Setting up a wireless home network is 50 percent convenience and 50 percent nightmare, depending on whether the network happens to be down or up at any particular time. While there is little you can do if the problem is the Internet Service Provider's fault, there are some home troubleshooting tips you can perform to attempt to fix your wireless woes.

1. Step 1

   Physically reset the router by disconnecting the router's plug from the wall. Wait at least 30 seconds before reattaching the router to allow it to power down completely, effectuating a full reboot. After plugging the router back in, wait for a minute or two before taking any other steps.

2. Step 2

   Manually restart all the computers attached to your network using the operating system's "Restart" feature. Do this only after the router has been fully reset and is completely functional again--in many cases this is all you will need to do to fix your network.

3. Step 3

   Ensure that the computers are able to "see" the network. Check this by going to the "Start" menu, then to the "Control Panel," then to the "Network and Sharing Center." Click on the option to "connect to a wireless network," and ensure that your network name is on the list. If it is not, either your router is not fully booted up or your router has ceased to function and should be replaced.

4. Step 4

   Check to see whether the wireless adapter in your computer is still working. Go to the "Start" menu, then to the "Control Panel," then to the "Device Manager." From there, select the option for "Network Adapters." Find your wireless adapter in the list and double click on it to ensure that it is still operational. If it is working, the screen will say "This device is working properly." If not, you can attempt to fix the problem by opening up your case, removing the card, and reseating it. If this does not work, you might need a new wireless card.

5. Step 5

   Determine whether your computer is receiving a strong enough signal from the network. Go to the "Start" menu, then to the "Control Panel," then to the "Network and Sharing Center." From there, look at the line for "Signal Strength" under the heading for your local network. If the signal strength is weak, try moving your computer (or the wireless router) to another room to attempt to broadcast a stronger signal. If signal strength remains weak, you might need to replace your wireless router.