Applies to Windows Vista

In this topic

Networks are complex
Introducing Network Diagnostics

The doctor is in

Using Network Diagnostics in Windows Vista

Lots of people use networks, but most of us don’t have the time or inclination to become networking experts. Instead, we often rely on more knowledgeable people to troubleshoot our network problems. But what if you don’t have someone available to help you? Network Diagnostics in Windows Vista provides a new way to diagnose and repair network problems.

Networks are complex

Networks rely on complex technology, so deciphering the root cause of a network problem can often be difficult.

For example, if you can't access a website, you might see an error message like this: "The page cannot be displayed. The page you are looking for is currently unavailable. The website might be experiencing technical difficulties, or you might need to adjust your browser settings."

Your web browser is giving you the best information that it has, but the message isn’t very helpful since it doesn’t pinpoint the exact problem. The problem could be on your computer, on the web server, or on the network between your computer and the web server.

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Introducing Network Diagnostics

When a network problem occurs in Windows Vista, Network Diagnostics helps to diagnose and repair the problem. For example, when you see some error messages such as “Page cannot be displayed” or “Server is not available,” you have the option to use Network Diagnostics to identify the problem. For other types of network problems, you can access Network Diagnostics by right-clicking the network icon

in the notification area of the taskbar, and then clicking Diagnose and repair.

The "Diagnose and repair" option

After diagnosing a problem, Network Diagnostics suggests options for fixing it. Sometimes you can fix a problem just by clicking a link. For example, clicking Enable the network adapter in the Network Diagnostics dialog box automatically enables the adapter, potentially fixing a problem.

Picture of a suggested repair in Network Diagnostics

Network Diagnostics suggests a repair

In the following example, Network Diagnostics has detected that a computer's wireless networking capability was turned off. This is a common problem that might have caused someone to call technical support in the past. But with Network Diagnostics, you can fix this problem yourself.

Picture of a Network Diagnostics dialog box showing that wireless capability is turned off

Network Diagnostics detects that wireless capability is turned off

When a problem can't be diagnosed or no solution is available, Network Diagnostics makes it easy to report the problem to Microsoft through Windows Error Reporting. And if Network Diagnostics says a problem is fixed, but you disagree, you can still report the problem to Microsoft by clicking Send information.

Picture of the "Send information" link in a Network Diagnostics dialog box

Click "Send information" to report the problem to Microsoft

If more detailed or technical information about the problem and potential solutions is available, it is saved in one or more event logs. Network administrators and technical support personnel can use the information in the event logs to analyze connectivity problems or help interpret the conclusions.

Network Diagnostics in Windows Vista helps you avoid the hassle and expense of calling technical support. It’s like having your own personal networking expert at your side.

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