How to Fix Wireless Internet Problems

Fixing a wireless Internet connection can be frustrating, but fortunately it's not impossible. As much as we all want to slam our fists in frustration when our connection goes wrong, there are steps to take to rectify our troubles.

1 Check the connection icon in the system tray, usually found in the lower right of your computer screen. The icon is often a small computer monitor and will often have a red "x" if there is no wireless Internet connection established. If there is no connection, attempt to reconnect your Internet.

2 Inspect your wireless modem or router, and verify all necessary indicator lights are on. Most modems or wireless routers will be a solid color if there is a connection, and blink if there is a problem with the connection (though activity lights often blink constantly when a computer is using the connection). If it appears there is no connection, it's possible your Internet provider has an outage, and the problem is likely to resolve itself in short order. If the connection indicator light does not come back soon, a technician from your Internet-service provider (ISP) might need to inspect your connections.

3 Reset your modem by unplugging it from the power supply. If your modem is connected to a separate device, such as a router, be sure to disconnect that device first. Power down that device and unplug it as well. Once both devices are off, wait 30 seconds and plug the modem back in, then power it on. When all of the lights indicate the Internet is back, reconnect the modem to the router then plug it back into the power supply and power it on. The indicator lights should return. Test your Internet connection to see whether this solves your problem. If it doesn't, the problem could be elsewhere.

4 Remove possible sources of interference. Some devices such as microwaves, cordless phones and even walls or doors could be in the way of your signal. Moving your computer or modem/router can often help, especially in the case of an intermittent signal.

5 Use your computer's diagnostic tool. In Windows, go to the "Start" menu and select "Control Panel." The go to "Network Connections" or "Internet Connections." Highlight the name of your wireless  Internet connection,  right-click  and  select  properties  or  if  you're  under  the  "Network Sharing Center" in Windows Vista or 7, you click on "View Status." Select "diagnose" and your computer checks your connection. This will often find a problem that can be repaired automatically or it might prompt you to reset your adapter, which temporarily turns off your Internet and then turns it back on. If these steps do not work, the problem might be an issue with the hardware