Unable to get on internet - takes an hour or so

Johnno K · Mar 14, 2009

Hi

My first thread here - hope it will stretch you guys.
Problem is connecting to internet sites - can connect straight away to ftp.microsoft.com. Occasionally can get https sites. Never http sites until after an hour or so after letting the automatic helps do their bit and telling me there is no problem. All of a sudden it will open those sites. I can then surf to my hearts content
Running XP connect to a home hub via an ethernet cable.
IP is BT Yahoo (UK)
Browsers - Firefox, IE and BTYahoo - all have the same problem
A mobile BB handset will open internet ok - I assume it will link via the home hub.
I can connect to BroadBand - the BT desktop help confirms as does the BT Broadband help folk in India.
Outlook Express will download emails and attachments ok but not any of the pics which are part of the email itself.
http sites say "waiting for www...." or "website found waiting for reply"
https sites will open but not fully.
Turning off the Norton /Symentec firewall does nothing.

Hope you can help

Johnno K

Fred_G · Mar 14, 2009

I don't have much specific help for you, but hubs are the devil's tools for networking! :-D I would get a cheap switch or router/switch and chunk the hub. A hub broadcasts all data transfers to all connected devices whether is is for them or not. Think of it as a network version of a power strip. A switch or preferably a router with a switch will be much better, as it routes the broadcasts. Will make your network speed faster and more reliable.

Here is a link to a router with a switch: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1030252&CatId=198

Hopefully someone can get you sorted out with your issue, I have just had horrible experiences with network access, reliability and speed with hubs in a network.

Welcome to MajorGeeks!:wave

Johnno K · Mar 19, 2009

Thanks Fred:wave

Before I invest in any new equipment, I need to resolve this issue for good and
besides, I need the home-hub for my hub phone.

The pictures seem to download ok now on Outlook Express after I have access to websites (http). Don't ask me what I did :-D!

It is all very strange as once it starts downloading, it works ok until I switch off.

I also have looked on task manager whilst waiting and there doesn't appear to be anything running which will stop the pc connecting to the internet. A setting on a firewall would surely be permanent?

Johnno K

DavidGP · Mar 19, 2009

Hi

Not easy to troubleshoot issues like this, but seems as soon as you actually connect and get a http page your ok, so my thoughts are that some application that you have running is causing this, and generally its likely to be one that starts with your PC, so use this StartupCPL to disable all startups then reboot and check to see if you connect first time, if so then enable one at a time to see if you find the cause.

What security programs do you have installed apart from Norton? and have you always had Norton installed or did you change to this from another Antivirus/Firewall?

Johnno K · Mar 20, 2009

Well - I tried that - it made no difference whatsoever!

Security programs: Norton Firewall - AVG Antivirus - Spybot - Ad-Aware - Windows Defender - thats about it ......... I think.rolleyes

BT Broadband Desktop Help and Network Diagnostics for Windows XP
are the two programs that come up after a while to help connect.
Both say I am connected to Broadband. After a while sometimes I will be connected or I may have to wait longer.

Also I upgraded to Windows Live Messenger from MSN today and that
will not give me access at all.

Johnno K · Mar 20, 2009

Halo said: ↑

Hi

What security programs do you have installed apart from Norton? and have you always had Norton installed or did you change to this from another Antivirus/Firewall?
Click to expand...

I have always had Norton and AVG

Why have I got EDIT on this post but not on my previous one?

DavidGP · Mar 20, 2009

Hi

Try booting to Safe Mode with Networking and see what that does.

Weird that with all startups disabled from starting that you saw not improvement, was even the BT helpers disabled from startup as I know a collegue in work has or had no end of issues with the BT helper applications with Norton installed.

Do you get any error or notification messages when trying to connect with MSN Live Messenger? please if you do give the message and code in full.

Have you turned off the BT Hub and then back on again, also if this is connected to otehr phones in the house, do they all have DSL filters on them? Could try unplugging all phones and just have the internet connection plugged in.

Few otehr ideas but lets see how those above go for now, and dont do all at once, do one at a time and see if one is better or worse and make a note.

As for edit, we have a timelimit on this of 15mins IIRC, long story but short version is some users where changing their advice or post to correct mistakes in their advice or post to make others offering the advice look stupid as if they not read the question correctly or correcting their early guess to copy a correct reply that was made after theirs, so we have a short edit time and you see warts and all now.

jconstan · Mar 20, 2009

Can you connect your PC directly to the Cable modem and see what happens?

Log in or Sign up

Unable to get on internet - takes an hour or so

Johnno K Private E-2

Fred_G Heat packin' geek

Johnno K Private E-2

DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

Johnno K Private E-2

Johnno K Private E-2

DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

jconstan MajorGeek