To run Ping, open a DOS window. In Windows 9 x, click Start, Programs, MS-DOS Prompt. In Windows Me, click Start, Programs, Accessories, MS-DOS Prompt. A successful ping returns three or four lines starting with the words Reply from. An unsuccessful ping returns a single line stating only that the target computer was not found.
Ping is primarily a tool for the network savvy, but three ping tests are useful for everyone.
Type ping 127.0.0.1 and press Enter . Next, ping your PC's default gateway. To find your default gateway address, click Start, Run, type winipcfg, and press Enter . The default gateway is the first computer your PC connects to when trying to reach the Internet. It may be located at your ISP or within your company's network.