Inspiron 6400 Internet problems

Question

I have problems using Internet Explorer on my new Dell Inspiron 6400. A few websites are coming up without problems, but most don't. Windows Messenger gives me the error message that there are problems with my internet connection, so I can't log in. I have however no problems connecting to internet through my wireless network. What's the problem and how do I fix it?

rbest2000 · Answer

Message Edited by rbest2000 on 08-12-200605:47 PM

rbest2000 · Answer

Message Edited by rbest2000 on 08-12-200605:47 PM

rbest2000 · Answer

I am having the same problems with my new dell inspirion 6400.   I reloaded the OS in order to get rid of all the preloaded junk.  I then loaded the drivers in the order recommended by dell (chipset, video, audio, etc).   The device manager indicates i have a Pro/wireless 3945ABG Network Connection and am using version 10.5.1.57.    My proset wireless connection indicates the connection is 'excellent'.  I have no problem connecting to sites such as google or cnn, but have problems on other sites such as norton or microsoft.   Same problems occur if i use Windows to manage my WiFi.   For example, the problem occurs when i am trying to update my antivirus (norton) or windows apps.  Initially i am able to connect to the site and retrieve the update list, but once i attempt to download the files, i receive the following error message:       'Connection to LiveUpdate server failed - The LiveUpdate server failed to respond in a reasonable          amount of time.  This could happen because you could not connect to the server, the server is        now unavailable, or you became disconnected to the server.'   I have tried several times, and on occasion, i am able to download the first few file transfers, but eventually I receive the above error message.   Any help would be appreciated. RoxAnne

volcano11 · Answer

RoxAnne,

It sounds like you are infected with spyware or a virus that is preventing you from reaching certain sites. Are you running antivirus software with up to date virus definitions? Have you run more than one antispyware program to get rid of all the spyware you may have on your system.

Steve

ZtigO · Answer

The problem started the first time I turned on the computer, BTW I can't view sites with spyware! Wich means, that's not the problem :(

rbest2000 · Answer

Steve,

Our new laptop was delivered last week and I didn't connect to the internet prior to reinstalling the OS. The first time i installed the OS (to get rid of the junk apps) I had slowness problems right away. I spoke to the Dell Support which ended in a recommendation that i reinstall the OS again. So i did. I still had slow connection problems right out of the gate. And I quickly loaded Norton SystemWorks to see if potentially it would catch anything. It did not. Because of the connection problems, i am unable to update the virus definitions. But, I'd be surprise if i caught something that fast. Also, I have the same problems with other sites as well, any site that requires loading a large volume of data (video, pictures, etc.)

Question to you - does reinstalling the OS remove any existing viruses/spyware? Do you think i could have caught something the first time i connected to the net?

Thanks,

RoxAnne

Message Edited by rbest2000 on 08-12-200606:19 PM

Message Edited by rbest2000 on 08-12-200606:25 PM

volcano11 · Answer

Ztigo,   What do you mean by this statement?       'BTW I can't view sites with spyware'   it makes no sense to me.   With a new computer, the only thing I can think of is that the security software that came with your computer is blocking some sites for some reason.  Which secuirty suite came with the computer.  Can you try temporarily disabling it to see it that is causing the problem.   Steve

rbest2000 · Answer

Steve,

Yes, i reformatted the drive when i reinstalled the OS.

I upgraded to the Intel Pro/Wirless 3945ABG network card.

No, if i connect to the router via an ethernet port, the problem does not occur.

Regarding norton. This is my daughter's laptop. I use norton systemworks on my kids' computers because of the 'go back' feature. Each night, regardless of what they download, or change, the system is rolled back to how i originally set it up.

RoxAnne

volcano11 · Answer

RoxAnne,

Reinstalling the operating system, if you reformatted the drive, should have removed all spyware and viruses.

Which wireless network card do you have on that machine? Norton System works is a real resource hog. I would recommend getting rid of that, except for the antivirus part.

Does the same problem occur if you connect to the router through an ethernet port?

Steve

volcano11 · Answer

RoxAnne,

Well, that tells us that it is the wireless card that is having the problem. Which make and model wireless router do you have? You may need to update the firmware on the router if it is an older model, as I have been seeing numerous problems with the newer wireless cards and older routers. You might also want to see if you can set the power management settings on the network card to always supply full power.

Steve

volcano11 · Answer

RoxAnne,

Which one worked - upgrading the firmware or setting the power management settings? In case others have the same problem, it would be useful to post the results. That's great that it is fixed.

Steve

rbest2000 · Answer

Steve,   That worked!  Thank you so much.  I really appreciate your help, i would never have figured it out on my own.    Have a wonderful evening.   RoxAnne

rbest2000 · Answer

Oops, sorry.  Upgrading my firmware.  My netgear router is a bit old! (MR814v2)

ZtigO · Answer

How do I upgrade my firmware?

volcano11 · Answer

You will have to go the web site of the maker of your router. They should have a downloads section where you can download a firmware upgrade file and provide information on how to do the upgrade.

Steve

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Inspiron 6400 Internet problems

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