Monday, January 18, 2010

Start the Network and Internet Troubl...

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Start the Network and Internet Troubleshooting Wizards from the Command-Prompt

The network and Internet troubleshooting wizards can also be started from the command line, using the parameters below. All you need is to copy and paste these commands in the Run window (press the Windows key + R) or in the Command Prompt:

  • To open the Internet Connections troubleshooter - msdt.exe -id NetworkDiagnosticsWeb;
  • To open the Shared Folders troubleshooter - msdt.exe -id NetworkDiagnosticsFileShare;
  • To open the HomeGroup troubleshooter - msdt.exe -id HomeGroupDiagnostic;
  • To open the Network Adapter troubleshooter - msdt.exe -id NetworkDiagnosticsNetworkAdapter;
  • To open the Incoming Connections troubleshooter - msdt.exe -id NetworkDiagnosticsInbound.

How to Work With the Network and Internet Troubleshooting Wizards

Once you start one of the available wizards for troubleshooting, click on Next. For this article, I chose the Network Adapter troubleshooting wizard which seemed to be the most used in our home network.

Network and Internet Troubleshooting

Depending on your hardware configuration, you may be asked to select the network adapter to diagnose. If you have problems with your wireless connection select Wireless Network Connection, otherwise select Local Area Connection. When done, click on Next.

Network and Internet Troubleshooting

The troubleshooting wizard will now start the diagnostics process and show you a progress bar like the one below.

Network and Internet Troubleshooting

In case a problem was found, it will show you a summary of the problem and the steps you need to follow in order to fix it. Follow these steps and then click on 'Check to see if the problem is fixed'.

Network and Internet Troubleshooting

If the problem is now fixed, it will tell you that 'Troubleshooting has completed'. Click on Close and you are done.

Network and Internet Troubleshooting

NOTE: if the troubleshooting wizard hasn't detected any problems but you still have issues, it might mean that you used the wrong wizard. In this case, try another wizard from the list which is related to the symptoms you are experiencing.

Conclusion

Windows 7 has a very complete list of troubleshooting wizards which can help you identify the root cause of your networking problems and ways to fix them. In two months of using it, I never had a networking problem which Windows 7 couldn't identify correctly. The instructions I received helped me fix most issues by myself. When not, they contained very useful information which helped in the dialog with my Internet provider and their technical support people understood what's happening and what they need to fix.

If you have other useful tips about how to troubleshoot networking problems in Windows 7, don't hesitate to share them in a comment.

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