Try Other Browsers

• Before worrying about your Internet connection, try connecting using other Web browsers. While you're likely facing a connectivity issue, verifying that you can't connect with more browsers helps pinpoint the problem. While you won't be able to download new browsers if you can't get online, this is a simple test to perform if you've already got another browser installed on your computer, such as Google Chrome, Apple Safari or Opera.
  
  

Troubleshoot In Windows

• Your Windows notification area includes an icon for Internet connectivity. While the icon changes based on your connectivity status, it often features an image of reception bars, like those on your cell phone. Mouse over the icon and a small pop-up tells you whether you're connected and, if so, to what network. Before troubleshooting, click the icon and see if any networks are within range. If you see yours, click the network, then "Connect" before checking Internet Explorer and Firefox. If you're still not connected, right-click the icon and choose the "Troubleshoot Problems" option. In the new window, follow Windows' instructions to figure out the network connection problem.
  
  

Checking Your Connection

• If you can't connect to a network, but you know you have Internet access, your network may not be connected. Go to your modem and router and make sure all Internet-related equipment is fully plugged in. Pay attention to the lights displayed on your hardware, if there's a problem, a status light may offer clues for fixing the problem. Reset the equipment by removing the power cord from the device, not the wall, and plugging it back in after a pause of 10 to 30 seconds. After giving your connection time to establish, check Windows again for network availability.
  
  

Laptop Network Switch

• If you're using a laptop, look for a network key or switch. You may have accidentally pressed the button, disconnecting your laptop's internal network adapter. If it's a keyboard button, the symbol may look like reception bars or an antenna. If it's a switch, check the front, sides and back of your laptop. Sometimes the button or switch will have a red light when disabled and a blue light when enabled.
  
  

Firewall

• Firewalls are computer and Internet security programs that help protect you while you're connected to the World Wide Web. These programs monitor your connections and block the ones the firewall finds suspicious. If Windows says you're connected and your Internet hardware functions correctly, your firewall might be accidentally blocking both Firefox and Internet Explorer, mistaking them for untrustworthy software. While each firewall's user interface differs, the program contain a list of rules and exceptions regarding what programs are automatically allowed to connect. Add both Web browsers to the exceptions list, sometimes called the white list. Be sure you're not mistakenly adding them to the black or blocked list.