Whoa I don't know what happened to the formatting in my message but I'll try again!

Here's an interesting challenge.

My computer looses it's connection with the internet every evening.
ISP problem?
I'm not so sure, because when I connect my old Sony laptop the connection functions perfectly. I only have the problem with my new DELL desktop at, what I think are, times of high internet traffic (6pm-11pm approx)
My desk top is a Dell Dimension E521, with a Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller network card.
I have -
done PING tests (3ms average return) while unable to connect to internet.
tried 0 Firewalls,
and then 3 other firewalls (Macafee, Sygate, Zone Alarm) - problem persists
tried a Linux boot-up disk (same problem)
called Dell - reset to factory settings. - problem persists
turned off and on modem (not using a router) -problem persists.
turned off all energy saving options. - same problem
tried Firefox & Internet Explorer - problem persists
looked for TCP/IP 6. someone said turn of TCP/IP 6, I don't know how I check if I have that (just says TCP/IP in the details of my LAN connection)
looked though all messages in the system management console (an IT supporter friend guided me through that, I have totally forgotten where it was or what it was really called, but he said my computer was running fine there were no error messages)
Any ideas?
Many thanks Dan

Thanks for your reply How to I boot up in Safe Mode? I am running XP Professional 2002, Service Pack 2. I have spoken to my ISP they say it must be the computer. I am inclined to agree. Dan

Thanks for your advice.

I booted the computer in safe mode and it still happened.

I did a ping -t for about an hour last night first in normal mode and then in safe mode.

Normal mode
Sent packets 1815
Returned 1503
Lost 312
17% lost
TTL was 57 or 58 when it was successfully communicating with the website returning the pings. (someone told me this shouldn't be low, although they didn't really know what "low" is! maybe less than 20)

Safe mode
Sent 1287
Returned 1039
Lost 248
19% lost
TTL the same as above.
While in normal mode was trying to surf the internet. - It was very slow and functioned far from well.
While in safe mode I went off and watched a bit of footer.

Any further ideas?

I spoke to my IP they said:
It isn't incompatibility between Dell and their net, it must be the modem.
I then mentioned at that point that my old Sony laptop works during these periods (maybe I should do a ping -t on the laptop to compare). - They then said immediately , it's the Dell, it has to be the Dell!

Dan

Well just so you know, and I honestly can't believe this is true my self,
it was the ethernet cable between the computer and modem!?

After having tried 2 other computers (they were fine!) a different modem (Dell cut out, laptops didn't) I sent it back they replaced the motherboard and reinstalled everything and "extensively checked" the network card.

I got the Dell back, plugged it in, same problem.

Was about to throw the machine out the window, when I thought I might as well try changing the cables.
Changed the cable between modem and socket in wall (still not working) changed ethernet and, hey presto, problem solved.

It's a bleeding mystery.

Why only after 6ish?
Why did the other computers work?

Can anyone explain?

I have a real guilty feeling that I used up all those time and resources (there's a perfectly good motherboard sitting in a rubbish bin somewhere + the UPS pick up and delivery!)


Cheers

Dan

Further to my message yesterday.

My computer started playing up again last night 8pm (after uploading photos all day without problem and working the evening before). I was using the new long cable.

I plugged in the old laptop using the new cable - fine.

I went and found my other short ethernet cable moved the Dell and plugged it in. This solved the problem.

My new cable is a 10m one, the old one which didn't work was a 10m. (They are the same brand)

The one which works fine is a 1m one.

People have told me that size doesn't matter (for ethernet cables) but in my case it does.
Or could it be the brand/type/quality of cable? (why the problems only in the evening?)

Can anyone in the world explain the reason for this problem?

My only solution appears to be - have the Dell sitting in the hallway next to the connection. - Not practical.

Cheers

Dan

PS I've got TCP/IP and no 6 in there.