Losing Internet connection

Question

I have an Optiplex GX520 w/ Windows XP and a wireless internet connection.  I have Norton Utilities which I have disabled when trying to fix connection problem.  I have only this one desktop computer - no router.   For the last few weeks I have been losing my internet connection after two or three minutes.  I can go to network connections and repair the connection (even though it says connected to begin with).  I'm good to go for another few minutes and the same thing happens.  Sometimes I have trouble getting online and again I go do a repair and almost 100% of the time I can then get on the internet.   IP tech has checked their connections and say they are good.  They came out and hooked another computer to the cable and had no problems.   Dell support had me repair my registry, update the intergrated NIC driver from Dell's website and finally sent me a new motherboard.  They said as a last straw I would have to re-install my Windows.  The thought of doing that really scares me!  I really hope I can find a cure short of that.  Would really appreciate any help anyone can give me.   Marit

jmwills · Answer

I would uninstall the NIC reboot and let it reinstall.  This will, of course preclude that you have the driver download to your hard drive FIRST.

marit765 · Answer

Tried that and it made no difference.  Talked to Dell and they decided to send me a new motherboard.  Which I've got installed but didn't help the problem. (My NIC is intergrated).

Gina Q · Answer

If you boot to Safe Mode with Networking do you have the same problem? To get to Safe Mode with networking turn your system off. Then back on and tap the F2 about 1 time per sec. It shouldn't take but 3 or 4 taps to get the advanced boot options. Look at the top of the list to find Safe Mode with networking. This is only for testing so once you've determined that you stay on for more than what is normal reboot your system. If you stay on more than normal then it is definitely a software issue. Please let us know the results.

marit765 · Answer

Thanks for safe mode suggestion. I tried that and same problem, after between 1-2 minutes I lose the connection. Page comes up that connection could not be made. Same as in regular mode I can go to my control panel, repair local connection then go out and try again and I have the connection back. Any other ideas? Thanks, Marit

jmwills · Answer

It does soudns as though the TCP/IP stack has become corrupt and needs to be repaired.  Google for a program called WinsockFix for XP and run it.

marit765 · Answer

I ran the Winsockfix and made no difference. Yesterday I found I had picked up New.net which I guess causes problems. My ISP & I completely removed it (w/instructions from New.net website) but didn't make any difference. The ISP says it's a computer problem so I'm on my own now but I'm clueless. Marit

tad44th · Answer

http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=netwkint&thread.id=13189 Sounds familiar... Worth giving a shot anyway.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Losing Internet connection

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