Internet Crashes Going Nuts

[beth]

Ok, I've been dealing with very annoying Internet crashes for several months now. I have tried turning off add-ons (which helps some), I've tried using Modzilla and Chrome (I usually use IE). Nothing seems to work.
I'm going to be buying my own modem soon, currently I'm renting from Comcast. Comcast says the modem transmission is working fine. However, frequently when I use a search engine, and now recently clicking on a link, results in IE stopping, "Not Responding", and then I have to shut down the internet. Even trying to shut it down, takes a few mins....because it is frozen. My computer and other apps are not bothered, it is only the Internet.
I'm going to try reformatting my computer and reinstalling Window as soon as I get the time to do that. Also will be trying a new modem, but just wondered if any of you have had these experiences, and found any solutions?
I have XP Pro. Memory, HD space, processor speed, etc. is not an issue. I've already cleared the history, did the Internet clean up process. It can't be IE, because it happens with the other Internet providers as well.
Clueless about this issue.

 

[bionicarm]

You say all your other apps and computer are fine, but do you have any applications that access the Internet? Can you download and try Skype, get a web cam and 'call' someone who also has one. This would test your network connectivity outside your local home network, and eliminate the web browser. Do you have your computer on a physical cable, or is it wireless? A bad CAT5 patch cable can cause intermittent problems. Providers like Comcast usually do 'ping' tests or check signal DB levels as a way to check your network connectivity. I had a similar issue in the past with my UVerse at home, and it ended up being a defective router/modem.

 

[monsinour]

Instead of reformatting and starting from scratch, why not DL M$ Virtual Machine. Its free and will simulate a PC for you. This will allow you to do what you want to do without actually clearing your HD. Have you tried swapping out your CAT 5 cable from your router to your PC?

 

[beth]

Well, I took off my router, because the problem was worse when using it. Skype is not going to help, because I can go a day or so with no issue, then suddenly keep having the issue. I would have to use skype for a a few days several hours a day, and don't like it that much to do that much with it.
Not sure I know about the virtual machine thing. How will that help with the Internet connection? I can use my pc for anything, except for freezes on the Internet. I could try swapping the cable, but that will only be the cable running from wall to pc, as the rest is in the wall out to box outside.
I am going to get a new modem.
My laptop is so old it just freezes period, so I can't really test much with it.

 

[bionicarm]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Beth http:///forum/thread/385592/internet-crashes-going-nuts#post_3382455
Well, I took off my router, because the problem was worse when using it. Skype is not going to help, because I can go a day or so with no issue, then suddenly keep having the issue. I would have to use skype for a a few days several hours a day, and don't like it that much to do that much with it.
Not sure I know about the virtual machine thing. How will that help with the Internet connection? I can use my pc for anything, except for freezes on the Internet. I could try swapping the cable, but that will only be the cable running from wall to pc, as the rest is in the wall out to box outside.
I am going to get a new modem.
My laptop is so old it just freezes period, so I can't really test much with it.
Sounds like an intermittent issue, indicative of a faulty or problematic router/modem. You could also have an outside cable having problems. I remember when I had Time Warner, I had similar problems as you. Come to find out, the terminal connections inside the outside box that was in my neighbors yard corroded. Should be able to get Comcast to verify there's no isues with their outside cabling. Know any neighbors with Comcast? You could see if they're having similar issues. If so, could be a problem in the neighborhood networking closet.

 

[monsinour]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Beth http:///forum/thread/385592/internet-crashes-going-nuts#post_3382455
Not sure I know about the virtual machine thing. How will that help with the Internet connection? I can use my pc for anything, except for freezes on the Internet. I could try swapping the cable, but that will only be the cable running from wall to pc, as the rest is in the wall out to box outside.
VM can simulate you formating the HD and reloading the OS. If you firmly believe that there is something in the OS that virus scans arent detecting, say a rootkit, then creating a VM will identify that for you. With a VM, you dont even have to install the OS. You could download an ISO of a live CD of Linux to see if the problem persists in the Linux VM. A new cat5 cable isnt that expensive and could solve the problem. It would be worth it to swap out that one cable.
Is this problem on the laptop? If so, can you go to a McD's with free wifi to see if the problem exists there?

 

[beth]

The only reason I was thinking reformating is that there may be some conflict with some program. Maybe some kind of virus, or bug.
The issue is so intermitten, that I couldn't go to starbucks, or wherever, because I would have to sit there a very long time, maybe even a day, to catch the problem (if there was one.
I need to get a new laptop. Mine is so slow, I can't really use it except for emergencies. I can type 5 paragraphs before it gets a sentence out.
The other thing is that my work laptop will not work with my comcast connection at home for some reason. II really can't use it much for leisure since it is a work computer, but when I have taken work home, the laptop will not work for me to connect. However, at hotels it works fine....very strange.
I think I'll try a modem. The cable I could also try. I might get them to come to the house if the modem change doesn't work.
I really just need another computer at my house that can stay there for a few days to check out.
Thanks, guys, for the ideas on this crazy issue.

 

[bionicarm]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Beth http:///forum/thread/385592/internet-crashes-going-nuts#post_3382657
The only reason I was thinking reformating is that there may be some conflict with some program. Maybe some kind of virus, or bug.
The issue is so intermitten, that I couldn't go to starbucks, or wherever, because I would have to sit there a very long time, maybe even a day, to catch the problem (if there was one.
I need to get a new laptop. Mine is so slow, I can't really use it except for emergencies. I can type 5 paragraphs before it gets a sentence out.
The other thing is that my work laptop will not work with my comcast connection at home for some reason. II really can't use it much for leisure since it is a work computer, but when I have taken work home, the laptop will not work for me to connect. However, at hotels it works fine....very strange.
I think I'll try a modem. The cable I could also try. I might get them to come to the house if the modem change doesn't work.
I really just need another computer at my house that can stay there for a few days to check out.
Thanks, guys, for the ideas on this crazy issue.
When's the last time you 'refreshed' your laptop? Disk drives get fragmented, files downloaded from the internet can insert little unknown 'bugs', etc. If the laptop was running fine when you first purchased it, and it's gotten increasingly slower over time, good indication you need to do a hard format of your hard drive, and reinstall the OS from scratch. If you have a Recovery Disk from the manufacturer, it'll do all that for you.
As for your work laptop, check your browser settings and see if they have a Proxy Setting inserted. Whne you say it "won't work for you to connect", do you mean you can't even get an IP Address from your wireless router, or you just can't browse the internet once you get a connection? I've read some info on Comcast where their router protocols aren't always compatible with some manufacturer wireless adapters. Can you get an IP if you hook your LAN cable to the laptop?
Sounds to me more like the modem or a downstream cable or network device on Comcast's side. Do you do a lot of connecting/disconnecting of your LAN cable to your PC? CAT5 cables just don't 'break'. Connectors are the most likely suspects of a flaky LAN cable.

 

[beth]

The laptop is 2005, and only has 500 mb ram. It is just slow. Not just internet, but everything. Doing a a reinstall doesn't do anything.
I am going to get a SB motorola for 3.0 DOCSIS, though I only have 2.0 internet. Will see if a new modem solves it. Also, give the rental scam from comcast a break.