The Network Magic feature you use to help manage your network.

With Network Magic, a supported computer uses Microsoft Windows 98 SE or later.

A component that connects to a network (for example, a printer, media player, or gaming device).

To fix the problem, see the appropriate section that follows.

If the computer or device does not provide enough information, Network Magic cannot display it correctly in the map, or might not display it at all.

Make sure it has the correct IP address. This can happen, for example, with a computer that has been used at a corporate network and is now attempting to connect to a home network.

 

To check the computerÆs IP address in the network map

1. Click Network Map.

2. Locate and click the computer.

3. In the Details tab (right side of map), check the IP address.

If the IP address starts with 192.168.<x.x>:

The computer probably has a correct address.

Most home networks use IP addresses that are numbered in the 192.168.x.x range assigned to private networks. Generally, private network addresses cannot be contacted through the Internet. For more information, see the next section.

If the IP address starts with 169.254.<x.x.x>:

The computer has a temporary address. IP addresses in this range are non-working addresses that Microsoft Windows assigns when no valid IP address has been assigned.

One source of this is if your network adapter does not work properly (for example, if the adapter has not connected to your router, your router has not been able to assign your computer an IP address).

If the IP address starts with another number (none of the above):

The computer has a static IP address, and it might be the correct address or the incorrect address. Typically, this is more of an issue with wired (for example, Ethernet) network connections, rather than wireless connections.

• This can be the correct IP address if your network uses static IP addresses assigned by your ISP. To determine whether this is the correct static IP address, contact technical support at your ISP.

• This can be the IP address assigned by the computer support staff for an office computer (for example, in your company or organization). Contact the computer support staff to determine the policy for computer use in both the corporate network and your home network.

Network Magic allows you to use the same computer or device in both a home network and a corporate network (for example, a laptop computer that uses a wireless connection). When you take a computer from your home network to another network, the network stops sharing folders and printers from your home network.

To check the computerÆs IP address in Microsoft Windows

1. Click this button:
   
   

2. At the DOS command prompt, type ipconfig.

3. In the IP Address line, check the IP address.

4. To exit the DOS window, type exit and then press Enter.

To change the IP address and your Internet service provider uses dynamic IP addressingà

Renew the computerÆs IP address in Microsoft Windows. For steps, see Renew your computer's IP address.

To change the IP address and your Internet service provider uses static IP addressingà

If you need to change the computerÆs IP address, note that it is included in WindowsÆ networking settings for TCP/IP. The steps differ among Microsoft Windows versions. For information about doing so, For information, see the Help for your version of Windows. In Windows, click Start, then click Help. If you are using Windows XP, click Start, and then click Help and Support.

Note

To open a DOS command prompt yourself, click Start, and then Run. Type command, and then press Enter.

A number that identifies a computer or device connected to a network or to the Internet (for example, 192.168.0.1). IP is an abbreviation for Internet Protocol.

A board, card, or other device that connects your computer to a network. Also known as an adapter card or a network interface card (NIC).

A device that joins networks (for example, to connect your home network to the Internet). A router is also known as a gateway or base station.

An unchanging IP address assigned to a computer or device connected to a network.

A networking standard that uses cables to connect computers and devices.

The company that provides you access to the Internet. ISP is an abbreviation for Internet service provider.

Share select network resources with others (for example, share a printer in your network or share folders and files on the Web using @@PROGRAM@@ Net2Go).

A protocol that allows computers to connect to networks and the Internet. TCP/IP is an abbreviation for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.

Make sure it has the correct IP address.

To check the deviceÆs IP address in the network map

1. Click Network Map.

2. Locate and click the device.

3. In the Details tab (right side of map), check the IP address.

If you need to change the deviceÆs IP address, steps differ. For information about doing so, see the product documentation for the device.

A number that identifies a computer or device connected to a network or to the Internet (for example, 192.168.0.1). IP is an abbreviation for Internet Protocol.

Make sure the firewall is not filtering out (blocking) the computer or deviceÆs IP address. To determine whether the firewall is filtering out IP addresses, see the firewall's product documentation for steps.

Protects a computer or network from unauthorized access.

A number that identifies a computer or device connected to a network or to the Internet (for example, 192.168.0.1). IP is an abbreviation for Internet Protocol.