I need some PC help please

[Guest]

OK, so now I have DSL, but there's a problem..

When I chat, be it AOL.. Yahoo.. MSN.. seems every 5 minutes or so I get disconnected and I have to log back in.
Has anyone else had this problem ?
are there any settings I could try ??
I called my ISP but they can't help me as it isn't their software

Anyone?

Thanks in advance !

 

[quickfoot]

When this happens open up a "DOS" and try pinging a few hosts.

ping www.yahoo.com
ping www.shadonet.com
ping www.msn.com
ping www.google.com

Look for what is called "dropped" packets, this is information that is being lost in transit to the desination host, many times this will manifest itself as downloads failing or IRC/chat sessions being disconnected.

Does it happen all the time or only during certain times? Make sure you have installed all Microsoft's endless list of critical updates (In IE go to Tools, Windows Update). Also if you are running a firewall trying relaxing the rules for your chat programs or temporarily turning it off (only after installing updates and I don't recommend leaving it off).

Also since you are using a broadband Internet connection like Cable or DSL do you have a DSL/Cable router? These routers perform what is called NAT and this can interfere with network connectivity in some cases.

Is this something that has just started happening?

You should abe able to google for your ISP's name online or go to one of the broadband review sites and see if anyone else is having the same problem.

If you use gaim (gaim.sf.net) an open source messaging client, it can automatically reconnect when it is disconnected. Trillian may also have this feature.

 

[Weird Harold]

OK, so now I have DSL, but there's a problem..

When I chat, be it AOL.. Yahoo.. MSN.. seems every 5 minutes or so I get disconnected and I have to log back in.

I gather you've recently switched from a dial-up service to DSL?

Perhaps there is a leftover configuration setting for "log off after 5 mins with no activity" in your chat programs from your dial-up settings that isn't detecting activity through the DSL connection?

If the problem did start with the DSL connection, it may be that you need to re-install your messenger programs so they are checking for activity on the DSL connection instead of activity on a Dial Up Networking (DUN) connection.

 

[ReadyOne]

Sounds like tech service guy blew you off.

My advice to my DSL custmers, especially new ones or those with multiple machines, is to get an Internet Gateway.

This box is a router with multiple ports (frequently 4) so you can plug in 4 computers in a small home net.

PLUS it has another connection for the DSL or Cable Modem. It handles all the problems of logging on and maintaining the connection to your ISP. Plugging into the box is just like plugging into the network at work.

I use a Speedstream; they also have a 2 port version. Linksys, D-Link, Belkin, Netgear and several other brands are available. On sale (after rebate, etc.) I've paid as low as $50. Look for them at $70.

Wireless versions are out there too and worth it if your house isn't wired or the machines are in diferent rooms. the ".b" suffix stuff is being firesaled as the faster ".g" is now available. You won't notice the speed difference for internet traffic.

 

[Guest]

thank you so much for the help..

hopefully one of these solutions will work !!

i'll keep trying


and thank you "just Patrick" for your help too !!

have a great weekend everyone

 

[Mary Hall]

I had the same problem, my internet connection kept cutting out on me, guess what? I had the natchi worm, little bastard got into my system and started causing trouble, but i used a stinger and nuked the little bastard

 

[LOST&FOUND]

It sound like your computer is set to disconnect afetr 5 minites of in activity. If you are on windows here is waht to do. Open up Internet Explorer click on tools and then on internet options. You then want to click the connections tab select you connection and chose settings. There should be an option there to set the time before you are disconnected for inactivivty. You can set it for a longer time or just disable it altogether.

 

[Guest]

When this happens open up a "DOS" and try pinging a few hosts.

ping www.yahoo.com
ping www.shadonet.com
ping www.msn.com
ping www.google.com

Look for what is called "dropped" packets, this is information that is being lost in transit to the desination host, many times this will manifest itself as downloads failing or IRC/chat sessions being disconnected.
pings are normal.. no dropped packets

Does it happen all the time or only during certain times? Make sure you have installed all Microsoft's endless list of critical updates (In IE go to Tools, Windows Update). Also if you are running a firewall trying relaxing the rules for your chat programs or temporarily turning it off (only after installing updates and I don't recommend leaving it off).
there's no rhyme or reason when it happens.. i keep current on all the updates.. haven't tried disabling the firewall.. that's on the list to try though.

Also since you are using a broadband Internet connection like Cable or DSL do you have a DSL/Cable router? These routers perform what is called NAT and this can interfere with network connectivity in some cases.

i don't have a router, yet

Is this something that has just started happening?

yes, i've never had any problems with any chat apps when i was on dial up
You should abe able to google for your ISP's name online or go to one of the broadband review sites and see if anyone else is having the same problem.

no responses yet to my queries on my isp's homepage.. maybe they deleted it LOL
If you use gaim (gaim.sf.net) an open source messaging client, it can automatically reconnect when it is disconnected. Trillian may also have this feature.

will look into that too, thanks !

 

[Guest]

Re: Re: I need some PC help please

I gather you've recently switched from a dial-up service to DSL?

Perhaps there is a leftover configuration setting for "log off after 5 mins with no activity" in your chat programs from your dial-up settings that isn't detecting activity through the DSL connection?

all are disabled..
If the problem did start with the DSL connection, it may be that you need to re-install your messenger programs so they are checking for activity on the DSL connection instead of activity on a Dial Up Networking (DUN) connection.

hmmm... that's worth giving a try. thanks weird harold

 

[Guest]

Sounds like tech service guy blew you off.

My advice to my DSL custmers, especially new ones or those with multiple machines, is to get an Internet Gateway.

This box is a router with multiple ports (frequently 4) so you can plug in 4 computers in a small home net.

PLUS it has another connection for the DSL or Cable Modem. It handles all the problems of logging on and maintaining the connection to your ISP. Plugging into the box is just like plugging into the network at work.

I use a Speedstream; they also have a 2 port version. Linksys, D-Link, Belkin, Netgear and several other brands are available. On sale (after rebate, etc.) I've paid as low as $50. Look for them at $70.

Wireless versions are out there too and worth it if your house isn't wired or the machines are in diferent rooms. the ".b" suffix stuff is being firesaled as the faster ".g" is now available. You won't notice the speed difference for internet traffic.

thanks so much for the info.. i'm learning a lot today lol

 

[ReadyOne]

You can download a cleaner (the stirnger mentioned above) from http://vil.nai.com/vil/averttools.asp#stinger and see it if finds Natchi or something else. It won't look for more than an handful, but it can fix what it finds (which is it's purpoise in life).

A reasonable antivirus is at http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php -- you want Version 6, not 7.

 

[Mary Hall]

When i used the stinger, it cleared a whole shit load of stuff off my computer, that bastard natchi for one and a billion spyware stuff, i hope the guy that invented spyware dies a painful death

 

[Guest]

~~~~update ~~~~~

ok.. my ISP brought a laptop and hooked it up to my dsl line..
i was able to chat for over an hour with no problems.

seems another family had the same problem as me, they invested in a new ethernet card and the repairman assumes that solved the problem ( no more service calls to that address)

my question is this.. i bought this pc new in March of this year.. could the card be that much outdated??

and i can i install it myself???

thanks again

 

[Miles_Cassidy]

Hardware goes bad all the time, ya never know.

Replacing the nic card is fairly easy...unscrew and remove the old one replace with a new one.
Before you replace it you might want to see if it works in a different pci slot. Remove the card from your device manager, switch pci slots (turn machine off of course) then re boot.

 

[Guest]

Hardware goes bad all the time, ya never know.

Replacing the nic card is fairly easy...unscrew and remove the old one replace with a new one.
Before you replace it you might want to see if it works in a different pci slot. Remove the card from your device manager, switch pci slots (turn machine off of course) then re boot.

it's like buying a car
that sounds easy enough though.

thanks for the advice Miles.

 

[ReadyOne]

If you suspect the NIC, then you might try reinstalling drivers. Moving the card to another slot might also help (as suggested); PCI and interrupts are highly slot sensitive.

My experience with NIC cards is that they are almost never flakey. Either they work or they fail solid.

My expeience with network connections is that they can be as mysterious and flakey as hell.

 

[ReadyOne]

Regarding routers...

I no longer recommend Belkin.

They have arranged for thier box to generate advertisements!

Pop-ups are bad enough from software, but from hardware too!!!!

 

[Guest]

If you suspect the NIC, then you might try reinstalling drivers. Moving the card to another slot might also help (as suggested); PCI and interrupts are highly slot sensitive.

My experience with NIC cards is that they are almost never flakey. Either they work or they fail solid.

My expeience with network connections is that they can be as mysterious and flakey as hell.

thanks ready one..
guess i'll dive into it over the weekend..
and i agree about the pop ups !