My computer has been running slow lately so I disabled the IPv4 and the IPv6 connectivity through the network and sharing center (Windows Vista). Now I cannot see what computers/devices are connected to the network. Help?
Sounds like we have two problems to tackle here. The first is to re-enable IPv4 and IPv6 so that your network runs as it should and the second is to deal with slow PC performance that prompted this change.
Re-enable IPv4 and IPv6 Connectivity
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) version 4, or IPv4, is the default protocol for communicating across networks. IPv6 is the latest version of this protocol, also allowing for communications between internetworked devices. When these protocols are turned off, the network’s connectivity is severely limited.
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Depending on how many changes you made, you may be better off using System Restore to roll your computer back to its earlier settings. However, if the only changes made were disabling IPv4 and IPv6, then you’re just a few mouse clicks away from restoring your network connectivity.
Go to Start and type Network and Sharing into the Search bar. Click the icon for the Network and Sharing Center that appears soon after. Click on Manage Network Connections and right click your connection. Click on Properties. Place a check mark in the box for both Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) and Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) and then click OK.
Troubleshooting the PC’s Performance
Now that the computers can see each other again, let’s tackle the computer’s sluggish performance. Since you were tweaking the networking protocols, I assume that you are concerned about connection issues as well as general poor computer performance. The first thing that I recommend is running a complete system scan for malware. As you may be aware, the Conficker worm is one of the current crops of malware affecting computers right now. This particular worm turns a computer into a robot, allowing hackers to commandeer your computer’s Internet connection for malicious purposes such as sending out large amounts of spam. One of the symptoms that your computer has become part of the Conficker botnet is a slow connection speed.
Once you’ve ruled out malware, the next step is to check your startup items. The more programs that load each time Vista loads, the less available resources you have for the programs that you are actually using. Go to the Start button and type msconfig in the Search bar. Click the msconfig icon and go to the Startup Items tab. What programs are loading with Windows? Do you need these programs running at all times? Remove the checkmark next to non-essential programs such as Microsoft Works or Adobe Reader. Doing so prevents these programs from loading automatically when you turn on your computer.
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Vista Performance Information and Tools
Since you have Windows Vista, head over to the Control Panel and click on Performance Information and Tools. This center has a variety of tasks specifically designed to help you improve your computer’s performance including: manage startup programs, adjust visual effects, adjust indexing options, adjust power settings, open Disk Cleanup, and advanced tools. Go through each task and tweak your computer’s settings for optimal performance.
Registry Cleaners
If your computer is still running slow after completing the malware scan and pc performance improvements, consider investing in a registry cleaning utility such as RegCure. These products clean up obsolete and unnecessary entries in the registry. By clearing out the clutter, the computer no longer has to struggle to carry out its basic functions.
Celeste Stewart | May 4th, 2009
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