Wired Internet Connection Drops

[nchavie]

Problem:

After being in windows for about 15 min (sometimes less) my wired internet connection stops working (no internet or network access). Windows says that I'm still connected and when I check the connection details (ip address, subnet mask, DHCP server etc etc) everything is as it should be. Sometimes windows will give me the "limited or no connectivity" pop-up balloon. The only way I have found to get the internet or network services back is to restart the computer but that only gives me about 15min or so of access.

What I have tried:

This is a fresh install of Windows XP Pro SP2 with all updates.

While in windows I have tried to repair the connection.

While in windows I have done the startmenu>run>cmd>ipconfig /renew which doesn't work

I have tested to see if the connection freezes in Safe Mode with networking enabled and I get the same problem.

I have used the onboard LAN, I have used a wireless network card, and another wired NIC. Switching hardware doesn't help. The problem persists.

I have run virus/adware/malware/spyware scans all come back clean.

I have reset the router and plugged the computer directly into the cable modem same problem. I even called my ISP to see if it might be their problem but they didn't see any problems on their end.

THE SYSTEM:

Motherboard MSI KT6 Delta - with newest bios

CPU AMD Athlon XP 2000

RAM PC2700 512MB

Video PNY FX5500 128MB

AC97 onboard sound

and I have tried 3 different network cards one of which was wireless.

All system drivers are up to date and I have tried other drivers but still no worky...

Any ideas?

 

[cleverhandle]

That's pretty weird.

When you do the ipconfig /renew, what error message do you receive? Are there any errors in the Event Viewer when the PC drops the connection? If you have third-party security software installed, you may want to make sure that's not a source of problems - uninstall it or disable its startup.

 

[nchavie]

Originally posted by: cleverhandle
That's pretty weird.

When you do the ipconfig /renew, what error message do you receive? Are there any errors in the Event Viewer when the PC drops the connection? If you have third-party security software installed, you may want to make sure that's not a source of problems - uninstall it or disable its startup.

After running the ipconfig /renew command the error that comes up is ipconfig could not finish (or something to that effect I don't have the comp in front of me now).

I checked the eventviewer and nothing comes up except the system balloon telling me the connection has limited or no connectivity. I also checked task manager for anything taking up CPU cycles while the connection dropped but nothing came up. As far as third-party software, I mentioned in my OP that I tried safe-mode with networking enabled and I still have the same problem.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[cleverhandle]

Tested different Cat5 cables?

 

[nchavie]

Yup

 

[cleverhandle]

Since you've been testing a number of different NIC's, perhaps you've got some "phantom" devices hanging around. Try the instructions here and then go through Device Manager and remove anything that shouldn't be there. Also might be worth checking your RAM with memtest86 if you haven't already. It sure doesn't sound like a memory problem to me, but you never know.

Honestly, though... I'm running out of ideas.

 

[nchavie]

Originally posted by: cleverhandle
Since you've been testing a number of different NIC's, perhaps you've got some "phantom" devices hanging around. Try the instructions here and then go through Device Manager and remove anything that shouldn't be there. Also might be worth checking your RAM with memtest86 if you haven't already. It sure doesn't sound like a memory problem to me, but you never know.

Honestly, though... I'm running out of ideas.

I'm running out of ideas as well....

I tried your link and did as suggested but nothing out of the ordinary showed up in the device manager. I will try memtest86 tomorrow if I can but I really don't think it will yeild anything. Thanks again for the replies.

 

[John]

Kudos on the troubleshooting that you've done thus far. Does the problem still occur if a different computer is hooked up to the router or direct to your cable modem? If you do not have access to a 2nd pc ask a friend, relative, etc to help you out.

Otherwise I would have my cable modem signal levels checked, or simply try a new cable modem.

[*]Up & Down signal to noise need to be greater than 30
[*]Down power level between -8 & +8 dB
[*]Up power level lower then 55 dB

 

[nchavie]

Originally posted by: John
Kudos on the troubleshooting that you've done thus far. Does the problem still occur if a different computer is hooked up to the router or direct to your cable modem? If you do not have access to a 2nd pc ask a friend, relative, etc to help you out.

Otherwise I would have my cable modem signal levels checked, or simply try a new cable modem.

[*]Up & Down signal to noise need to be greater than 30
[*]Down power level between -8 & +8 dB
[*]Up power level lower then 55 dB

Yea, I have tried plugging three other computers in to the cable modem seperately and all worked as they should. I will keep the suggestion of getting the signals checked in mind. I just want to make sure I've done everything I can think of on my end before I have the cable company send someone out looking to charge me for something. Or I might try it on a friends home network to see if it woks anybetter but I have my doubts because the three other computers worked fine. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[cleverhandle]

Originally posted by: John
Otherwise I would have my cable modem signal levels checked, or simply try a new cable modem.

But even if the cable modem is flaky, he had his PC hooked up to a router. If the cable modem dropped, the router should still hold his DHCP connection, right?

 

[nchavie]

I think that is correct. And makes sense since the other computers attached to the router still function when this computer goes down.

 

[nchavie]

anymore ideas?