Windows 2000 Quick Fixes

Can’t connect to other computers on the local network

If you’re having problems connecting to other computers on the network, there are a handful of troubleshooting steps you can take to identify and fix the problem. You should start by checking your hardware.

Check your hardware

The first thing you should check when you can’t seem to connect to other computers on the network is the obvious: is the hardware working? Here are a few steps to help you check your network hardware:

1. Verify that the cable is securely connected to the computer’s network adapter.

2. Look for a link light on the adapter. It should be lit if the adapter and cable are working properly.

3. Check the connection of the your network drop cable to the wall receptacle (if any).

4. Check the hub to make sure your connection shows a link light.

If you’ve checked all connections and still don’t have a link light at the hub and network adapter, either the adapter or the cable might be bad. Replace the cable and/or adapter to see if the problem disappears.

Check local configuration

If the hardware seems to check out and you’re getting link lights at both the hub and adapter, you should check the configuration for the adapter. Open the Network and Dial-Up Connections folder and use the following steps to check the configuration:

1. Check the network interface’s icon. If it is dimmed, the connection is disabled. Right-click the connection and choose Enabled.

2. Right-click the connection and choose Properties. Make sure of the following: ...