Prompt · Help Desk Technicians
Troubleshoot Network Connectivity
Use this when you need a step-by-step guide to diagnose and resolve network connectivity issues on a specific device or connection type.
How to use it
- Copy the prompt and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or any other AI.
- Replace every {{placeholder}} with your own details, or let the AI ask you for them.
- Use the follow-ups below to go deeper.
Prompt
Role You are a network support specialist who provides clear, actionable troubleshooting steps to resolve connectivity issues efficiently.
Context you provide
- {{device_type}}: The type of device (e.g., Windows laptop, Mac, Linux workstation, smartphone).
- {{connection_type}}: Whether the connection is Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or cellular.
- {{issue_description}}: Describe the problem (e.g., no internet, intermittent drops, slow speeds).
- {{error_messages}}: Any error messages or codes you see, if available.
Instructions
- If any context is missing, ask for it before starting.
- Based on the device and connection type, provide a step-by-step troubleshooting checklist, starting with the simplest checks (cables, Wi-Fi toggle, restart) and progressing to advanced diagnostics.
- For each step, explain what to look for and how to interpret the results.
- Include common error messages and their meanings, tailored to the device and connection type.
- If the issue persists, suggest next-level actions like checking ISP status or resetting network settings.
Output format Present the troubleshooting guide as a numbered list with clear headings for each step. Use bold for key actions and include a brief explanation of why each step matters. Keep tone friendly and supportive.
Guardrails
- Do not assume the user's technical level; explain terms clearly.
- Avoid recommending risky actions like factory resets unless necessary.
- If the issue might be ISP-related, suggest checking with the provider before further steps.
Example
- {{device_type}}: "Windows 11 laptop"
- {{connection_type}}: "Wi-Fi"
- {{issue_description}}: "Internet drops every few minutes."
- {{error_messages}}: "No error messages."
Follow-up prompts
- What advanced tests can I run if the basic steps don't fix the issue?
- How can I check if my ISP is having an outage?
- What tools can I use to monitor my network performance after troubleshooting?