If you are unable to access your emails, then it is well worth checking to see if your normal internet is also not working. If this is the case, then your internet connection is malfunctioning. If not, then the settings on your email client (e.g. outlook express) may be wrong.
If your internet is indeed not working, then this can be caused by a number of things.
Here are the most likely causes:
1) Your computer may be infected with a virus, see “I think I have a virus”
2) Your router may be faulty (the box that came with your broadband)
3) There may be a fault with your telephone line
4) Your internet service provider (ISP) may be at fault
5) Your computer’s hardware is faulty
6) One of your network cables could be faulty
When your internet is not working, the very first thing to do is check that all cables are connected properly and are not loose. Failing this, try unplugging your router, wait for approximately 30 seconds and then plug it back in. After a minute or two when the router has finished starting back up, try your internet again.
If your internet still does not work, before fearing the worst it is best to call up your internet service provider and check if there is any problem in your area. Quite often, due to the miles of electrical cable the telephone signals run through routine maintenance is performed which can interfere with broadband connections. If your ISP reports a problem, then simply waiting until it is resolved is the best option.
In the event that they are not able to help you, do not ask them to send out an engineer. All ISPs use BT Openreach engineers, which will charge you heavily should the problem turn out to be within your home, including a minimum callout fee, which normally starts from £100.
The best option at this stage would be to call and arrange a callout. Our engineer is capable of diagnosing exactly what the fault is, including testing your internal wiring, computer equipment and router and our callout fee is substantially less than that of BT Openreach.
Best Solution: Engineer visit to diagnose fault, and fix where possible, cost from £20 *
* Standard callout fee is £20, which covers travel (within 5 miles) and the first 30 minutes. The normal charge of £30 per hour applies thereafter.