Cannot browse internet, but I can check email...

[mset]

Hi guys

Over the last year I have had a lot of help here and learned a lot. In fact, I just built my first machine after getting some great advice here.

AMD X2 3800+
ASUS A8N-E
WIN XP SP2
1 GB RAM
WD 74 GB HD
WD 160 GB 'Dual Option' external HD

Built it in August and everything went smoothly - I was cruising along, then this morning I was unable to access the internet through any browser, although I am still able to check email through Outlook Office. The browsers just won't even come close to opening.

I've been using Skype recently.

Until recently, I had been running ZoneAlarm exclusively, with Windows firewall disabled. Strange thing is, this morning, I tried disabling ZoneAlarm and enabling the XP firewall just to see what would happen. It didn't work. Then just now, when I went to do the HJT log, I saw that ZoneAlarm was listed. This seemed strange to me, so I went and checked the XP firewall and sure enough, it was back to being 'Off'. Now, I have restarted the computer since trying to switch from ZA to the XP firewall so maybe my machine is just configured to default to the ZA on/XP firewall Off configuration.

I have seen so many guys post on support forums saying 'help me' without trying first for themselves, so I did try everything I could think of. I did a full system scan with Avast, but of course I did this scan without updating the definitions to the minute since I had no connection to the net. My Avast is as updated as it would be from auto-updates, which I always allow. If this is something new, in the past day or two, maybe the definition wasn't in my Avast database yet. Anyhow, the Avast scan was negative.

When I try to connect through Firefox after establishing a connection to my ISP, the tabs have the text 'Unable to Connect ' on them, and the main error page says 'Cannot establish a connection to the page...' This is different than what the tabs say when I disconnect from my ISP and then try to launch Firefox - in that case, they say 'Page Not Found' and the main page says 'Server not found'.. So Firefox seems to be reacting differently when I am connected to my ISP than when I am not.

One last thing. I downloaded the HJT Zip file on another machine, burned it to disc then installed it on this crippled machine. WinZip opened and I went ahead and extracted HJT. However, I read on another 'Cannot connect' thread here that Hijack This should not be used within a 'Temporary' folder and that I should put it in a folder marked C:/Program Files/HijackThis. So I opened C:/Program Files and clicked 'New' and chose 'Folder' and up popped a new folder all ready to be named... but the weird thing was, I couldn't name it - I could not enter the text 'Hijack This' in the tiny window which pops up when you create a new folder, waiting for a name. It just wanted to be called New Folder... so that's where I dragged and dropped the HJT .zip file - from within the WinZip window into this new folder C:/Program FIles/New Folder. I hope this is okay.

I usually use Firefox but I couldn't get it to save the .zip file for HJT to my desktop so I used IE to grab the .zip file on this working machine for extraction onto the crippled machine.

Can anyone give me a pointer in terms of where to go with this? Can I post a HJT log here?

Thanks as always

 

[mechBgon]

Sure, go ahead and post the log. 🙂

 

[Slikkster]

Given this happened this morning, the first thing I would do is XP's System Restore. Pick a day from a couple of days ago, and see if it straightens itself out. No need to go through time-wasting troubleshooting if one simple thing will fix it.

Start -Programs-Accessories-System Tools-System Restore

 

[mset]

Hi guys, thanks for responding and sorry for the delay in replying.

Here is the log. slikkster, I will go now and try the system restore and I'll hopefully post back here within a few hours with the results. If not then, tomorrow for sure.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 3:33:53 AM, on 10/2/2006
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
C:\Program Files\Dantz\Retrospect\retrorun.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Dantz\RETROS~1\wdsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SOUNDMAN.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\WDBtnMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_08\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Samsung\Samsung SCX-4x21 Series\PSU\Scan2pc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NMBgMonitor.exe
C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\ymsgr_tray.exe
C:\Program Files\New Folder\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://us.rd.yahoo.com/customize/ie/defaults/sb/msgr8/*http://www.yahoo.com/ext/search/search.html
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.yahoo.com/
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Toolbar Helper - {02478D38-C3F9-4EFB-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 5.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.ocx
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! IE Services Button - {5BAB4B5B-68BC-4B02-94D6-2FC0DE4A7897} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yiesrvc.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_08\bin\ssv.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ATIPTA] "C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avast!] C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Zone Labs Client] "C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WD Button Manager] WDBtnMgr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_08\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WHITNEY_S2P] C:\Program Files\Samsung\Samsung SCX-4x21 Series\PSU\Scan2pc.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [BgMonitor_{79662E04-7C6C-4d9f-84C7-88D8A56B10AA}] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NMBgMonitor.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Yahoo! Pager] "C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\YahooMessenger.exe" -quiet
O4 - Global Startup: WinZip Quick Pick.lnk = C:\Program Files\WinZip\WZQKPICK.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Yahoo! Search - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycsrch.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Yahoo! &Dictionary - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycdict.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Yahoo! &Maps - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycmap.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Yahoo! &SMS - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycsms.htm
O9 - Extra button: Yahoo! Services - {5BAB4B5B-68BC-4B02-94D6-2FC0DE4A7897} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yiesrvc.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: PartyPoker.com - {B7FE5D70-9AA2-40F1-9C6B-12A255F085E1} - C:\Program Files\PartyGaming\PartyPoker\RunApp.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: PartyPoker.com - {B7FE5D70-9AA2-40F1-9C6B-12A255F085E1} - C:\Program Files\PartyGaming\PartyPoker\RunApp.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: Yahoo! Messenger - {E5D12C4E-7B4F-11D3-B5C9-0050045C3C96} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\YahooMessenger.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Yahoo! Messenger - {E5D12C4E-7B4F-11D3-B5C9-0050045C3C96} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger\YahooMessenger.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99f7-4bb4-88d8-fa1d4f56a2ab} (YInstStarter Class) - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yinsthelper.dll
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftup...86/client/wuweb_site.cab?1104579623937
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftup...86/client/muweb_site.cab?1104579613203
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O23 - Service: avast! iAVS4 Control Service (aswUpdSv) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\System32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: ATI Smart - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ati2sgag.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Antivirus - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Mail Scanner - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe" /service (file missing)
O23 - Service: avast! Web Scanner - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe" /service (file missing)
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: iPodService - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: NBService - Nero AG - C:\Program Files\Nero\Nero 7\Nero BackItUp\NBService.exe
O23 - Service: Retrospect Launcher (RetroLauncher) - Dantz Development Corporation - C:\Program Files\Dantz\Retrospect\retrorun.exe
O23 - Service: Retrospect WD Service (RetroWDSvc) - Dantz Development Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\Dantz\RETROS~1\wdsvc.exe
O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Zone Labs, LLC - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe

 

[mset]

Originally posted by: Slikkster
the first thing I would do is XP's System Restore.

Hi guys

Ok.. tried System Restore, picked a day from last week, but

'Windows was unable to perform a system restore. There have been no changes in your system since the day you chose.'

Another weird thing happened just now. I have been connecting through this, my old computer, which has been working fine. So I went and tried this System restore on the new rig, the one with this problem; when it didn't work, I plugged my ethernet cable back into this computer and connected. The browser was still up and still displaying this very page. When I clicked 'refresh'... I got the same error I have been getting in the other computer!! So I thought - hmmm, maybe this problem is somehow related to my modem??? Is that possible? But then I closed that browser window down and relaunched the browser, and it opened my webpages just fine.

Anyhow, this is very strange - I have never had a known connection to my ISP (proved by receiving email, which is still working fine) and not been able to open web pages at all.

Any further comments are appreciated.

 

[RebateMonger]

It's possible you are having DNS issues. Your DNS cache may be remembering the IP address of your mailserver, but when you go to various web sites, those IP addresses aren't cached and your web browser fails.

Try this:
In Internet Explorer (or whatever you use as a web browser), try these two web sites:

http://63.236.19.110
http://mbna.com

If the first one succeeds, but the second one fails, you have a DNS resolution problem. Both these web address point to the same bank web site.

 

[mset]

Rebate, thanks for the suggestion. I hope you can provide some more input.

Things are getting really strange now. I?ll try hard to keep this as short as possible.

1. Tried to direct my browser to 62.236.19.110, as suggested above, with no luck.
2. Then I tried to access my email, just to make sure that was still working ? but for the first time, it didn?t work.
3. Disconnected manually and tried to reconnect. Just for the hell of it, tried to lauch a browser ? and I get a load on all 4 pages that make up my ?homepage? (Firefox)! Remember, this is on the machine that hasn?t been able to load up a page.
4. Sat there staring at the screen, wondering how this happened. Then I tried to click on a link within a page ? nothing. Tried to click on a bunch more links, nothing at all ? just a long pause then a blank white page with the word ?Done? at the extreme bottom left corner of the browser.

Now things get really weird.

5. Switch back to this computer (my old machine) and plug in my Ethernet cable. Connect to my ISP and open a browser in order to post here. Decide to check another link before starting this post? and I can?t access the page. Try a bunch of other pages and can?t access any of them.

So now, this problem seems to have seeped through the air and infected another computer!!

Then? a box pops up saying ?The server has dropped the connection?. This is a generic message that I see for what seem to be a number of reasons. I don?t see it much, it has happened intermittently over the years on this old machine. I just connect back up again.

So I try to reconnect and I can?t. And then 5 minutes later I try again, and I can! And for the next few minutes, the connection is established and then dropped a few times over.

And then, check this one out. I try to connect, and the attempt is made, but I get the message that the request has timed out. But then, just for the hell of it, I try to open a web page using IE and voila!! The page opens. Now, this is totally bizarre. I have never seen the ?can?t establish a connection? message and then been able to connect to a web page.

Bottom line is this. I now can?t figure out whether this problem has something to do wit these computers, or whether it has something to do with the modem??

As always, any help is appreciated.

 

[xtknight]

Have you properly uninstalled ZoneAlarm (Add/Remove Programs)? Lingering firewalls can cause connection problems. If you stop the ZoneAlarm NT service, your net will cease to function at all.

I would uninstall ZoneAlarm, enable the XP firewall, and directly hook yourself up to the modem. Set NIC to DHCP (autodetect IP+DNS). Reboot. Then see if you have any problems. If it persists, try LSP-Fix.

You're using cable right, not DSL? DSL "modems" are typically hubs/switches/modems all-in-one and they have weird web filtering options which makes things even more complicated. Most cable modems are standalone and don't have any of that junk (let us know the model of your modem).

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: mset
Bottom line is this. I now can?t figure out whether this problem has something to do wit these computers, or whether it has something to do with the modem??

Well, the simplest thing would be to connect a "fresh" computer (a friend's or neighbor's laptop) to your Internet connection and see what happens. If it works, then, obviously, the problem is with the PC configurations. If not, well, then it's the modem or router or your ISP.

Wish I had more time to devote to your problem, but I can't right now....sorry.

 

[mset]

Originally posted by: xtknight
Have you properly uninstalled ZoneAlarm (Add/Remove Programs)? Lingering firewalls can cause connection problems. If you stop the ZoneAlarm NT service, your net will cease to function at all.

I would uninstall ZoneAlarm, enable the XP firewall, and directly hook yourself up to the modem. Set NIC to DHCP (autodetect IP+DNS). Reboot. Then see if you have any problems. If it persists, try LSP-Fix.

You're using cable right, not DSL? DSL "modems" are typically hubs/switches/modems all-in-one and they have weird web filtering options which makes things even more complicated. Most cable modems are standalone and don't have any of that junk (let us know the model of your modem).

Rebate, thanks for your help. The thing is, I had no problems for years with the old machine, then I built the new machine and had no problems with it for a few months, then these problems started with the new machine and today the somehow started affecting the old machine. I was browsing just fine for the first 36 hours after this problem became apparent on the new machine, then suddenly the problems transferred to this older machine.

xtknight - actually I am using a DSL modem. (Broadmax Technology Corp, the model is the LinkMax HSA300A-2).

Re: ZoneAlarm, I just disabled it, by clicking in the system tray and choosing to disable it. I will completely uninstall it and see what happens. I am not sure if I stopped 'ZoneAlarm NT service'. I will try to find out. I am not a computer guy so I am not sure what that means.

I read what you wrote, but forgive me, I am such a non-techie that I am not sure exactly what you mean. When you say NIC, do you mean change the settings in the Network area of Control Panel? Should I try to manipulate the connection named '3web' (the name of my provider)?

If you have 5 minutes to post a step by step set of instructions that explain what you wanted me to try in terms of the 'NIC' and the 'DHCP' thing, it would be great. I will go over to the other machine right now and try playing around to see if I can figure it out for myself. Also, if you want you can specify how I could check if I have somehow disabled 'ZoneAlarm NT Service'.

Maybe all these suggestions don't count if I am using a DSL modem...?

Either way, thanks to both of you for posting.

 

[mset]

Originally posted by: xtknight
Have you properly uninstalled ZoneAlarm (Add/Remove Programs)? Lingering firewalls can cause connection problems. If you stop the ZoneAlarm NT service, your net will cease to function at all.

I would uninstall ZoneAlarm, enable the XP firewall, and directly hook yourself up to the modem. Set NIC to DHCP (autodetect IP+DNS). Reboot. Then see if you have any problems. If it persists, try LSP-Fix.

Well, well.. guess what? I am writing to you from my new computer, the one that I haven't been able to maintain a connection on. I uninstalled ZoneAlarm and was able to get Firefox to open my 4 'homepages'. I wasn't getting my hopes up because I had got here before, only to be able to actually click on links. I thought maybe the pages were loading from the cache or something.

However, here I am. I am apparently accessing web pages as usual for the moment. Many thanks, xtknight, for the suggestion that seems to have worked.

The question remains - why did this problem morph over to my old computer??

Anyhow, I guess my days with ZA are done. I need a hardware based firewall anyway, I know that is a better way to go.

I did a search in ZoneAlarm help and was unable to find any reference to 'ZoneAlarm NT Servide', but I'm sure that this just means I am doing the wrong search.

I tried to figure out what you were suggesting re: the NIC and DHCP thing but couldn't get anywhere with that.

Who knows what will be happening in a few hours - I will post here of something changes.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: mset
Well, well.. guess what? I am writing to you from my new computer, the one that I haven't been able to maintain a connection on. I uninstalled ZoneAlarm and was able to get Firefox to open my 4 'homepages'. I wasn't getting my hopes up because I had got here before, only to be able to actually click on links. I thought maybe the pages were loading from the cache or something.

However, here I am. I am apparently accessing web pages as usual for the moment. Many thanks, xtknight, for the suggestion that seems to have worked.

That's good. It seems like your modem/router/whatever it is isn't the problem then.

The question remains - why did this problem morph over to my old computer??

I don't know about that, I didn't quite follow that story.

Anyhow, I guess my days with ZA are done. I need a hardware based firewall anyway, I know that is a better way to go.

Indeed it is. Just get a router with NAT (network address translation) capability (any with either cable/phone input and several RJ45 (ethernet connector) outputs). Make sure you plug yourself into a NAT slot (not the demilitarized zone (DMZ)) on the router. You're already using a secure browser (Firefox) so get Thunderbird (e-mail client) to seal the deal. I doubt you will ever have to worry about viruses or spyware.

It looks like your LinkMAX already has NAT capability. So if I'm reading your story right you have PC #1 attached to the LinkMAX (bridged) and then another PC hooked up via PC #1? Does the modem have multiple outputs? If so then I'd recommend using NAT and hooking both PCs up to the modem/router directly. Follow this webpage to enable NAT mode. http://www.sonic.net/support/ss/broadmax/HSA300A-2/ I'm not sure what "NAT Inbound" means but I believe you want the bridge and "Enable NAT" options. I recommend you write down your settings in case your net doesn't work. If both PCs are already hooked up directly to this LinkMAX device then you probably don't have to do anything. NAT should already be enabled. You'll just have to verify that each of the PCs isn't in the DMZ (physically (port) or virtually (router config)) and that no ports are being forwarded since both of those open security holes. If you're in DMZ you might as well not be attached to a router at all security-wise.

I did a search in ZoneAlarm help and was unable to find any reference to 'ZoneAlarm NT Servide', but I'm sure that this just means I am doing the wrong search.

It's actually called TrueVector. I remember my net stopped working altogether if I stopped that TrueVector service. That's a good thing for viruses that try to stop your firewall though. I believe it inserts something into the Windows network layers (LSP) and that 'something' refuses to operate if TrueVector (ZA) is not started. Thus you have no Internet at all without TrueVector operating properly. But you uninstalled ZA so you have nothing to worry about there. The NT Services are under Control Panel->Administrative Tools->Services (don't disable anything unless you know what you're doing).

I tried to figure out what you were suggesting re: the NIC and DHCP thing but couldn't get anywhere with that.

Automatically retrieve IP, automatically retrieve DNS in network options. Screenshot your Control Panel->Network Connections dialog and I can tell you which one to modify the properties of.

Something like this.

NIC properties->TCP/IP properties->Automatically obtain both. That will fully enable DHCP. That's what we call it in the nerd world because we're too lazy to type "obtain blah blah automatically".

 

[mset]

Hi xt

Thanks a lot for all that info, it helps me a lot.

Patience is a virtue, right? It better be, because... after a few hours today, the problems returned. It's the intermittent nature of this thing that is really puzzling me. However... this time, what is happening is that the Sync/PPPoE light on my modem, which must be solid for me to have a good connection has been intermittent. Now... I forced a call through to the tech support at my ISP (because just calling doesn't do anything, had to phone billing and threaten to close my account). Tech support say that there are no problems with their service and that my light should be solid all day long. So...

Does this mean that it could be a modem issue, in fact?

I am going to change ISPs (I just signed up for a new one, it's a long overdue move and I have a better deal and a better feeling at this new one).

Re: Automatically retrieve IP, automatically retrieve DNS in network options...

I checked in my Control Panels--> Network Connections-->LAN-->properties boxes and I am set up exactly like the screen shots you linked me to.

(I used MS Snap to take screenshots... now I'm off to figure out how to transfer them here, but please - do not take the time to post an explanation unless you really want to - it's something I can figure out on my own. It may have something to do with tiny url...).

By the way... I won't go on and on, but really, thanks for taking the time to put this post together, really appreciate it.

Re: my modem hookup... no, I am not 'daisy-chaining' (my musician's world terminology 🙂 ) my two computers to the DSL modem. I have just been unplugging from one and plugging in to the other. I bought a KVM switch to facilitate switching back and forth between machines, but of course it doesn't allow me to hook both computer up to the modem. I will use a router to do this in the future.

I will review what you told me about Routers and use it whan I am getting one.

I will also consider what you said about DSL vs. Cable. I assume you use cable for your high speed hookup?

 

[mset]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: mset

The question remains - why did this problem morph over to my old computer??

I don't know about that, I didn't quite follow that story.

Just a follow up... that was a reference to the fact that when this first started happening with my new rig, I unplugged everything and fired my old machine up. I could immediately browse the web. But then, slowly, I seemed to develop the same problems on the old rig as I was having on the new rig. The only common components are the modem and the ethernet wire running to it (and the mouse and keyboard and monitor of course).

As of this minute, I am on the new rig. ZA in uninstalled. The rig is functioning perfectly.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: mset
Hi xt

Thanks a lot for all that info, it helps me a lot.

Patience is a virtue, right? It better be, because... after a few hours today, the problems returned. It's the intermittent nature of this thing that is really puzzling me. However... this time, what is happening is that the Sync/PPPoE light on my modem, which must be solid for me to have a good connection has been intermittent. Now... I forced a call through to the tech support at my ISP (because just calling doesn't do anything, had to phone billing and threaten to close my account). Tech support say that there are no problems with their service and that my light should be solid all day long. So...

Does this mean that it could be a modem issue, in fact?

Yeah, sounds like it may be.

I am going to change ISPs (I just signed up for a new one, it's a long overdue move and I have a better deal and a better feeling at this new one).

Good idea.

I will also consider what you said about DSL vs. Cable. I assume you use cable for your high speed hookup?

Yup, Comcast here. With cable you seem to have more options (i.e. you can have a modem and a router, not a modem/router combo which is extremely common with DSL). What was your old ISP and which one did you sign up for?

I just use:

Motorola SurfBoard SB5120->Linksys BEFSX41 NAT router (with latest firmware)->PC{1,2,3,4}. All of the PCs are behind the NAT and are all safe from anonymous inbound traffic. I do use DMZ on PC1 (but for server purposes). Do as I say, not as I do. 😉 No software firewalls or anti-virus software is used on any of the PCs and none have been infected in ages (even the XP machines). They use Mozilla Firefox/Opera browsers.

 

[mset]

Originally posted by: xtknight
.... a modem issue, in fact?...

Yeah, sounds like it may be.

Yeah, I will have to see what happens when I get hooked up with the new provider. I am up here in Ontario. I connected through Bell Canada for a long time (sympatico) and then I found out that a company called 3web would offer me the same service for about 2/3 the cost. They would connect me through Bell's copper, seamless switchover with no service interruptions, just paying less money. This is part of the ongoing drive to dismantle the monopoly that the telcos had up here until fairly recently.

Everything was ok for a while but they started having some issues and it was then that I found out that there is no tech support at all. I mean none at all. You just get a recorded message that says 'We have too many calls, call back later' and that message is just on there 24/7.

So I am going to try a smaller company in Chatham, ON called Teksavvy - they have some good reviews among tech types up here and their tech support picked up the phone within 3 rings. Bottom line is - it's better to get some education and try to troubleshoot on my own. If I have to replace the DLS modem, I'll try to pick something up off here before paying the $100 they want for a new one. There's a site called red flag deals

www.redflagdeals.com

that has people from the Toronto area selling stuff too.

We'll see....maybe I will have to consider Cable at some point.

I'll check out that Linksys BEFSX41 NAT router. I'll never use MSFT products to connect to the net or for email, so hopefully I can get a stable rig with this new ISP. I'll have a router in-line by the end of the week. I do know enough to know that I need to make sure I can flash the router with the best firmware - I did a little research into the WRT54G and I know I need to avoid v 5.0 on that one.

EDIT: Just checked out that Linksys BEFSX41 and I now understand why it's better for me than the WRT54G - I don't need wireless at all. I can maybe beef up the RAM in my old rig and then have both rigs connected to the router, then use the older rig for day-to-day browing and email tasks. I also have a new external HD with the new rig so I could share files between rigs if need be... Hmm... looks like I'll be making a trip to the computer store this weekend 🙂

Anyhow... I went for 5 years with no problems at all so I can't complain too much. This just shows how much I rely on a stable connection.

Thanks again for taking the time xt.