DSL acts like 56K when viewing web pages on XP Pro

[DisjectaMembra]

I recently formatted and installed XP Pro. Before this, my DSL was fine; since I have done this however, I can download files normally as before - top speeds etc; but when viewing web pages it feels like I have reverted back to using a 56K connection, it's so slow and often doesn't completely load. Also, MSN won't sign in. I disabled the 'internet connection firewall' thing in the connection properties, but still no luck.

 

[Matt84]

My browsing through XP IE has always been slow, even on my DSL connection. Like u I can download fine at full speed. Also i've had nothing but trouble using MSN over my router, its a pain the ass of a program if you ask me. MSN is the only prog that can freeze my router hard lock (known issue from DLink).

Solution - use Mozilla, don't use MSN

 

[DisjectaMembra]

I've been using MYIE2; the same problem occurs with that as well as IE. By MSN I meant the messenger 🙂

 

[imported_Phil]

Network card drivers / settings? i.e. Full Duplex setting?

 

[crimson117]

Originally posted by: DisjectaMembra
I recently formatted and installed XP Pro. Before this, my DSL was fine; since I have done this however, I can download files normally as before - top speeds etc; but when viewing web pages it feels like I have reverted back to using a 56K connection, it's so slow and often doesn't completely load. Also, MSN won't sign in. I disabled the 'internet connection firewall' thing in the connection properties, but still no luck.

If you want to be sure it's IE, and not just a lousy bandwidth day, go to dslreports.com and go to the tools section. Try the java based speed test, which will test your download an upload speeds.

You can also try browsing with your firewall disabled, anti-virus disabled, or using an alternative browser such as firefox or opera.

 

[crimson117]

Originally posted by: DisjectaMembra
I recently formatted and installed XP Pro. Before this, my DSL was fine; since I have done this however, I can download files normally as before - top speeds etc; but when viewing web pages it feels like I have reverted back to using a 56K connection, it's so slow and often doesn't completely load. Also, MSN won't sign in. I disabled the 'internet connection firewall' thing in the connection properties, but still no luck.

Try this registry fix, to allow more than 2 connections from your browser to each webserver.

 

[Falloutboy]

i've also found if yo make your cache to big it slows down IE alot. I set mine to 50meg and it seems to work well

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: DisjectaMembra
I recently formatted and installed XP Pro. Before this, my DSL was fine; since I have done this however, I can download files normally as before - top speeds etc; but when viewing web pages it feels like I have reverted back to using a 56K connection, it's so slow and often doesn't completely load. Also, MSN won't sign in. I disabled the 'internet connection firewall' thing in the connection properties, but still no luck.

You said you recently re-installed XP - did you remember to re-optimize your TCP/IP settings for your broadband connection? Download "DRTCP" and tweak your MTU and RWIN settings. It's interesting that you mention sites that no longer "completely load", that makes me think that you did not change your MTU from the default (ethernet) setting of 1500, to a more-usual DSL setting of 1492. Some sites, due to mis-configured servers/routers on their end, you will not be able to properly contact if this change isn't made. Your overall transfer rates could be affected by a too-small (for broadband) default RWIN settings too.

The other usual things to check for, of course, with a new system install, is scanning for spyware (Ad-Aware and Spybot are good), and make sure that your IDE devices are running in DMA mode (XP defaults to PIO mode for some of them). Look under Device Manager, under Primary IDE channel and Secondary IDE channel.

 

[LeetestUnleet]

Download tcpoptimizer (google it). I know TechTV hosts it under their "Screensavers" show if you can't find it elsewhere. It greatly increased my speed, just choose DSL on the connection type, and Optimized settings down on the bottom. It may not be the perfect settings for everyone, but it's much better than the default settings (I believe WinXP defaults TCP/IP settings to 56k quality)