Differentiating Login Problems from Connectivity Issues

If you cannot use network resources such as a printer, this section will help you determine whether you have a software issue or a probable hardware or cabling issue.

• Can You Access Web Sites?

See if you can use Internet Explorer to access a website other than www.apsu.edu.  If you are able to access www.abc.com, for example, then your computer does have the proper cabling attached.  From a hardware standpoint, it is properly connected to network infrastructure.  The problem is likely a software problem.

• Can You Access a APSU02 Login Screen?

If you have a telnet program installed, open it and see if you receive a login prompt.  You will not have to log in, so you can still perform this check even without having an account.  If you are not asked for a password, or get a timeout message, then you may have a problem with the network cables connecting your machine to the network.  Be sure to try this step again after you have confirmed that your network settings are correct.

NOTE: You can access web sites and the APSU02 Server from a machine that is not properly logged into the network.  But, if you can access these resources, then there is not a problem with the cables connecting your machine to the network.

Verify That the Network Resource is Operational

If you have verified that your machine is properly connected to the network, but are still having trouble accessing network resources, check to make sure the resource is running properly.  If it is a printer, check to make sure that it has paper, or ask another user to print a test page.  If you are having trouble accessing a server on the network, check with the Help Desk to make sure that the server is up and running.

Try Restarting Your Computer

Sometimes, nothing works as well as starting over with a clean slate.  Try restarting your machine.  This can clear up many transient problems.  Also, it is a good way to make sure that you have properly logged in, and that there are no major hardware problems internal to the machine.