Test a TCP/IP configuration by using the ping command

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

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

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. For more information, see Notes.
At the command prompt, ping the loopback address by typing ping 127.0.0.1.
Ping the IP address of the computer.
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.
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.
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 a command prompt, click Start, point to All programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command prompt.
The ipconfig command is the command-line equivalent to the winipcfg command, which is available in Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Millennium Edition. Computers running Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 operating systems do not include a graphical equivalent of the winipcfg command, however, you can get 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.
If the ipconfig command displays Media disconnected, the network cable is not plugged in to the network adapter.
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.

Your server might function differently based on the version and edition of the operating system that is installed, your account permissions, and your menu settings. For more information, see Viewing Help on the Web.