Out of Touch

Q: I have a computer running XP. It connects to the internet through a gateway. The problem is that I seem to have lost internet connection on one computer. I get a page saying that the server could not be found. The other computers on my home network can access the internet. The gateway recognizes the connection of the computer.
Claudia
A: You have an interesting situation. As I have stated in past articles, I like to troubleshoot from the outside to the inside. This means that I check the hardware first. I do this to check for easily remedied, but often overlooked, causes for problems. I would begin by checking the cable or wireless transmitter between that particular computer and your internet gateway. Since you previously stated that the computer is recognized by the gateway, then it is unlikely that the connection between the gateway and the computer is the problem.
The next thing that I would do is to run a system protection cocktail. A system protection cocktail is what I call scanning a system with anti-virus, adware, spyware, and hijacker detection software. I do this to rule out the possibility of a program existing on your computer that may have altered your network settings. If you find something then you should remove it immediately. You run the risk of infecting the other computers on your network otherwise.
If nothing is found you can try to restore the computer to a time when you are sure that it was working properly. You first need to open the programs header in the start menu. Next, look in the system tools folder in the accessories sub-header. One of the last options in that folder should be named system restore. Select a date from the calendar that you are certain that you had no problems connecting to internet. The system restore program should walk you through the rest of the process.
If the problem persists, you have a few more options. Make sure that any anti-virus or personal firewall programs are not restricting the connection between your computer and the internet. Another option is to reset the network connections on your computer. To change the network connections you need to open the control panel located in the start menu. You should see a category named Network and Internet Connections. In this category, you have two choices that can help. You can choose set up or change your internet connections or you can choose set up or change your home or small office network. Both of these will lead you to the same place. However, you do want to ensure that you select the option in the process that will allow you to connect to the internet through another computer on your network or a residential gateway. Once your problem is fixed, you may consider purchasing a PC reset or boomerang card for about $15-$50. These cards reset your computer to the settings that you default each time that it is starts.