What the Network Diagnostics tool does
So what sorts of tests does the new Network Diagnostics tool run and what kinds of problems can it solve? The basic tests are as follows:
• Verify HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP connectivity against Microsoft.com.
• Check for network adapter issues.
• Verify wireless functionality.
• Validate IP configuration.
• Check DNS and gateway settings and functionality.
The Network Diagnostics tool uses four levels of repair automation to solve problems.
• Automatic repair automation is only used when the repair is both easily automated and safe to perform automatically. An example is flushing the Address Resolution (ARP) cache.
• Approval repair automation is used when the repair can be automated but where it could cause configuration issues. You’re prompted for approval before the repair is performed. An example is changing from static IP addresses to automatic DHCP generated addresses.
• Manual repair automation is used whenever the steps can’t be automated, usually because external hardware is involved. An example is restarting your router or modem.
• Contact Support repair automation is used when the tool can’t easily identify the issue or point directly to the correction. In these cases, the generated log file will help support personnel identify the issue.
The Network Diagnostics tool can correct many common network issues, but its real strength is in wireless networking, an area that still causes more network problems than any other. The tool builds on the underlying Wireless Zero Configuration architecture to detect and repair many of the most common wireless problems. Some of the most common tests include:
• Wireless ad hoc check. The Network Diagnostics tool checks that the wireless connection is linking to an access point and not to another wireless computer.
• Wireless available networks. The Network Diagnostics tool checks both novice and advanced views of available networks.
• Wireless compatibility check. The Network Diagnostics tool verifies that the access point is using a security method that Windows XP supports; the tool will provide instructions on how to download the WPA2 update for Windows XP if needed.
• Wireless hardware issue help. The Network Diagnostics tool identifies hardware issues with the router or adapter and provides help.
• Wireless out of range check. The Network Diagnostics tool identifies a weak signal.
• Wireless security config check. The Network Diagnostics tool displays the wireless security settings, including authentication settings so the user can verify that the router or access point matches the adapter settings.
• Wireless security key help. The Network Diagnostics tool identifies mismatched keys and provides help to match them.
• Wireless service status check. The Network Diagnostics tool identifies whether the Wireless Zero Configuration service is running or not and starts the service if necessary. (If third-party configuration software is running, the Network Diagnostics tool will not attempt to troubleshoot the connection—another reason to not use third-party tools for wireless configuration.)
• Wireless setup help. The Network Diagnostics tool provides links to Windows Help topics on how to setup a wireless network.
• Wireless signal strength check. The Network Diagnostics tool identifies a weak signal and suggests you move closer to the access point or router.
• Wireless SSID check. The Network Diagnostics tool provides help on setting the priorities of preferred wireless networks.
• Wireless turned off check. The Network Diagnostics tool provides help when turning on any hardware wireless switch on the computer. Many newer laptops have a switch to enable you to turn off the wireless completely to save battery and comply with airline regulations.