apparent reason. You've checked every setting and device on the network, and everything's functioning properly.

Quick fix: Other electronic devices may be stepping on your network's signal. Bluetooth networks, wireless telephones, and microwave ovens all operate in the 2.4-GHz frequency range of your network. If your wireless router or access point is located near one of these devices, try placing the products as far from each other as possible. To reduce interference from wireless phones, you can change the channel that your Wi-Fi network uses by going into the setup program for your router or access point.

Not-so-quick fix: Strengthen your Wi-Fi signal with a repeater such as the $90 Wireless-G Range Expander from Linksys see FIGURE 3). If that doesn't work, get a wireless phone that operates at either 900 MHz or 5 GHz, which won't interfere with your network.