Launching Diagnostics Out-Of-Context

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Updated: December 23, 2009

Applies To: Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2

Launching Diagnostics out-of-context

Launching diagnostics out-of-context is useful when you are experiencing multiple network problems, or are uncertain what problem you are experiencing. Possibly the easiest way to launch diagnostics is by using by using the Network icon. When diagnostics are launched by using the Network icon, NDF first checks your Internet connectivity. If diagnostics verifies that Internet connectivity is functioning, NDF provides additional diagnostic options.

The following examples describe how to launch Windows® 7 diagnostics for several out-of-context scenarios.

Example: Launch diagnostics using the Network icon

The Network icon is located in the Notification area of the Taskbar. This is shown in the following figure.

 

In the Notification area, right-click the Network icon, and then click Troubleshoot problems, shown in the following figure:

 

The Windows Network Diagnostics wizard opens.

After the diagnostic completes its initial analysis, review the information, and select the most appropriate options presented by diagnostics, or follow the steps that diagnostics provides to resolve your problem.

Example: Launch diagnostics using the Action Center icon

The Action Center icon is located in the Notification area of the Taskbar, when it is active. This is shown in the following two figures.

 

 

In the Notification area, right-click the Action Center icon, and then click Troubleshoot a problem, as shown in the following figure:

 

Troubleshoot computer problems opens. Click Network and Internet to select from the complete list of network and Internet troubleshooters, or under Network and Internet select from the troubleshooter options: click Connect to the Internet or Access shared files and folders on other computers, to launch either of these troubleshooters. This is shown in the following figure.

The Windows Network Diagnostics wizard opens.

After selecting a troubleshooter, follow the steps that diagnostics provides to resolve your problem.

Network and Internet Troubleshooters

You can also launch out-of-context diagnostics by navigating to the default location.

To Launch Diagnostics

  1. Click Start, click Control Panel, in System and Security click Find and fix problems, and then click Network and Internet. The folder, Troubleshoot problems – Network and Internet folder opens.

  2. In Troubleshoot problems – Network and Internet, in Network, select the option that best matches your diagnostic needs to start the scenario-specific diagnostic wizard.

  3. After the diagnostic completes its initial analysis, review the information, and select the most appropriate options presented by diagnostics, or follow the steps that diagnostics provides to resolve your problem.