We show you how to reset TCP/IP settings and make Windows forget Wi-Fi networks
Lots of people ask us how to reset their internet settings in Windows, and the reasons for wanting to do so vary. We've put this article together to explain what you need to do to fix some common problems, and it focuses mostly on Windows settings and Internet Explorer.
If you can't connect to the internet via Internet Explorer, the cause could be many things, so it will pay to try and establish where the fault lies. Can other devices in the house get online? Can you load websites via a different web browser on the problematic PC or laptop?
If the answer to both is no, there's an issue with your router, or the broadband service to your home. Try powering off your router and restarting it a minute later. If the problem persists, call your broadband provider.
If the issue seems to be limited to Internet Explorer, it could be that a proxy server has been set - maybe without your knowledge. We explain separately
how to change proxy settings in IE
Alternatively, you might have unwanted toolbars in Internet Explorer or want to reset it for other reasons.
How to reset internet settings in Windows
Step 1. Close all Internet Explorer and Windows Explorer windows.
Step 2. Launch Internet Explorer and click on the cog icon in the top-right corner. Then choose Internet Options.
Step 3. On the Advanced tab, click Reset. A new window will appear explaining everything that will erased by continuing. If you tick the 'Delete personal settings' box, it will remove browsing history, cached files, and reset your home page(s).
Step 4. Restart your computer when IE has finished restoring the settings. If you get an error message when you try to reset, you can open Task Manager and look through the processes list and kill off all other Internet Explorer processes. If you don't know how to do that, it's easier to restart your PC, launch IE and repeat steps 1-3.
How to delete wireless network profiles in Windows 8
If you don't actually want to reset Internet Explorer, but merely want to get Windows to forget Wi-Fi networks, here's how to do it.
Step 1. Press the Windows key and C to bring up the Windows 8 Charms bar. Click Settings, then Change PC Settings.
Step 2. In the left-hand menu, click Network and then Manage known networks
Step 3. Click on a network name and then on the Forget button, and it will be gone from the list.
How to reset TCP/IP settings
There's also a way to reset Windows' TCP/IP settings if you have problems connecting to the internet from a particular laptop or PC. Microsoft has a downloadable 'Fix it' which you can get
here.