What do I do?  

• Firstly, is it your broadband or is it your own network?  If you are linked to other computers see if you can see them, the server or if you can print to a network printer.

• Next are you on wireless? In other words if you are on a network and there are no network cables going into the back of your computer, you will be on wireless (known as wifi).  If so, are there any little lights (normally green and on laptops) next to a picture of a radio signal .

If  these aren't happening, then chances are you have a problem with your network, not your broadband.

Moving on:

• Have a look at the box which connects to the internet (router/modem).  Has it got green lights? Or are all the lights off/red or flashing amber?  These latter colours normally signify that there is a problem with the connection.  Check to see if the wires are all plugged in (power, to the telephone socket and to network/computer.

• Everything looking OK, then phone someone else who uses the same Internet Service or the Internet Service provider (ISP)themselves to see if there is a problem with the network.  If they have a queing system and you are waiting more than 2 minutes, just hang up... life's too short!

• The next thing to do is power down your router and unplug anything connected to it.  Wait 5 minutes and then start it up again.  This normally means that you just pull out the power supply from the device. DO NOT press the reset button on the device as this will get rid of all your personalised settings, including passwords and logon details/configuration.

If all is well the internet will come back to life.  If all is not well, call Virtual Riders!

0845 337 2949