PC Doctor November 26, 2012

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Dear PC Doctor,

A while ago, my internet was not working right so I call my internet service provider to try to get it fixed. The tech guy I talked to walked me through the steps to reset my router and that fixed it. Ever since then whenever I have had a problem with my internet, I have just reset my router and it (mostly) fixes everything. What is happening to my router that I need to reset it... and why does it seem to always work?

           Mike

Dear Mike,

I seem to always have this problem with the internet at my house and it is a common occurrence at the library.  Quite often, it is not the computer hooked up to the router directly but the devices and laptops that cannot connect to the internet wirelessly.  

There are so many different things that can cause this to happen to your router.  However, most of the time it is not exactly the router's fault.  Internet service providers might be changing your IP address and your router is not quick to broadcast the changes.  When you reset your router, you force it to check for any changes and it updates automatically.  

In the way of solutions, you can continue to just reset your router whenever you come across the issue.  It is usually not that much of an inconvenience to do.  However, if it is a daily occurrence, it might be worth investing in a new router.  Ever since I picked up a newer router, I have been having almost zero problems.  In an article I read, someone suggested using a garden timer to automatically reset your router at a time when the internet is not being used.  The timer will cut off the power to the router and then turn it back on.  Automatic reset!  

         PC Doctor

Until next time… happy computing!