Troubleshooting - Computer Tools
DOS Prompt / Command Prompt
DOS commands can be used as troubleshooting tools on a network. In Windows 98 and Windows ME it is found in the list of programs and is called MS-DOS Prompt. In Windows 2000 and Windows XP it is found in the list of programs under accessories and is called Command Prompt.
PING
This is a DOS command that is used to determine whether a specific IP address is accessible on a network. It works by sending a packet of data to the specified address and waiting for a reply. At the prompt type PING followed by the IP address that you are checking and hit the Enter key. After the command you should receive a "Reply from" message. If you receive a "Request Timed Out" it is because either you do not have a path to the IP address or the device did not respond. Note: Routers can ignore a PING request.
IPCONFIG
This is a DOS command used to determine a computer's IP address on a network. It works by reading the IP settings in the computer. At the prompt type IPCONFIG and hit the Enter key. After the IPCONFIG you should receive a reply like one of the ones seen below.
Router Response
The reply below is received if connected to a router. Addresses that start with 192.168 or 10 or 172 are typically used on a router. If connected to a modem the static IP address will be received as the response. If you receive a different address contact the provider of the network equipment for technical support.
Bad / Defective Cable or Network
The reply below is received if no electrical connection is found to another networking device. Defective or wrong type of cables is the most common problem.
No DHCP Server
The reply below is received when you are connected to a networking device, but there is no DHCP server that is issuing IP addresses. This is typically seen if there is no connection to a router or another type of network device that is issuing IP addresses. Contact the provider of the networking equipment for technical assistance.
MAC Address
In some cases the MAC address of the DVR is needed. The MAC address is unique to every network device in the world. The MAC address of a network device can be obtained while at a computer inside the same network as the DVR.
Trace the route to the DVR by typing
"trace xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx" (IP address of the DVR) at the prompt and hit the Enter key.. Next type
"arp -a" at the prompt and hit the Enter key. The response will include the IP address of the device and its MAC address. In most cases the DVR will have an address that starts with 00-03-22.
