Do you have a bad internet connection at home or work?
Before you start yelling at your ISP, consider trying out some of the most common troubleshooting tactics to fix your bad connection.
5) Inspect the Router and Make Sure It’s Getting Power
If your internet is totally down, then your router may have inadvertently lost power.
Maybe it became unplugged when you were cleaning behind the computer. Maybe the cat unplugged the cord. Maybe the power adapter failed, or you have a faulty power strip.
In any case, if your internet suddenly goes out at home without the rest of your house losing power, then the router should be the first thing you check.
4) Look at the Lights on your Router
Once your router is powered back up, make sure you check the internet or WAN indicator. On most routers, a working internet or WAN will lead to a flashing green light. If that light is flashing red, then you have a problem with your wireless network.
Possible reasons for network problems on your router could be an antenna that got disconnected or became loose.
Or, you could have plugged your cables into the wrong port. Unplug and re-plug each cable, making sure to put the correct cords in the correct slots.
While you’re connecting the cables, visually inspect the cables for any damage. Run your hands along the entire connection. A splitter may have come loose or a wire may have simply become frayed, rusty, or dirty.
3) Reset to Factory Settings
Resetting your router to factory settings is a great way to troubleshoot any problems you may be experiencing.
Unless you’ve messed around extensively with your router’s customization settings, you won’t lose much progress by doing this. The only thing you really lose is your password – which you can easily set up again.
Performing a fresh install with your router helps you troubleshoot whether the problem is actually router-related or if it’s something else.
2) Update Firmware
Visit your router manufacturer’s website and download the latest firmware for your specific router.
Most manufacturers release a handful of router updates over the years, but many users never install these updates.
That’s unfortunate, because router updates can lead to significant security improvements and even better performance.
Avoid downloading firmware from third party websites: some dishonest websites claim to offer free versions of your router’s firmware or will try to lure you in with “speed improvements”. If you can’t find updated router firmware on your manufacturer’s official website, then don’t download it at all.
1) Make Sure Your PC is Healthy
If none of the above tips worked, then make sure your PC is healthy!
Download software like PC Cleaner Pro to wipe virus and malware problems from your hard drive. In many cases, your internet is working perfectly fine, but a virus is stealing so much bandwidth that it feels like your internet isn’t working.
If your router isn’t the problem, and your ISP isn’t reporting any difficulties, then the problem may lie within your computer.
Perform a free scan with PC Cleaner Pro or your favorite optimization software today. You have nothing to lose and it’s a surefire way to make your PC faster than ever before.