...then you are probably connecting through a router. Sometimes routers, just like computers, need to be restarted. KCTC commonly sells routers made by Netgear. These are small white boxes that will have the word NETGEAR printed across the front and top. Restart this device by unplugging it's power adapter for a few seconds. After the power connector is reconnected it may take a minute to start up again. Now restart your computers.

...then you are probably not connecting through a router. The following troubleshooting tips may provide assistance.

There are several places you may need to check to verify that your network adapter is enabled.

WIRELESS LAPTOP: If you are using a laptop with a wireless network adapter, there may be a physical switch that is used to enable or disable your network adapter. Often times there is also an indicator light that will tell you if the switch is in the on or off position. Look for a WIFI label or a small picture of an antenna. This varies widely depending on manufacturer and model so you may need to consult your user manual for further assistance.

WINDOWS XP: If your computer is running Windows XP, use these steps to verify your network adapter is enabled. Click on the START menu and click CONTROL PANEL. In the upper left of the Control Panel click on SWITCH TO CLASSIC VIEW. Double click on NETWORK CONNECTIONS. Click on the VIEW menu and click TILES. Look for icons that are labelled as DISABLED. If an icon is disabled, double click it and Windows will attempt to enable it.

WINDOWS VISTA: If your computer is running Windows Vista, use these steps to verify your network adapter is enabled. Click on the START menu and click CONTROL PANEL. In the upper left of the Control Panel click on CLASSIC VIEW. Double click on NETWORK AND SHARING CENTER. In the upper left of the Network and Sharing Center click on MANAGE NETWORK CONNECTIONS. Click on the VIEW menu and click TILES. Look for icons that are labelled as DISABLED. If an icon is disabled, double click it and Windows will attempt to enable it.

If you are using a wireless network adapter, you can skip this step.

If you are not using a wireless network adapter, it is important that the network cable that runs between your computer and your router/DSL modem/wall jack is securely connected at both ends. The network cable is usually blue, but can also be grey, yellow, white or some other color. It's connector ends will look like the ends found on a telephone cord, except that it is slightly larger and will have 8 metal pins instead of 4. Just like a telephone cord, the connector end will have a tab that needs to be pressed in order to remove it from a jack.

You can also use Windows to determine if the network cable might be unplugged:

WINDOWS XP: Click on the START menu and click CONTROL PANEL. In the upper left of the Control Panel click on SWITCH TO CLASSIC VIEW. Double click on NETWORK CONNECTIONS. Click on the VIEW menu and click TILES. Look for icons that are labelled as NETWORK CABLE UNPLUGGED.

WINDOWS VISTA: Click on the START menu and click CONTROL PANEL. In the upper left of the Control Panel click on CLASSIC VIEW. Double click on NETWORK AND SHARING CENTER. In the upper left of the Network and Sharing Center click on MANAGE NETWORK CONNECTIONS. Click on the VIEW menu and click TILES. Look for icons that are labelled as NETWORK CABLE UNPLUGGED.

If you find an icon labelled as NETWORK CABLE UNPLUGGED this may indicate that one of the ends of your network cable is indeed unplugged. However, if you have already checked you network cable, and verified that both ends are securely connected, this may be an indicator of several other problems. In this case, it is recommended that you contact KCTC Internet Support at 319-656-3668 for further assistance.