This document provides guidance on troubleshooting basic network and hardware issues. It includes a network connection flowchart to methodically check the network cable, switch, and network adapter settings. It also lists some common hardware issues like a computer failing to boot, including potential causes like bad memory, hard drive, or non-bootable disk interfering with startup. Users are advised to follow the documented steps to release and renew the IP address, check device manager and network settings, or try replacing the network adapter or hardware components as necessary.

1. Basic Network and Hardware Troubleshooting

3. 1 st Line of Defense Prior to submitting a request for support, make sure to check a few things. If the problem is a network issue, check the Network Connection Flowchart to see if the problem can be corrected. If the problem is a hardware problem, make note of what the computer is doing and check those symptoms with the documentation.

4. Network Connection Issue Flowchart

5. Is the network cable plugged into the computer and the wall? If the cable is not plugged in, plug it in to either the computer or the wall. Is there a light on the back of the card? Green: Network link is active. Amber or no light: Problem with the network cable or card. Network Connection Issue Network Cable

6. If there is an amber light, or no light at all, try a new network cable from the wall to the computer. Network Connection Issue Network Cable

7. If there is still an amber light, or no light at all beside the NIC, the problem may be with the Hub/Switch. Check to see that the cable is plugged into the hub/switch and it has a green light. If no green light is present, try moving the cable to a different port on the hub/switch or a try new cable. Network Connection Issue Hub/Switch

8. After the cables have been checked, or switched, if the network is still no accessible, the problem may be with Windows. Try Releasing and Renewing the IP address from the NIC. Follow the documentation titled Release and Renew Network Adapter . Network Connection Issue Release and Renew the Network Adapter

9. Once it has been established that the NIC has an IP address, or if the NIC is unable to renew an IP address, the NIC may be having problems “talking” with the hub/switch at the school. To change the settings so that they can “talk” follow the documentation titled My Network Places Properties (NIC Settings). Network Connection Issue My Network Places Settings

10. If the network is still unavailable to the computer, there maybe a conflict within the NIC. To check the Device Manger for any conflicts, follow the documentation titled Device Manager Settings . Network Connection Issue Device Manager Settings

11. After the cables have been checked, or switched, if the card is still not showing a green light, there may be a problem with the network card. As a last resort, try a new NIC in the computer. Network Connection Issue Network Card

12. If the computer will not boot as soon as it is turned on, there may be a hardware problem. These problems can include: Bad Memory (RAM) Bad Hard Drive Non-Bootable disk in drive Hardware Issues Computer Won’t Boot

13. If the computer will not start when it is first powered on, and there are two beeps that occur, there may be a problem with the memory (RAM). Generally, once the beeps occur, a screen will come up alert that there was a POST startup error. Each computer system may have a different screen that comes up. Hardware Issues Computer Won’t Boot—Bad Memory

14. If the computer has a bad hard drive, a few symptoms may occur. When the computer is powered on, there may be a number of “clicks”. The computer may act like it is going to boot, but it may never go past the initial splash screen. Other symptoms may depend on the type of computer system that the hard drive is in. Hardware Issues Computer Won’t Boot—Bad Hard Drive

15. If the computer is powered on, and a message comes up that says the ‘ NTLDR is missing ’, chances are there is a non-bootable disk in one of the drives. Check to make sure there is not a CD or a floppy disk in any of the drives. If there is, take the disk out and restart the computer. If the message shows up again, there may possibly be a problem with the operating system. Hardware Issues Computer Won’t Boot—NTLDR is missing

16. Questions?