...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.

Contact KCTC by phone at 319-656-3668 or stop by our Office at 510 B Avenue, Kalona, IA 52247. Inform us of the new password you want to use. We will change the password on your account. You will be prompted to enter your new password the next time you use your dialup connection or check your email.

Try retyping your username and password. Make sure the Caps Lock on your keyboard is OFF. Usernames and passwords are case-sensitive, meaning for example that "A" is treated as different that "a". So make sure you type them in EXACTLY as shown on your settings sheet.

Try restarting your computer. Make sure the phone line is not already in use. Verify there is a dial tone at the phone jack by plugging a telephone into it and listening on the reciever. Make sure the phone cable between the wall and your computer is plugged in securely at both ends.

You may check your modem to see if it responds. In most cases this will tell you whether or not your modem is working properly.

Windows XP
-Open the Control Panel and click on the Phone and Modem Options icon.
-Click on the Modems tab and select the modem your computer is currently using.
-Click the Properties button which opens a new window.
-Click on the Diagnostics tab at the top and then click the Query Modem button at the bottom.
-The computer will try to communicate with the modem. If the modem shows commands and responses; your modem should be in working condition.

Windows XP
-In the Control Panel open the Network
and Dial-Up Connections (it may be called just "Network Connections").
-Right click on the Dial KCTC Internet
icon and click Properties.
-Click on the Networking tab. In the
Type of Dial-Up Server section choose PPP.
-In the components section, TCP/IP
should be checked and highlighted, then click on Properties.
-Select to Obtain IP Address automatically.
-Select Obtain DNS Server Addresses Automatically.
-Click on OK in the remaining dialog boxes.

In most cases, for both dialup and DSL connections, DNS settings should be configured automatically by DHCP.

If you are still having problems with your computer or internet connection, you may contact KCTC by phone: 656-3668, or by email: support@kctc.net