Browsers just fade and die...

Originally posted this in the networking forum but that seems a little sparsely populated so thought I'd try here:

Ok, I am at my wits end so I've been recommended to try this forum for a solution.

When using the internet, after any given period of time, could be 30 seconds, could be 30 minutes, my connection just hangs and fails to do anything. The only way I've found to correct the problem is to reboot the PC.

I don't think the problem is with my ISP (for the record I'm on fixed wireless) - they've checked and checked and concluded that the problem is with my PC.

I'm using Opera but the problem is browser independent and when it occurs nothing else needing the net works either (Messenger, Skype etc.). The manifestation in Opera is that when I click a link the progress bar just sticks on either '0Kb' or '0/0 Elements'. Whenever it happens, the status icon at the bottom of the screen indicates that my internet connection to my ISP is fine.

Nobody seems to know so if anybody on here has any ideas I'd be very grateful. Oh and if you do have any ideas, please spell them out in idiot speak. I'm only average when it comes to the tech stuff!

Thanks.

 

Thanks. Just to clarify:

- I'm running XP (Home I think), with the latest SP (3?) but problem was occurring before I installed the new SP.

- Fixed wireless is one of the connection options we have where I live (Trinidad). The local ISP simply sticks a point-to-point radio link up, negating the need for a phone line. The dish has a built in modem so I just plug the cable straight into the back of the PC.

- Properties. I've been given specific addresses, for DNS, Subnet Mask etc. by the ISP which are now in the TCP/IP Properties. I have run it on find these details automatically but neither option seems to make a difference.

 

Thanks Mark. There's definitely no problem with the internet link itself; it's been tested to destruction. I'll try that cleaner when I get home.

 

Does anybody else have any ideas? I ran the cleaner as suggested and it's made no difference. I'm at my wit's end.

:cry

 

So the ISP has checked the physical dish/modem at your house to make sure it is not failing?

Are you using bittorrent or anything that would max out your connection when it fails?

 

Yes and no.

I'm stumped :confused