Net Connection Problems

This isn't about the site, it's about my computer.

In August I've been having connection problems with my Verizon DSL. In mid-August I couldn't connect to the net from this computer, even with Dial-Up. By September I had my computer fixed. He said that it was missing a net component and couldn't reinstall normally. The symptom was the connection speed kept changing. The highest it normally would be is 190kB/s but with this problem it bounces around to 19kB/s and everything in between, around the lower numbers mostly. Could someone tell me the problem or how to fix it without having to wipe out my hard drive? My connection is as follows: Phone line to modem(Westell Model # 2200) to computer. The operating system is Windows XP 2. There has been no mention of any lost component at all.

 

Seems to be a contradiction here. Can you clarify?

Is this the current situation?

 

Sorry, I meant that the computer doesn't mention a missing component.
The person who repaired it last have said that the first problem was a missing connection component. The problem is probably the Ethernet card but it's built into the motherboard. Could getting a new card work? Are there any ways to fix it without replacing the card and wiping out the hard drive.

The odd thing about this is that in the early morning it's kinda fast, but slows down around 1:00 or 2:00pm.

 

Does your Device Manager show any problems, any yellow triangles with exclamation marks inside? Does it report your Network adapter as working properly?

Is this a consistent pattern, or does it vary a lot from one day to the next, and from hour to hour?

What is the Verizon-stated speed of your DSL service? Do you know how far from the nearest telecommunications "central office" your are? Do you know anyone else nearby who uses Verizon DSL, that you could compare notes with?

If you're onboard is faulty, then, yes, it should solve the problem, assuming no other factors are involved here.

Have you tried contacting Verizon about this? I believe they should be able to run a test from their end or quide you through some steps to verify your modem is working properly, and I believe they should be able to test the signal strength/quality at your location.

 

Just a thought if you haven't tried this but go to the manufactures web site of your pc and you should be able to download the latest driver for the nic card that is on the mother board and reinstall it. If it is your nic card this could do it.