internet blocked on a specific computer

Hi everyone,
I was wondering if you could help me out with something.

I have inherited my younger brother's computer for several month's and it appears that his internet dies at 1:30am everyday. It is a LAN connection. The internet comes back on at 5am. I have looked at the network and user profile settings but cannot figure it out and there doesn't appear to be any software installed to limit the internet at certain hours.

Would love to hear some of your ideas.

 

I forgot to mention I am using XP.

 

Some questions

How are you connecting to the internet?
Do you have other computers connecting the same way that do not lose internet at those times?

I'm asking because my wireless network has the option set lockout times. Also, I added a usb wireless receiver to an old desktop that I gave to my 8 year old. The receiver has programmable lock out times too.

 

-How are you connecting to the internet?

I simply took out the network cable from the back of the desktop and plugged it into my laptop.

Do you have other computers connecting the same way that do not lose internet at those times?

-Yup, it's specifically on the one computer.

I'm asking because my wireless network has the option set lockout times. Also, I added a usb wireless receiver to an old desktop that I gave to my 8 year old. The receiver has programmable lock out times too.

-Not using wireless in this case, any other ideas?

 

I haven't seen anything in XP that can schedule a time restriction on the internet.

Places to look --

Try another browser if you haven't already. IE has some advanced options for parental controls but I haven't seen time ones. Still worth a shot.

Can you ping anything when you lose connection? An IP like 4.2.2.2 or google.com? Could give you direction on browser or DNS server issues.

I haven't seen one but could there be a vendor utility installed with the NIC card? Something that could have time settings?

There is no Zone Labs or anything else with filtering or firewall that could be doing this? Check your Anti-spyware and Anti-virus too. Or just look up whatever you are using to see if there is a scheduling option available in them.

 

Assuming you have a wired/wireless router, there should be settings in the router's configuration that allow/deny access either by IP address and possibly MAC number or possibly a parental control option.