Get your network working properly

Setting up and maintaining a network is often fraught with problems, but some of them are easy to solve.

In this article we’ve collected a few of the most common network problems and the ways to fix them – usually in just a minute or two.

Wireless won’t work – Windows 7, XP, Vista
Q There’s a room in my house where I can’t access my wireless network. How can I fix this?

A There are three possible solutions: move the wireless router to a more central position in the house, buy a wireless network extender such as the Belkin Wireless Network Range Extender or use a homeplug connection between one of the sockets on the router and the room without a wireless signal.

Which Wifi security? – Windows 7, XP, Vista
Q My router has a several wireless security modes. Which should I use?

A If possible choose WPA2 security, or failing that WPA. If several types are listed pick WPA-TKIP or -PSK, not -AES. If that’s not possible use 128-bit Wep, or failing that 64-bit Wep, but neither are very secure.

Channel hopping – Windows 7, XP, Vista
Q Which wireless network channel should I choose in my router settings?

A Choose either 1, 6 or 13. Software such as Wirelessmon can tell you which are in use nearby.

Sharing printers – Windows 7, XP, Vista
Q Can I share my printer on the network?

A Yes. Click on the Start button and then Printers and Faxes in Windows XP, Control Panel and then Printers in Vista or Devices in Windows 7. Right-click on the printer and left-click on sharing. Click on the option ‘Share this printer’ and click on OK. This computer will need to be left on for other people to use the printer.

Cable selection – Windows 7, XP, Vista
Q I want to connect my laptop and router with a cable, but there are so many types. Which one do I need?

A The ideal cable is a Cat 5e patch cable. Cat 6 cabling is capable of the faster speeds but only if your laptop and router are very new and have Gigabit ports.

Direct connections – Windows 7, XP, Vista
Q I want to move files from one PC to another. Can I connect them directly with a network cable?

A If you have a standard network cable, the computers should detect it. If you are buying a cable look for a ‘crossover’ network cable.

Music sharing – Windows 7
Q Is it possible to listen to the music on my Windows 7 computer from another computer on the network?

A Windows Media Player can do this. Start Windows Media Player, click on Stream and then ‘More streaming options’. Make sure the option ‘Media programs on this PC and remote connections’ is set to Allowed.

If you have problems with security, hardware, software or Windows, have a look at these articles, where you may find a solution:

Solve Windows problems
Solve software problems

Solve security problems

Solve hardware problems

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