Repeated loss of internet connection in Vista

[rotre]

1. Overview of the problem
   I'm losing my internet connection unexpectedly while browsing. Happens most often when I quickly browse from page to page. Also happens when I watch youtube, apple movie trailers, etc. I can avoid loss of connection by limiting my browsing (like limiting the # of pages i visit per minute). Any Network and Sharing Center operations go very slowly...even shutting down Vista takes longer than usual.
   
   
2. Full description of the problem and symptoms
   Even when browsing the forums here at anandtech, if I visit too many pages quickly in succession, I will lose my internet connection. Nothing will load in my browser (firefox, opera, ie), my gaim (instant messanger) connection dies, utorrent connections die, etc. The system tray network icon says I have limited access to my router. If I wait, my connection usually comes back. Maybe 30 seconds, sometimes a couple minutes, and even after 10 minutes or more. A reboot always restores my connection. Other computers connected to the router operate normally while mine suffers.
   
   
   
3. Did it work normally at one time, or has the problem always existed?
   This problem started occuring a couple of weeks ago. I was slow to realize the seriousness of it, which prevented me from recalling what changes I had recently made to my software. Sadly, I disabled system restore awhile ago.
   
   
   
4. Is the problem consistent and repeatable, or entirely random, or semi-random?
   I lose connection only through my web browsers. Instant messaging, MIRC, utorrent, other streaming media players, do not break my connection. Heavy browser use (jumping from page to page, streaming media on pages) seems to cause the problem.
   
   
5. I already tried these steps:
   I suspect it has something to do with my TCP/IP. I googled 'repair TCP/IP' and found some help like running 'netsh winsock reset', using the 'diagnose and repair' function, 'resetting the wireless connection'...sometimes these seemed to help a little, but the problem always returned.
   
   
6. My software:
   • 
     Vista Home Premium Version 6.0 Build 6001: Service Pack 1
     
     
     
   • My hardware
     • 
       HP Pavilion dv9207us Notebook PC
       
       laptop specs
       
       
     • Other information that might be relevant
       I did alter my tcpip.sys a long time ago (before sp1) to change the number of half-open connections (also known as eventid4226 background here). If I was smart, I would have reverted my tcpip.sys before sp1, but I forgot. Still, I suspect SP1 did not alter my patched tcpip.sys, but instead wrote over it with a new version.
       
       I'm just hoping someone out there can lead me in a useful direction. ANY guesses/ideas are greatly appreciated. I might just have to reformat. (and leave system restore on this time)
       
     [/quote]
     

 

[Scarpozzi]

I would first check your hardware vendor (HP) and see if there's an updated Vista driver for your NIC.

Secondly, try disabling your A/V software. Check the phishing filter that ships with Vista/IE and try patching it. That can get in your way too.

Thirdly, try disabling TCP/IP Auto-tuning. This is a huge problem for some systems. Vista tries to do a local QOS check that sometimes bogs down your system. If your computer is lacking power (which could definitely happen on a laptop running on battery power or otherwise), it might be getting stuck when processing the packets. Follow this article:
http://thesystemadministrator...._Slow_Network_(Vista)/

Ohh...by the way, do these one at a time and post back if they work. It might help others in the future.

 

[rotre]

Thank you Scarpozzi.

I updated my NIC driver to version 7.10 D for Intel PRO/Wireless Drivers for Microsoft Vista(from HP). Still having problems.

The only anti virus software I use is ClamWin. It does not actively do anything unless i tell it to. I disabled the phishing filter, but I'm still having problems. (and i prefer using firefox/opera anyhow).

I'm testing my connection with TCP/IP Auto-tuning disabled now...

*edit: Still doesn't work with Auto-tuning disabled.

 

[Mem]

Originally posted by: rotre
Thank you Scarpozzi.

I updated my NIC driver to version 7.10 D for Intel PRO/Wireless Drivers for Microsoft Vista(from HP). Still having problems.

The only anti virus software I use is ClamWin. It does not actively do anything unless i tell it to. I disabled the phishing filter, but I'm still having problems. (and i prefer using firefox/opera anyhow).

I'm testing my connection with TCP/IP Auto-tuning disabled now...

What about a faulty internal NIC?..I would buy or borrow an external NIC and see if that improves the situation.

 

[rotre]

- Mem
Great idea! I'm looking into it. One thing though, my connection is fine when I'm using MIRC, streaming videos though media players, torrents, instant messaging, etc. Only web browsers seem to cause the problem.

Can anyone suggest another forum/tech support area worth looking into? I've never tried Microsoft tech support. I doubt anyone there can help me more than anyone here.