Losing connection

I am using Win 98SE and have DSL hookup but had the same problem when I had dial up-I connect up fine but at times I lose my Internet connection and when I do I have to reboot in order to connect to the Internet again. It does not matter if I am using Mozilla,IE or Firefox when this happens or if I am trying to connect to a FTP site without any browser open. Any suggestions as to what might be causing this. I have run my spyware programs and found nothing[BO Clean and AD Aware SE] and have my anti virus [CA eTrust EZantivirus with definitions updated daily] active at all times and am behind a router [which when this happens I shut down and restart but does not help] I also shut down my Zone Alarm but to no avail.

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Had similar problem couple months ago.
First inspect / reseat all your cable connections. If problem continues, some quick checks .... (each test must be given ample time - 1 hour / one day, based on your connection loss history).
First, remove the router form your current configuration.
Connect DSL modem output cable directly to computer (1) / NIC.
If good signal, DSL connection / modem -(and)- modem cable to NIC are good.
Now remove computer (1) cable from modem.
Connect computer (2) NIC with it's cable to the modem.
If good signal, you now have checked computer (2) cable and NIC.
Continue this process until you isolate the problem.
If all of the above does not isolate the problem, your router is going out.
My Linksys was less than 3 years old, replaced with a new Netgear, no more dropped connection.

 

I am tending to rule out the router or modem as I have another computer hooked up also to the router and the internet connection works there when the other one drops service. Am wondering if it is a Winsock or something?

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