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Troubleshooting networks with the ping command
Author: Eldon Martin
Updated:  26 Apr 2006

The ping command is used to see if a particular device or computer (also called a host) exists on a network. Issuing a ping command is like asking a particular device “Are you there?” or “Can you hear me?” It is a valuable tool for troubleshooting network problems.

The ping command is for informational purposes only. It does not modify or control the network in any way. For this reason, it is safe for non-technicians to use.

To use the ping command, you must be at a DOS prompt with windows running. To get to a DOS prompt, use the icon in the start menu labeled “MS-DOS Prompt” or “Command Prompt”. It will be located under Start > Programs or Start > Programs > Accessories. 

When you are at a DOS prompt, the ping command can be used as follows.

ping 192.168.1.1

The numeric portion of this command following the space is the IP address of the device you wish to query. You can also use a web site address, like so:

ping www.yahoo.com

If the ping command is successful, you will see four responses beginning with “Reply from”.  If the query is not successful, you'll see one of several error messages, and no replies.

The following are a series of ping commands that can be used to narrow down a problem with a shared Internet connection. This example will apply (with a little modification) to many home or small business networks. Issue each command separately, and make note of the results. This information will help you or a technician quickly solve a problem.
 

ping 127.0.0.1 ping 192.168.0.1    ping 69.9.172.170 ping www.greatcove.com

(query TCP/IP local loop-back) (query the router - modify the IP address to match your router) (query the IP address for a website) (query the URL of a website)

 
If the first command fails, it means that the networking components of Windows aren't working properly. You may have to reinstall the TCP/IP protocol.

In the second command, you may have to modify the IP address to match the one used by your router. Normally routers come from the factory set to 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, but can be configured to use another address instead. Contact your network administrator or router manual if you don't know the address.  When this command fails, it is an indication that the computer isn't communicating with the router.  Check the cables between your computer and the router, or reset the router by disconnecting it from power for a few seconds.

If the first two ping commands are successful but the third fails, it means that you can communicate with your router, but the router cannot communicate with the Internet.  In this case, check the connections to your cable or dsl modem, or reset the modem.  If these steps don't resolve the problem, contact your service provider.

If all ping commands are successful except for the fourth one, then your computer can communicate with the Internet, but either your computer or the router is not handling DNS properly.  Some types of malicious software or adware can cause this problem, or the router may need reset.