Pls Help!! Unstable Internet Connection

Question

My internet connection stays connected in 25secs cycles. This is what happens: Computer starts up, it recognizes an ethernet connection to my broadband and router 'Local Area Connection now connected' then 25secs later it is lost 'limited or no connection' then it requires a new network address and connects again. This happens over and over every 25secs.   I've checked my router and modem which work fine because my desktop works fine. I've connected this laptop through my desktops cable and still the same problem, so I'm thinking it's my ethernet card/driver (3Com 3c920 fast ethernet controller). I've 'chatted' with several Dell reps. The first one says my driver needs to be updated and gives me a link to download the driver. I do the steps and download the driver, hopefully properly, but the same problems still happens.   I can't think of any other solution or problem. It's like the 'IPCONFIG' keeps releasing and renewing itself every 25secs. Is this a REGEDIT problem I can check up and change. Someone please help!

dj_cool · Answer

Try checking in Safe Mode with Networking.

If the problem happens there also, then check the IEEE authentication on the Local Area Connection Properties. If it is enabled, try disabling it.

If it doesn't, it is possible that there might be some program or some spyware\virus is causing it.

djd3fyance · Answer

Thanks for the help! I tried Safemode w/ Networking. My connection is stable, so my laptop must be hijacked by some virus/malware. I just updated my AVP and ran it, also my spyware and adware programs and they found nothing. How else could I find what's affecting my laptop?

dj_cool · Answer

So it appears that background programs are to blame.   Try checking to see if you can identify the unwanted programs in the System Configuration Utility.   Start - Run - msconfig - OK - Service - Hide All Microsoft Service. (Check for anything that might be unidentified, use google to find more details of the entry) Check the entries under Startup also)   Also, what is the wireless card that you have on the system. Message Edited by dj_cool on 07-27-2005 02:11 PM

djd3fyance · Answer

Thanks for the help. I'll check out the background programs. My laptop actually has both a wireless card (Belkin) and the 3Com ethernet card. My wireless isn't having any problem other than weak connection when I'm far from the DSL but my 3Com connects to my broadband wired connection. Do you think it has to do with 2 different network connections and my IPCONFIG getting confused of which one to use?

dj_cool · Answer

It doesn't happen becuase the computer automatically switches over to the connection that is avaialble. So if the cable is not plugged, it will not get disconnected becuase of the 3Com Networks Card.

dj_cool · Answer

It doesn't happen becuase the computer automatically switches over to the connection that is available. So if the cable is not plugged, it will not get disconnected becuase of the 3Com Networks Card.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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