Test a TCP/IP configuration

To test a TCP/IP configuration by using the ping command

1. To quickly obtain the TCP/IP configuration of a computer, open Command Prompt, and then type ipconfig. From the display of the ipconfig command, ensure that the network adapter for the TCP/IP configuration you are testing is not in a Media disconnected state.
2. At the command prompt, ping the loopback address by typing ping 127.0.0.1.
3. Ping the IP address of the computer.
4. Ping the IP address of the default gateway.

   If the ping command fails, verify that the default gateway IP address is correct and that the gateway (router) is operational.

5. Ping the IP address of a remote host (a host that is on a different subnet).

   If the ping command fails, verify that the remote host IP address is correct, that the remote host is operational, and that all of the gateways (routers) between this computer and the remote host are operational.

6. Ping the IP address of the DNS server.

   If the ping command fails, verify that the DNS server IP address is correct, that the DNS server is operational, and that all of the gateways (routers) between this computer and the DNS server are operational.

Notes

• To open command prompt, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command Prompt.
• If the ping command is not found or the command fails, you can use Event Viewer to check the System Log and look for problems reported by Setup or the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) service.
• The ping command uses Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) Echo Request and Echo Reply messages. Packet filtering policies on routers, firewalls, or other types of security gateways might prevent the forwarding of this traffic.
• The ipconfig command is the command-line equivalent to the winipcfg command, which is available in Windows Millennium Edition, Windows 98, and Windows 95. Windows XP does not include a graphical equivalent to the winipcfg command; however, you can get the equivalent functionality for viewing and renewing an IP address by opening Network Connections, right-clicking a network connection, clicking Status, and then clicking the Support tab.

  Used without parameters, ipconfig displays the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway for all adapters.

• To run ipconfig, open the command prompt, and then type ipconfig.
• To open Network Connections, click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Network Connections.