Computer drops internet connection - must restart cable modem 1-2x/hr

[jsbesq]

I have a Gateway Pentium D running Windows XP Media Center Ed. Version 2002, Service Pack 2. Its about 14 months old. 3GB RAM.

I have dsl internet access thru bellsouth. My problem is that my computer 'drops' its internet connection very frequently. The only cure is to restart the external modem (restarting the computer doesn't fix). With a modem restart, a computer restart is not necessary.

A couple of things I have tried:

1. This problem started when I had Charter cable internet. I switched to Bellsouth DSL and hooked up a new modem. The problem continued, so its not the modem - it is in my computer.

2. I briefly upgraded to Windows Vista (new install). Vista caused too many of its own problems, but the internet drop did not occur while I was running Vista. I reinstalled XP and the problem returned.

3. I thought it may be the network card. The computer came with a 'built in' to the motherboard NIC card. I installed a second NIC card and started using it. I could not remove the old card. The new connection drops as well.

4. When my laptop is also connected to the dsl modem/router and kept on, it will maintain the connection and this computer will stay connected. But once the laptop is no longer connected (or turned on), the problem reappears.


Any help/advice. As for more on the symptoms, the internet connection simply stops. I am unable to load pages, etc. I am using Firefox and IE, the problem occurs with both. I do not have to restart Firefox or IE, I only have to restart the modem and let it reestablish its connections. I would love someone who could help fix this problem.

MANY MANY THANKS IN ADVANCE. If you need more info from me, let me know. I am fairly tech friendly/knowledgeable. No training, but I am not afraid to poke around.

Jeff

 

[14049752]

Do you have a router between the computer and the modem?
(I know you mentioned dsl/router in there...is it a modem with a router built in?)

When you reinstalled XP, did the problem start to happen immediately after installing or did it take some time to show up?
Have you scanned for viruses using a good av scanner? (Seems like an obvious question, but you didn't mention it...and the problem definitely seems software related since it worked in vista.)

 

[jsbesq]

More INfo

I run AVG and have since the computer was new - never had a problem with virus.

The modem is a combo modem w built in router. With my old setup, I had a separate router.

Win I reinstalled XP, it started immediately. The probelm began after I had the computer about 8 months. Went away for the few months I had VISTA. And them immediately recurred when I went back to XP.

Thanks

 

[14049752]

I've been thinking about this for a while now and haven't really thought of anything that is a good solution in my mind.

A couple things I keep going back to, though:
Make sure all of the updates are installed, including any new network drivers. I still get the feeling that it's software, since Vista worked for you.
Check the router settings, maybe there's some strange "keep alive" setting. I'm assuming the PPPoE's on the modem and you're not using windows to control it, since it's a router too. I'm not convinced it's that, though, since your cable modem did the same thing.
Check any start up programs you may have. Use msconfig to disable everything but the essentials. If it works like that, enable things one by one until it stops working again. Any kind of network, download or general internet based program is especially suspect.


Couple more questions, I guess; When you lose the connection, does your lan ip address get dropped (ie, changes to a 169.x.x.x number)? Does the "internet" light on the modem go out?
Beyond what I've already mentioned, I'm mostly out of ideas...I'm just asking so that maybe someone smarter than me will have another answer.

 

[jsbesq]

>>When you lose the connection, does your lan ip address get dropped (ie, changes to a 169.x.x.x number)?

I do not know and I do not know how to check this.

>>Does the "internet" light on the modem go out?

No - it stays lit.

Thanks for trying. I will play around some more, and try your suggestions with the msconfig. Never done that, but as I said, I am not afraid to try.

Jeff

 

[14049752]

To check your ip address, go to run, type "cmd" then in the prompt type "ipconfig".
If it's a 169.x.x.x number, that means windows is unable to get an ip address from the router...and was dropped for some reason. If that's happening, try setting a manual ip address in the network settings...something that matches what your router assigns automatically.

 

[Jory]

There is a missing piece to this puzzle somewhere. The way you explained things you seem to have a good grasp of the troubleshooting process, but you've eliminated all the obvious stuff it could be unless you're using the same router with your cable and dsl. I know you said the DSL modem had a router built in so I'm assuming you didn't have the old one hooked up right?

Basically you've swapped everything at one point or another except the cable, but you didn't have a problem with Vista so that's not likely to be it. I don't see how it could be XP's fault if a computer restart doesn't solve the problem. I think you've found yourself quite the pickle.

 

[jsbesq]

I'll go with the pickle. I stopped using my old router and now use a Westell 327W which is an all in one modem, router and wireless router. Tonight, since my first post, we have had to restart the modem 5-6 times.

Thanks

 

[Jory]

When you installed the new network card did you unplug the cable from the old one? You might even want to try booting into the BIOS and seeing if there is an option to disable to on board network card.

Since you only have this problem in XP and not Vista you should try a different copy of XP if you can get your hands on one. It's probably a waste of time, but you've ruled out all the hardware.

 

[Blues]

Givin it was not present under Vista and on both the onboard NIC and a 2nd NIC card I would lean towards chipset drivers. Try to update your PCs chipset drivers there may be a problem in them which would explain why a PCI card had the same error as the onboard. It also makes sense to why Vista didn't have the issue as it would have newer drivers.

 

[lazzo71]

Hey mate,
Have you contacted your ISP, they should be able to talk you through your settings on your desktop. These things have a habit of changing themselves. BTW did you do a clean install when you went back to XP?

 

[generalj]

Replace the cable's. And of course how new is your home, is there any kind of electrical problem possibly shorting into your phone or cable line or even a power problem causing the modem to freak out. the wrong current etc can cause the modem to freak out.

 

[Nathan H]

hi,

All good advice, definitely worth trying to update your chipset drivers.

And Definitely speak to your ISP, Your paying them for a service your not getting,

have you tried the Modem Manufactures Website, usually the FAQ section or Known Issues section would have some answers, this may take some take if you have to keep resetting the modem/router.

If you post your Make & Model No. of your Modem/Router, ill have a look and see what I can find out for you...

Regards Nathan

 

[brewcrewxl]

Network Connections > your "Local Area Connection" > highlight "Internet Protocol [TCP/IP]" > Properties
Select Obtain Automatically for IP Address and DNS.

Next...

Open up IE browser. Tools > Internet Options > Connections > Lan Settings
Check "Automatically Detect Settings"

Close and Reopen Browser. You may even need to restart your PC.

Its worth a shot.