Setting up a PC to use with a Router

Setting up a PC to use with a Router

A router is unlike most other computer peripherals - it does notcome with drivers that need to be installed on the connected computers. (Unless it can be connected by USB - very unusual.) 

It is a computer in its own right and once set up it will carry on doing its job with or without any computers connected to it. (Not much point in that, but it does).

But although there are no drivers to install on your computer there are some settings on your PC that you need to check.

1. Make sure that your computer does not try to connect with a previous dial up or broadband modem connection:Left click Start, then Control Panel then Network and Internet Connections then Internet Options. The Internet Properties box will open. Left click on the Connections tab. Select “Never dial a connection”. Left click OK. 2. Make sure that your computer is not set up to use a proxy server or automatic configuration script: Left click Start, then Control Panel then Network and Internet Connections then Internet Options. The Internet Properties box will open. Left click on the Connections tab then on the LAN Settings... button. Ensure that NONE of the options are selected in this box. Left click OK then left click OK again. 3. Check that your network adaptor is not set to use a fixed IP address or DNS server:(Note that you need to do this using an Administrator account, not a Limited User account.) Left click Start, then Control Panel then Network and Internet Connections then Network Connections. The Network Connections box will open. Double left click on the connection that you will be using to connect to the router (Local Area Connection or Wireless Connection). The Connection Status box will open. Left click on the Properties button, then on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Left click on the next Properties button, and select “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS Server address automatically”. Left click OK, OK, Close.

Having checked the above, proceed to follow the manufacturers instructions to set up the router. 

Most router setup CDs do not check and change the above settings. (Hence I get frequent calls!)

You should make the above checks on every computer that you want to connect to the router - by cable or by wireless.

And although the details are different you need to check the same things on any Mac or Linux computers that you connect.