This tutorial will show you how to run a trace route on a Window operating system. If you are unable to reach the server your site is hosted from because of networking issues, this is the best diagnostic tool that can be run easily from your computer that will show where your connection to the server is having problems or failing.
To begin, Open the Command Line Window. First click on the Start button from your Windows desktop. This is usually located in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen. Next click on "Run". In the "Run" window, type in "cmd", and the left-click on the OK button. If you are using Windows 95/98, you may need to type "command" instead, and then press OK. (Do not include the quotes)
The command line windows will now be displayed. Type "tracert", then a space, followed by the IP address of the server or domain name of your website then press the ENTER key on your keyboard. This is an example of how the tracert command should look - C:Documents and SettingsUserName>tracert domainorIP.com
After you press the ENTER key the traceroute tool will begin to output the data showing the route your site takes, from your computer to the server. This will also help you determine if the problem is with the server, or with your internet provider, or another issue.
