If you are using Windows 2000, to do a 'ping', go to Start | Programs | Accessories and Command Prompt. Then, do a 'ping' as shown in the screenshot.

 TCP/IP  Test -  Windows 95/98/NT/2000

You can test your TCP/IP to see if it is set up correctly. Using Windows 95/98 go to the Start button, select Programs and MS-DOS Prompt. Now at the C:\ prompt, type ping 127.0.01. This pings your computer and if TCP/IP is working correctly, there will be no problems with the ping (see screenshot). If you receive a timeout or error message, there is a problem with TCP/IP.

Using NT 4.0, go to the Start button, select Programs and Command Prompt. Now ping just as you did with Windows 95/98.