Complete crash of all internet functions every 30 mins, I need help(read for details)

Ok The problem is that about every 30 mins(average), I will try to access a web page or connect to an online game server etc. and receive a "cannot find server" type of error. After this initial error, all pages I try to reach will give this error, online games will tell me I dropped connection and won't let me connect again, ICQ and all similar programs will lose connection, file transfers will no longer work, etc. the only things I can still do is ping my ISP(that's why I assume they are not responsible), and for some strange reason, Microsoft's Asheron "s Call still works as well(the only online game that does not drop me when the error occurs). In other words I can still access an IP address directly with some programs(such as one peer to peer voice chat I use when playing asheron's call). However everything else is disabled. As almost everything I do on my computer has something or other to do with the internet, I am very annoyed by the situation. Rebooting the computer fixes it... until it strikes again.

I have a home network and my computer is the server. What doesn't make sense to me is that the other computer does not suffer from this problem *even while I am experiencing it*. I use a cable connection. My operating system is windows ME most of the time, however I have seen the problem manifest under windows XP also. I am totally clueless about what the **** is happening here. I have tried reinstalling the OS, the networking components in the control panel, even upgrading versions of both Internet Explorer and Netscape, both of which give the server not found ****. Nothing has worked. Any help would be appreciated

This problem started happening suddenly a few months ago and I don't know what could have caused it. thx in advance for any help provided.

 

Maybe someone will have an idea if you mention
-what changes you've made (new program installs, updates, etc) to the "problem pc" before these errors started
-the EXACT error message(s)
-what other programs are running when this happens (do a Ctrl/Alt/Delete and list them)and particularly, do any of these programs indicate "not responding "

 

Ok first the problem can occur even when only minimal programs are running meaning explorer, systray and the IE window(nothing else in the CTRL-ALT-DEL window). of course of you go into msinfo32 and look there more things are running(win 9x is like that they don't tell you everything that is actually running in the end task window so ppl won't shut down their kernel or something) which I will list in case it could help:

ddhelp.exe
evntsvc.exe
explorer.exe
grxp4exe.exe
helpctr.exe
icsmgr.exe
iexplore.exe
iexplore.exe
kernell32.dll
kernell32.dll
kernell32.dll
lexbces.exe
mprexe.exe
pstores.exe
rpcss.exe
runservice.exe
spool32.exe
ssdpsrv.exe
symtray.exe
systray.exe
taskmon.exe
winmgmt.exe
wmiexe.exe

none of these things crash before the problem occurs(at least if it was the case I'd know where the problem was...)

The computer hasn't changed much in the last 8-9 months (since it became a home network server) except for various games that were install/uninstalled. The last change I made was installing realone from realplayer.com but the problem occured long before that (althoug it seems more frequent since realone was installed). Before that I put norton system works 2002(was using 2001 before) in the mix. But I had this problem before my last reinstall 6 months ago, in fact I remember reinstalling the system because of it(of course I do wipe out the registry and the whole windows and program files folder before reinstalling otherwise it's a waste of time). To my great disappointment the problem was right back in my face right after the resintall.... after that I jsut reinstalled pretty much what I had before and lived with the problem but it's really starting to annoy me. Think it might be a hardware of driver problem with the network cards? anyhow I'm stomped on this one.

as for the excat error message(in MSIE at least but netscape gives somthing simmilar) here it is:

The page cannot be displayed
The page you are looking for is currently unavailable. The Web site might be experiencing technical difficulties, or you may need to adjust your browser settings.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please try the following:

Click the Refresh button, or try again later.

If you typed the page address in the Address bar, make sure that it is spelled correctly.

To check your connection settings, click the Tools menu, and then click Internet Options. On the Connections tab, click Settings. The settings should match those provided by your local area network (LAN) administrator or Internet service provider (ISP).
If your Network Administrator has enabled it, Microsoft Windows can examine your network and automatically discover network connection settings.
If you would like Windows to try and discover them,
click Detect Network Settings
Some sites require 128-bit connection security. Click the Help menu and then click About Internet Explorer to determine what strength security you have installed.
If you are trying to reach a secure site, make sure your Security settings can support it. Click the Tools menu, and then click Internet Options. On the Advanced tab, scroll to the Security section and check settings for SSL 2.0, SSL 3.0, TLS 1.0, PCT 1.0.
Click the Back button to try another link.



Cannot find server or DNS Error
Internet Explorer

in other words standard "cannot find server" page with no real clue as to what's really not working here.

If you still can't help I won't be surprised I mean, I have never seen something like this before, you really have to see it to believe it. its like the whole internet suddenly dies on me. and it doesn't even have the decency to throw a blue screen or a kernel32dll crash in my face, no no no,the whole comp works fine but no 'net.

*sigh* I should probably just format the god **** thing just to make me feel better lol(not that it would do any actual good since the problem is there right from the start after reinstall)

thx for the help my original post did lack some info that *may* be useful.