Strange connection loss problem

[noci]

Hi folks,

I have a weird DSL connection problem going on here that I can't wrap my head around.

Config: Win XP sp2 on an Asus mainboard P4 rig with Netgear ga311 ("latest" driver) as network adapter; OS is virus free (scanned with 3 OS independent bootable scanners.. and I never go online as root - dedicated user account for all non-administrative activity , direct dialin with DSL modem via raspppoe bound to the network adapter. tcp/ip also bound to the adapter, dhcp, automatic dns.. all configured on automatic.

What happens is that after a random amount of time (it can be a few hours..), the connection stops piping data through. that is, I do not get a "disconnected" notification, but the taskbar connection icon stays as it is - but no activity whatsoever, no hosts resolvable. ipconfig shows IP as 0.0.0.0... when I try to right-click on the connection symbol to chose "disconnect" or "properties", I cannot get to the window. Logging on as admin allows me to kill the connection, but upon redialing, still no data moves - but I properly get a new IP via dhcp.. and can ping the gateway. no hosts are resolvable, though. When I try to change network settings in the adapter menu, random freezeups occur..

I'm at the end of the line here.. literally! The hardware manager also shows no problems, conflicts etc, even when the connection goes down. GA311 is brand new - the error also occured with another card that I subsequently replaced.. so I rule out the network card.

My guess is that I'm experiencing a random hardware fluke, as the mainboard might approach the end of its service life. the onboard ethernet adapter gave up 2 years ago, RAM was erroneous and replaced half a year ago.. what do you think? Any educated or random guess would be greatly appreciated.

thanks!

Max

 

[Harvey]

Call your ISP's tech support. It may be some new setting or change on their end. They may be able to give you a setting in your LAN settings for a fixed DNS server address or otherwise reconfigure your settings to improve performance.

If they can't help you, at least, you'll have eliminated one variable.

It could also be that your DSL modem is failing.

 

[noci]

thanks for your thoughts, Harvey, I'll try to get the ISP on the phone.. yes, perhaps it is the modem, flimsy as it is. It appears to overheat regularly.. I was also thinking of ditching raspppoe and go for a modem/router combo so that there would only be a direct lan link to the box.. that is another option.

any additional suggestions for me to try, anyone?

best wishes,
Max