Internet dies after 30-60 minutes

Hi,

I've been having internet problems for the past couple of months, and it's getting to be very annoying. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to figure out how to fix them.

I can use the internet without problem for about half an hour or so. Then I can't check e-mail. (I use both Eudora and Outlook, and both programs stop responding after between 20 and 40 minutes.) Later, I stop being able to visit sites. How long until that happens really varies. First pages start taking forever to load, and then they stop loading altogether.

Something else I don't understand is why I can visit a page (although it takes a bit to load), but when I ping that address, I get a "Request timed out" message.

I have an antivirus/firewall program installed, and I've done several virus checks. Nothing ever turns up. I've tried running diagnostics on the modem. Everything seems to be fine. I've checked the event log. Nothing out of the ordinary there. I've tried using different network cables, and I've updated the drivers for the network card.

I've tried pretty much everything I can think of, and that's why I'm hoping someone here will have an explanation/cure for this problem. I'm sure there are some pretty obvious (well, to computer-inclined people) things I've ignored.

Also, I have no router. The computer is hooked up directly to the modem.

Thanks,
Jennifer

 

Looking at the event log is good but how about the firewall log? Almost sounds like your being flooded but the chances of that are very slim, especially for a single user.

 

I suggest you give your Internet Service Provider a call and let them know what's happening because it might be something on their end that is causing it.

Also you may try unplugging your modem, waiting a minute or two, plug it back in wait another minute, then try surfing the web on your computer.

Also have you check for Spyware or Malware, because that is different from a virus.

 

I have called my ISP, but I haven't gotten much help from them. I've tried another fast internet connection, and I've had the same trouble. So it's gotta be my computer. (Well, probably.)

I unplug my modem every night. I've also tried resetting it.

And I check for spyware and malware regularly (using Adaware and Spybot). Nothing's shown up.

Any other ideas?! I'm getting very frustrated.

 

What is the Type of the Connection?

How the logon (authentication is done)?

How many computers are connected.

Which AntiVirus and Firewall (do you use WinXP Firewall + a 3rd party firewall)?

If your connetion is DSL read this, http://www.ezlan.net/PPPOE.html

 

Dedub, I just looked at the firewall log. Nothing terribly unusual there. I hadn't thought of that, though.

Cat5E, it's a cable connection. I'm the only user of the computer, but I have my account password protected. If that's what you're after. There's only one computer connected. I use F-Secure (antivirus and firewall combined). The Windows firewall is disabled.

 

What is the model # of your network card?

Also have you got all of the Windows Updates yet?

It could be a bad network card possibly or even a bad network cord. If you have another network cable you could try using that and see if your issue is solved.

I'll keep trying to think of what the cause may be.

 

The network card is a SiS 900 PCI Fast Ethernet Adapter. I do have all Windows Updates. I've already tried a different network cable (two in fact!).

Thanks for all the help, everyone!

 

Had an almost similar problem myself recently. Can you check whether you have an idle timeout on your modem? If so, set it to 0 or infinity (whichever applies). Also, check with your ISP - they may have their own "idle timeout" settings on their end.

This is especially apparent with email, as they will only connect infrequently with their servers. So you may be hitting that idle timeout.

 

>Can you check whether you have an idle timeout on your modem?

I've tried looking for such a setting but haven't found anything. Also, I have the problem even when I don't use my modem. (That is, when I use my boyfriend's internet connection—yes, we have different ones. Looong story...)