Hardwired Internet is slow - way faster with wireless

[brownstone]

Ok, so here's my problem. I have a computer (desktop) with a pretty fresh clean install of Windows XP. I've downloaded the latest drivers etc. for it and everything works great except for the internet connection (hardwired). To put it lightly, it is SLOW! Two other computers (laptop and tablet), both with wireless connections to the same DSL modem are fast. I've checked the desktop to make sure the speed is correct and my search for malware was negative. Can anyone offer me some guidance?
Thanks!

 

[Blain]

What are your SpeedTest scores the two different network configurations (hardwired & wireless)?

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Try a different cable?

Try your laptop with the wired connection and see if you get similar results.

 

[corkyg]

What are your cables connected to? My cable modem is hard wired to a router - then to each computer as well as wireless for mobility and guests. The hardwire is nearly always twice the speed of G level wireless. Tell us a little more about your network topology as well as what security level (WEP, WPA, etc.) is used.

 

[brownstone]

Sorry it took me so long to get back.

Speedtest scores come out at the "paid for" rate - 1.5mbps down and ~250 up

Tried a different cable and dsl modem port with same results.

Network setup is this:
2 wireless clients (laptop and ipod) WEP security
1 wired client (hooked directly to DSL modem)

I will hook the laptop up tonight via the wire and see what the results are.

 

[mfenn]

By "DSL modem" do you mean your router? Or is it one of those DSL modem and router all-in-one boxes?

 

[brownstone]

By "DSL modem" do you mean your router? Or is it one of those DSL modem and router all-in-one boxes?

All in one boxes.

 

[mfenn]

All in one boxes.

Those are usually fairly crap, so I could definitely see something weird happening with the Ethernet ports on it. Definitely try with the laptop as suggested.

 

[Kadarin]

Also try with a different ethernet cable.

Edit: Saw the same suggestion above. While it's unlikely, you'll also want to make sure there's not a speed/duplex mismatch in the negotiated ethernet connection between the PC and the modem/router.