Internet stops after a while

Hey,
I've got a problem with my XP box. Recently, my internet has been going down intermittently. It works from startup, but then after a while, it will just stop working. I've got a USB ADSL modem connected to a 4 port usb hub. I have since taken out the modem from the hub and hooked it up to the main port of the computer and it still does it. I've also got Zonealarm running, and I thought that could be an issue, but when the internet doesn't work, i've stopped zonealarm and it still won't work. I can ping myself, but not the dns server or gateway. I'm starting to think it could be a process in my windows that i can't see that's running and stopping me from using the internet. I've got quite a few of those programs, i.e. gator, that did run, but i've taken out with ad-aware 6. I'm not sure what else it could be. If anyone can help, it would be much appreciated.

 

What happens if you reset (power off/on) the modem?

"I can ping myself, but not the dns server or gateway "

- Ping by name or by IP address?

- If you do start~run~ipconfig /flushdns will it work again.

- If not, how about start~run~ipconfig /renew?

 

exzero--Is this something new? What have you been doing prior to the internet connection being lost? Does the disconnection seem to happen at the same amount of on line time?
If you have not been "active" your ISP could be terminating you. Or your connection in Control Panel|Internet Options|Connection tab|Dial up Settings|Advanced could be set to terminate.
Definition of "active" is not always what you might think was activity.
There are viruses that could be at fault, like Blaster, but Blaster shuts things down within a minute or two. Have you run a scan recently with Ad-Aware (with latest reffile)?

 

I can't actually power off/on the modem. It doesn't let me, I have to reset the computer. I have pinged by IP address. Those that you have told me Newt, do not work. I am starting to think that it may be my ADSL modem. I have done a fresh install, since my hdd crashed and had to get a new one, that's 2 hdd's i've had crash on me in 1 month, go figure.... anyways, how could i tell if it were the modem that was the problem? Also, when the internet stops, the computer will not properly shut down, which leads me to believe that the computer is still waiting on the modem. And, i've connected the modem back onto the 4 port usb hub, and once while trying to restart the computer, the computer would stay on the black windows xp screen with the blue line going across, until I restarted the computer without the usb hub connected, again leading me to believe it might be the modem, since the 4 port hub is working fine, in my opinion. Any thoughts?

 

ok, update. I just tried my friends ADSL modem, and still the same thing happens, so it's not my modem. Motherboard perhaps? I mean, if i have the modem plugged in, and the internet stops, then I can't shut the computer down without having to press the reset button, and the next time it boots, it won't let me in unless I un plug the modem. Usb problem on the motherboard?

oh btw, i do have latest ad-aware ref files, and my ISP doesn't have an 'if not active drop'

 

This may not apply to you, but my ISP has specific leases on modems. For example, my modem will not work on my sister's cable connection. So, for diagnostic purposes, another modem may be no help. If you have tried to repair the connection through "Network Connections" and still can't get online, call your ISP. I have had to call a time or two and they do something on their end that allows my modem to renew its lease.

Also, when I need to reset the modem I need to unplug it physically, reboot, and when the hypnotic blue bar starts going across the screen, plug it in. I have had to do this enough that I put a red twist tie on the modem plug so that I can quickly identify it. It forces the modem to find a new lease from the ISP.

I have a cable modem, so all of this may be irrelevant in your situation.
Johanna

 

I've tried my modem with my friends computer at my place, ran it for 2 days straight, and it worked. If i put in a usb pci card, would that run off the usb controller on the motherboard? or is that running on the pci controller? I'm thinking it could be a case of the usb controller on the motherboard. I've tried the modem on both usb ports, still doing the same thing. I've got provision for a 2nd usb port, but no connection to it. I'm going to get a connection for it this sunday though, so i will have to wait. In the mean time, i'm gonna get a usb 2.0 pci card to see if that works.

 

Any chance you could switch from USB to Ethernet?

I've seen folks with USB networking problems that drove them near crazy. It's great when it works but it fails to work a little too often for my taste.

For that reason I never suggest anyone going with a new setup use USB.

 

I could try to get my friends ADSL router/modem, but it would take me a while as he's not always available for me to get his modem off. I'll try with this usb 2.0 pci card first. I'll update you guys with what happens. I only went with usb because it was cheaper.

 

just a shot in the dark...

Try going to your 'Device manager' > 'universal serial bus controllers' right click on 'USB root hub' > properties. If there is a 'Power management' tab, make sure there is not a check mark by "Allow computer to turn off this device to save power ". If you have more than one usb root hub listed, make sure to check all of them. HTH

B

 

Ok, done so, but right now my adsl modem is connected to the usb pci card. So far so good, fingers crossed. I've just loaded the modem with as much bandwidth as possible, downloading redhat iso's, so we'll see what happens in a few hours.

 

One suggestion. I think Newt mentioned it too.

If this happens again get off of USB and go for Ethernet.

Much more relaible. And I believe faster too.

I have had Cable Internet for over two years plugged into 4 port Router/switch and to a Network Interface Card in each machine ( 4), changed OSs more than I care to count and never a problem.

I have also helped a couple of Friends change over from USB it Ethernet.

In fact when the ISP Tech changed my Modem for me he made it quite clear that he was gald to see I did not have a USB hook up.

BillyBob

 

Hey all, my internet has been going solid for a couple of days now, so it's safe to say that it was my usb controller on the mobo. I'd like to switch to ethernet instead of having a usb modem, but i'm a student and finances aren't permitting me to spend on the ethernet modem. The usb modem will have to do for now.