Slow network performance on one computer

[TheGrandHooHa]

My computer's network connection has recently gone to hell. It takes me ~45 minutes to transfer ~50MB of files to/from my computer over the network, and it is also wreaking havoc on my internet browsing: it will begin to load a page, stall, load some more, stall some more, etc. It took me 75 seconds to load the 'Post New Thread' page, for example.

Sometimes, it will work fine; nice and quick. But then it will die for periods of 12+ hours, only to start working fine again for a time after that. It's inconsistent, and that makes it harder to diagnose.

This problem happens both in Windows XP SP2 and Ubuntu Linux, so it is not a driver- or OS-specific issue.

I have checked for spyware/adware/viruses, using the full battery of Spybot/HJT/McAfee/HouseCall.

I have run WinsockFix to correct any rogue Winsock problems...no better. (again, the problem does not seem to be Windows-specific).

I have tried different browsers, etc... again, it's not a software specific problem but it seemed like a good idea.

All other computers work fine both transferring files and using the internet. I have tried a different switch and a different cable.

This is a new one on me. Could my onboard LAN be shot? If it were shot, wouldn't it cease to work all together?

Computer specs:
Intel P4C 2.6ghz
Abit IC7-G mobo (newest BIOS, updated drivers, etc.)
1GB of PC3500 RAM
2 X 120GB WD hard drive
Onboard Intel Gigabit LAN

Let me know if you'd like more info. The next step is to try a PCI Ethernet card, but...I'd like to get the onboard working again unless it is somehow shot. Thanks in advance.

 

[Fardringle]

You've tried new drivers, new patch cable, new port on the switch, different OS, WinSock, etc.

The only thing left that I can see is the LAN card in the computer. Disable the onboard LAN and try a PCI NIC in the computer (if you have one) to see what happens.

If the onboard LAN had failed completely, then yes, it would stop working completely. However, if it is simply starting to fail or has only failed in a minor component, it is entirely possible that it could keep working intermittently. (If your cell phone had a bad signal, you could probably still make a phone call but it won't work as well as if you were in a normal coverage area with a good signal...)

 

[Uncle Flappy]

It is a long shot but...

Make sure you manually choose the speed of your network card; don't use auto-detect. I have seen some cards set themselves to the wrong speed or half instead of full duplex.

 

[TheGrandHooHa]

I hadn't tried changing the duplex setting, so good idea there, but it didn't seem to make any difference.

I am going to try a PCI NIC on Monday, just to confirm the obvious (my onboard NIC is dying). I'll tell you one thing, I've had nothing but trouble with this ABIT board and I will never buy another ABIT product again.