Internet Drops & Reconnets due to hardware?

ToxicFool · Joined: Mar 18, 2008 Posts: 3

I'm only 16 so I don't know much about networking and that good stuff.

Since I bought my new computer, about 4 months ago, my internet frequently drops and reconnects. I would say about ever 1-2 minuets, my computer's internet would just drop for about 1 second (Lag for 1 second). This didn't happen only my old computer (512mb SDRAM 1.6Ghz, a bad PC), but only on my new one (3GB of ram 1.9ghz) I switched from XP to Vista Prem. (I assumed that Vista was my problem, and waitied for SP1, but that still didn't fix my problem) My Dad, who's worked with computers for about 15 years thinks that it's a hardware issue and not a networking. He's tried almost everything network wise.

I'd be much appreciated if anyone could help me diagnose my problem, and give me suggestions on how to fix it. You have no idea how annoying this problem is, as it constantly disconnects me from my MSN and turns off my downloads, and It especially sucks in multiplayer games.

Thanks

clhenry · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 7:47 pm Post subject:

Is this a dial-up, cable, or DSL connect. Using lan or usb?

ToxicFool · Joined: Mar 18, 2008 Posts: 3

Cable.

clhenry · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 7:57 pm Post subject:

ok. I'm assuming your connected to the lan port and not usb. If you was having this problem with your other computer, i would think the modem was crapping out on you. Since it worked then, and you are not using a wired or wireless router, "your not right, plugged right in direct" I would look to see if there is a updated driver for your lan connection on your motherboard. If no update is available and you have a used lan card laying around swop that out and see what happens.

drwho07 · Joined: Nov 29, 2007 Posts: 1134 Location: Central FL, USA

I use WildBlue.net satellite internet.
From the Satellite modem I jumper to a LinkSys G router and from there another jumper to my PC.

My internet connection kept dropping for no apparent reason.
I have two lan ports on my MSI mobo and I'd switch the patch Cat 5 cable from one port to the other and I'd have my internet back again, for a while.
Sometimes I'd have to wiggle the cable connector around a bit to get a connection.

The patch cord was one made for me by a friend. I suspected it was the problem so I went out and bought me a factory made CAT-5 cable and installed it,,,,, and I've not lost my connection since.

So yes, hardware can definitely cause your connection to drop.

Cheers!
The Doctor

goretsky

Hello,

Did you upgrade from Microsoft Windows XP to Microsoft Windows Vista, or perform a clean installation of the new operating system?

Have you verified you have the latest device driver, operating system and application patches installed for your computer?

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

ToxicFool · Joined: Mar 18, 2008 Posts: 3

The version of Windows Vista was already installed on my PC when I bought it.

And Vista says that all my drivers are currently up to date.

Thanks for all the replys so far.

drwho07 · Joined: Nov 29, 2007 Posts: 1134 Location: Central FL, USA

To recap my earlier post.....

Check and even clean all your cable connections.

I use a brass shotgun cleaning brush to clean up funky telephone and Cat-5 plugs. Works like a charm. 12 guage is best. Question

Cleaning my cable connections didn't fix my problem. Obviously the plug on the end of the cable was the problem. Replacing the cable solved my connection problem.

If I'd had new connectors and a crimping tool, like I have for telephone plugs, I would have just replaced the suspect plug.

Doc

zlim · Joined: Mar 11, 2005 Posts: 2422

If you connect through a router, temporarily connect directly to the modem and see if it happens.
Also, what make and model of modem and router are you using?

Are you using Vista's firewall? If not, what are you using and are you sure that Vista's is turned off?

Has this been occurring since the computer was new or only in the last month?

goretsky

Hello,

Have you checked the computer for malicious software? If so, was anything found?

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky