Internet help

[fridge]

I bought a new dell computer a couple of months ago to replace my slow as hell P3. When I setup my new computer, it just automatically configured my internet for me (I have highspeed).

Recently my 3 month trial on McAffee ran out, so I uninstalled the software, as well as the AOL software that came with the computer. I installed AVG as well as Zonealarm.

Now when I go to use the internet, it is noticeably slower than it was before, and frequently I get "page cannot be displayed" problems, which then go away if I restart my computer. Scanning my computer doesn't bring up any viruses or spyware.

The tech support at my provider said that the problem might be my modem, and told me to bring it down and they will give me a new one for free (it's 7 years old). We also have a laptop connected on the same internet in our house on a wireless router and it doesn't have the problems that mine does.

Any suggestions/hints/pictures of boobies?

[Tuckerman]

Could be Zone Alarm try turning it off and see what happens. Just use the AVG. If it's the Zone Alarm take a look at the settings.

[RShea]

I bought a new dell computer a couple of months ago to replace my slow as hell P3. When I setup my new computer, it just automatically configured my internet for me (I have highspeed).

Recently my 3 month trial on McAffee ran out, so I uninstalled the software, as well as the AOL software that came with the computer. I installed AVG as well as Zonealarm.

Now when I go to use the internet, it is noticeably slower than it was before, and frequently I get "page cannot be displayed" problems, which then go away if I restart my computer. Scanning my computer doesn't bring up any viruses or spyware.

The tech support at my provider said that the problem might be my modem, and told me to bring it down and they will give me a new one for free (it's 7 years old). We also have a laptop connected on the same internet in our house on a wireless router and it doesn't have the problems that mine does.

Any suggestions/hints/pictures of boobies?

As the previous poster suggested turning off the Zone Alarm could help. Otherwise then turn both the AVG and Zone Alarm off and surf a few safe sites to see if there is any improvement. If there is then maybe try another combo of firewall and anti-virus software.

Other things that I would try:

Boot into safe mode with network support- F8 key before you see the Windows logo on start up. Then surf and see what the results are- should be better of course.

Other possible is the McAfee did not get completely uninstalled. This happens pretty regularly and it could be the problem- fighting with the AVG

Finally I would try going direct into the modem (temporarily bypassing the router) and see if that makes any difference on the new Dell)

Report back your findings.

[StormDay]

I had a similar issue with a network connection getting screwed up (fixed it with a driver update). Until you get the root problem fixed you can try the following to avoid rebooting. (I’m assuming you are on Win XP)

In the Start Menu, goto to “Connect To”
Choose “Show all Connections”
Look for “Local Area Connection” or you wireless connection
Right Click on it, and select “Repair”.

Even if it say did not repair the connection, try to load a web page.


You can also get to “Network Connection” from the Control Panel.


With the Dell, there should be a link on the desktop for Support. With it, you should be able to check for new drivers.

[RedRocket]

I had virtually the same problem with a dell and comcast configuration. I'm all computer literate so I thought I could find the problem. I was sure it was some setting I changed with the computer, and tried everything I knew with no more than minimal success.

Long story short, brand new modems that I tried would intermittently work. Eventually Comcast gave me a modem which works all of the time. To this day, I have no clue why, but that fixed it.

[fridge]

Thanks for the help so far.

I went down and got a completely new modem, hooked it up, and now my internet won't work at all.

I was looking at the "local area connection" option and it said it was fully operational, and I tried repairing it but no web pages would load.

[fez]

check your duplex settings, make sure your nic and the modem are on the same setting.

for the nic, go to network connections, right click your nic, properties.
there should be a button near the top of the General tab that says 'Configure' click that. click the advanced tab, and click the Speed & Duplex entry. most likely it says 'Auto', if you can figure out how to check this on your modem, make sure they match. if you cant figure that out, try selecting other values (100 full to start) and see if that helps.

next go to a commnand prompt and type:
ping www.google.com
and see if you are dropping any packets.

[Buster Highmen]

Assuming NT based windows (like win2000, winxp, etc), another interesting thing to try when you get slow behavior after a software change is to run taskmgr.

Either type taskmgr in the run command or open a command window and run it from there.

In the process list under the Processes tab look at the CPU usage. If it's large, that's a problem. I've seen some virus detection components spike CPU usage and that can cripple a system. The solution is to find a way to get rid of the component that's hogging the CPU.

But now with a new modem, it's likely you'll need to uninstall the old modem drivers, old network stuff and reinstall the modem and go from there.

[steved]

fridge,
If you can save all your needed data/info...reformatting is the easiest..imho. There are often so many unseen pointers all over the place...it's mind-draining sometimes to try hunting them all down...
ZoneAlarm is great sw...although if it's initially set...it's 100% defensive settings can restrict ya'. I'd really look into making IE your secondary browser, there's so much hacker crap destined for IE...Mozilla's Firefox is terrific...and you can "ramp up it's efficiency" by using a few plug-ins as well as having an friendly interface to configure thru.
$.01

[RShea]

But now with a new modem, it's likely you'll need to uninstall the old modem drivers, old network stuff and reinstall the modem and go from there.

If the modem is still plugged into the router and not directly to the computer, drivers are not the issue. It could be the modem is not configured for the right type of access (Dynamic IP, or PPPoE that requires a user name and password) but the cable company tech support should be involved to see if they can see and communicate with the modem. They could find out the modem is DOA or some other issue.

[RShea]

Fridge,

I am posting a reply to this even though you have not provided any more info to the questions (based on the fact that you asked a question in the other computer thread).

We really do not have the full picture and can only speculate as to the problem and issue still. It could be software or hardware still. What type of connection do you have (you stated modem was replaced) is this a cable modem or DSL modem? Standard dynamic IP set-up or PPPoE? (Or state if you do not know). What brand of router is it?

Can you ping anything (even like your router's IP address?) If so do you get any reply by using the IP address? Does the number of sent and received packets increase on the network connection screen as you are running and attempting to connect? What happens when you try and ping your ISP's web site?

It could be a winsock issue, spyware problem, or a hardware issue as stated still.