I keep getting an message " checking network connection" never connects? how do i fix this?

[simonbgbr]

recently downloaded newest version of sl and it seems to not aallow the connection? my wifi working great? any suggestions how to identify source of my problem.

[Rolig Loon]

Well, first of all, you shouldn't be using wifi.  Many people use wifi successfully, but you can get degraded performance, so Linden Lab does not recommend it.  See http://community.secondlife.com/t5/English-Knowledge-Base/Wifi-and-satellite-connections/ta-p/1296823  . 

Bandwidth is rarely a problem for SL residents, but reliability is.  If your Internet connection is flaky (dropping data or developing slow roadblocks), communication between your computer and the SL servers can be a problem.  Unlike on-line games that you may have played, SL streams information back and forth constantly, 45 frames per second. If the stream is interrupted or gets out of sync, you develop bad lag or simply crash.  You may not even be able to make a connection in the first place.

 So....

(1) Try shutting off your computer, unplugging the router and modem for a couple of minutes, and then plugging them back in and restarting. That simple step may clear up everything. (Consider also the possibility that your router may be bad. If it's more than two or three years old, you should probably replace it anyway.)

(2) Add Google's free public DNS servers to whatever your ISP assigns you as a default. Here's how >>> https://developers.google.com/speed/public-dns/docs/using  . If using Google as a DNS does not work for you then see here for alternate servers, or grab DNS Bench to help you locate one.

(3) If things are STILL messed up, contact your ISP. Maybe they are working on their Internet connections. I had connection issues a couple of years ago that my ISP traced to a corroded cable. connection in their box at the street.

EDIT:  BTW, you did not mention the VFS problem that has been plaguing some SL residents, but just in case, look at the question right above yours in Answers tonight >>> http://community.secondlife.com/t5/Viewers/New-SL-Viewer-doesn-t-load-after-installation-stops-at-VFS/qaq-p/2870207