Windows Vista Beta | WinVistaBeta.com - Message | Losing Internet Connection A Few Times Each Day

November 21, 2008  
Subject: Losing Internet Connection A Few Times Each Day
Group: microsoft.public.windows.vista.networking_sharing
Date: 9/7/2008 1:47:03 AM
From: =?Utf-8?B?aHVza3k4Ng==?= [Email Address Protection]

About 3-4 times each and every day I'm losing my Internet connection. This
situation only lasts for about 1-2 minutes at a time, then everything is back
up and running. (This is a cable Internet connection in a home office, by the
way.)

I was actually on the phone with my ISP during one of these instances. The
tech support rep on the other end of the line was actually able to check
whether or not I was losing my actual cable signal during this outage. I was
informed that everything was working perfectly; the technician was able to
send and receive information to my cable Internet modem. I was informed that
all signals were strong and that everything was perfectly fine with regard to
the signal. But at the same time I had no ability to access the Internet on
my end.

I was informed by this same technician that it was most probably one or a
combination of the following: (1) a piece of spyware operating in the
background, (2) my anti-spyware and/or antivirus program operating in the
background (especially checking for updates), or (3) some other piece of
software that was checking for updates, which can cause signal interference.

The technical specs of my desktop system are: Windows Vista Ultimate
(Service Pack 1), Intel Core2 Extreme Q6850 3.00GHz, 4 GB RAM, 10,000 RPM
Western Digital Raptor, 1 TB Hitachi internal, NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI, NVIDIA
GeForce 8800 Ultra.

Here's what I've done to address the problem:

1. Ran a complete virus check. No problems found.
2. Ran a complete root kit test. No problems found.
3. Ran test for spyware. None found.
4. Turned off automatic updating for virus and spyware (suggested by the
manufacturer -- PC Tools). I'm running ThreatFire. No difference when
automatic updating was turned off.
5. Made sure I have the latest network driver, latest video card driver
(just in case), latest updates from Microsoft, etc.

I have been told by my ISP technicians that various programs checking for
automatic updates can often cause serious latency issues; not exactly sure if
this is true.....? If so, I have a number of programs that would be checking
for automatic updates. Does this mean that I need to go into the Preferences
section of each and every one of these programs and turn off automatic
updating? Or am I heading down the wrong road here (have I received bad
advice)?

Any info/suggestions would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance!

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Subject: Re: Losing Internet Connection A Few Times Each Day
Group: microsoft.public.windows.vista.networking_sharing
Date: 9/7/2008 2:41:30 AM
From: Barb Bowman [Email Address Protection]

what brand and model cable modem?
what brand and model router?

On Sun, 7 Sep 2008 01:47:03 -0700, husky86
<husky86@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>About 3-4 times each and every day I'm losing my Internet connection. This
>situation only lasts for about 1-2 minutes at a time, then everything is back
>up and running. (This is a cable Internet connection in a home office, by the
>way.)
>
>I was actually on the phone with my ISP during one of these instances. The
>tech support rep on the other end of the line was actually able to check
>whether or not I was losing my actual cable signal during this outage. I was
>informed that everything was working perfectly; the technician was able to
>send and receive information to my cable Internet modem. I was informed that
>all signals were strong and that everything was perfectly fine with regard to
>the signal. But at the same time I had no ability to access the Internet on
>my end.
>
>I was informed by this same technician that it was most probably one or a
>combination of the following: (1) a piece of spyware operating in the
>background, (2) my anti-spyware and/or antivirus program operating in the
>background (especially checking for updates), or (3) some other piece of
>software that was checking for updates, which can cause signal interference.
>
>The technical specs of my desktop system are: Windows Vista Ultimate
>(Service Pack 1), Intel Core2 Extreme Q6850 3.00GHz, 4 GB RAM, 10,000 RPM
>Western Digital Raptor, 1 TB Hitachi internal, NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI, NVIDIA
>GeForce 8800 Ultra.
>
>Here's what I've done to address the problem:
>
>1. Ran a complete virus check. No problems found.
>2. Ran a complete root kit test. No problems found.
>3. Ran test for spyware. None found.
>4. Turned off automatic updating for virus and spyware (suggested by the
>manufacturer -- PC Tools). I'm running ThreatFire. No difference when
>automatic updating was turned off.
>5. Made sure I have the latest network driver, latest video card driver
>(just in case), latest updates from Microsoft, etc.
>
>I have been told by my ISP technicians that various programs checking for
>automatic updates can often cause serious latency issues; not exactly sure if
>this is true.....? If so, I have a number of programs that would be checking
>for automatic updates. Does this mean that I need to go into the Preferences
>section of each and every one of these programs and turn off automatic
>updating? Or am I heading down the wrong road here (have I received bad
>advice)?
>
>Any info/suggestions would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance!
--

Barb Bowman
MS-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com

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Subject: Re: Losing Internet Connection A Few Times Each Day
Group: microsoft.public.windows.vista.networking_sharing
Date: 9/8/2008 1:45:39 AM
From: Barb Bowman [Email Address Protection]

I doubt that this router properly works with Vista. It's circa 2001
and D-Link stop updates for it 6 years ago -
http://www.support.dlink.com/products/view.asp?productid=DI%2D701

My advice is to replace the router.

On Sun, 7 Sep 2008 20:17:00 -0700, husky86
<husky86@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

> D-Link 701P for the router
--

Barb Bowman
MS-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com

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Subject: Re: Losing Internet Connection A Few Times Each Day
Group: microsoft.public.windows.vista.networking_sharing
Date: 9/8/2008 4:38:03 PM
From: +Bob+ [Email Address Protection]

On Mon, 8 Sep 2008 15:53:01 -0700, husky86
<husky86@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>Barb,
>
>Go ahead and ignore that previous post with respect to the question about
>platform compatibility. I already contacted the company directly to get
>information -- thanks.
>

Unfortunately MS chose to make the default that Vista takes advantage
of some late changes to the protocols and to not make Vista as
backwards compatible as it could be. So, XP has better connectivity
(and they call Vista an "improvement". LOL).

>But if you would like to weigh in on the wired versus wireless question,
>that would be great. =)

Wireless connections are secure as long as you set the router to use
WPA security with a reasonably difficult key (password). If you are
already wired, or have systems that are hard wired, you can continue
to use those - but wireless is a nice convenience.

As for a "vista compatible" router, good luck. The half dozen that are
on the Vista list are not sold in retail stores and/or not used by
ISP's. Buy something popular and there will be plenty of support for
it out in the real world.



You could look for a

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Subject: Re: Losing Internet Connection A Few Times Each Day
Group: microsoft.public.windows.vista.networking_sharing
Date: 9/9/2008 1:18:17 AM
From: Barb Bowman [Email Address Protection]

can you post the text output of ipconfig /all?
http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com/ipconfig-all-how-to-get-text-output/

also, please check event viewer around the time you lost
connectivity.

as for your question on the other reply, for wireless, use WPA2 for
the best security, or at minimum WPA with a strong random
passphrase.

On Mon, 8 Sep 2008 22:33:00 -0700, husky86
<husky86@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>I completely bypassed the router today, yet the problem has occurred on 2
>separate occasions. Most recently it occurred for about 3 minutes (this was
>within just the last 30 minutes).
>
>So it's got to be something besides the router. But what is strange is that
>ever since I have bypassed the router, the problem has decreased
>significantly -- again, occurring only 2 times today.
>
>Looking forward to any ideas. Thanks!
>
>
>"Barb Bowman" wrote:
>
>> I doubt that this router properly works with Vista. It's circa 2001
>> and D-Link stop updates for it 6 years ago -
>> http://www.support.dlink.com/products/view.asp?productid=DI%2D701
>>
>> My advice is to replace the router.
>>
>> On Sun, 7 Sep 2008 20:17:00 -0700, husky86
>> <husky86@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>>
>> > D-Link 701P for the router
>> --
>>
>> Barb Bowman
>> MS-MVP
>> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
>> http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
>> http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com
>>
--

Barb Bowman
MS-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com

Back
Subject: Re: Losing Internet Connection A Few Times Each Day
Group: microsoft.public.windows.vista.networking_sharing
Date: 9/9/2008 1:20:10 AM
From: Barb Bowman [Email Address Protection]

WPA2 is the best wireless security available. If your equipment does
not support WPA2, then WPA with a strong random passphrase. Change
the SSID from the default and don't use anything personally
identifiable.

On Mon, 8 Sep 2008 15:53:01 -0700, husky86
<husky86@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>
>But if you would like to weigh in on the wired versus wireless question,
>that would be great. =)
--

Barb Bowman
MS-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com

Back
Subject: Re: Losing Internet Connection A Few Times Each Day
Group: microsoft.public.windows.vista.networking_sharing
Date: 9/9/2008 6:29:40 AM
From: Barb Bowman [Email Address Protection]

you might want to try unbinding IPv6...
http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com/ipv6-how-to-unbind-from-a-nic-in-windows-vista/

On Tue, 9 Sep 2008 02:22:09 -0700, husky86
<husky86@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>Windows IP Configuration
>
> Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : Voodoo
> Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
> Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Hybrid
> IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
> WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
> DNS Suffix Search List. . . . . . : gci.net
>
>Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection 4:
>
> Connection-specific DNS Suffix . : gci.net
> Description . . . . . . . . . . . : NVIDIA nForce Networking Controller
>Virtu
>al #2
> Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-04-4B-05-A1-5C
> DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
> Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
> Link-local IPv6 Address . . . . . : fe80::fc7b:9fa:d0b:960d%28(Preferred)
> IPv4 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : 24.237.248.237(Preferred)
> Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.248.0
> Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Monday, September 08, 2008 12:36:53 PM
> Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Monday, September 15, 2008 8:17:45 PM
> Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 24.237.248.1
> DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 209.165.131.45
> DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 209.165.131.12
> 209.165.131.13
> NetBIOS over Tcpip. . . . . . . . : Enabled
>
>Tunnel adapter Local Area Connection* 6:
>
> Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
> Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
> Description . . . . . . . . . . . : isatap.gci.net
> Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-00-00-00-00-00-00-E0
> DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
> Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
>
>Tunnel adapter Local Area Connection* 7:
>
> Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
> Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
> Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface
> Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 02-00-54-55-4E-01
> DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
> Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
>
>Tunnel adapter Local Area Connection* 9:
>
> Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
> Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
> Description . . . . . . . . . . . : isatap.gci.net
> Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-00-00-00-00-00-00-E0
> DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
> Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
>
>Tunnel adapter Local Area Connection* 10:
>
> Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
> Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
> Description . . . . . . . . . . . : 6TO4 Adapter
> Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-00-00-00-00-00-00-E0
> DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
> Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
>
>Tunnel adapter Local Area Connection* 13:
>
> Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
> Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
> Description . . . . . . . . . . . : 6TO4 Adapter
> Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-00-00-00-00-00-00-E0
> DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
> Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
>
>Tunnel adapter Local Area Connection* 16:
>
> Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
> Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
> Description . . . . . . . . . . . : isatap.gci.net
> Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-00-00-00-00-00-00-E0
> DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
> Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
>
>Tunnel adapter Local Area Connection* 22:
>
> Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
> Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
> Description . . . . . . . . . . . : isatap.gci.net
> Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-00-00-00-00-00-00-E0
> DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
> Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
>
>Tunnel adapter Local Area Connection* 23:
>
> Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
> Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
> Description . . . . . . . . . . . : isatap.gci.net
> Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-00-00-00-00-00-00-E0
> DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
> Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
>
>Tunnel adapter Local Area Connection* 25:
>
> Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
> Connection-specific DNS Suffix . : gci.net
> Description . . . . . . . . . . . : isatap.gci.net
> Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-00-00-00-00-00-00-E0
> DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
> Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
>
>Tunnel adapter Local Area Connection* 26:
>
> Connection-specific DNS Suffix . : gci.net
> Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Microsoft 6to4 Adapter #3
> Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-00-00-00-00-00-00-E0
> DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
> Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
> IPv6 Address. . . . . . . . . . . : 2002:18ed:f8ed::18ed:f8ed(Preferred)
> Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 2002:c058:6301::c058:6301
> DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 209.165.131.12
> 209.165.131.13
> NetBIOS over Tcpip. . . . . . . . : Disabled
>
>
>
>"Barb Bowman" wrote:
>
>> can you post the text output of ipconfig /all?
>> http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com/ipconfig-all-how-to-get-text-output/
>>
>> also, please check event viewer around the time you lost
>> connectivity.
>>
>> as for your question on the other reply, for wireless, use WPA2 for
>> the best security, or at minimum WPA with a strong random
>> passphrase.
>>
>> On Mon, 8 Sep 2008 22:33:00 -0700, husky86
>> <husky86@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>>
>> >I completely bypassed the router today, yet the problem has occurred on 2
>> >separate occasions. Most recently it occurred for about 3 minutes (this was
>> >within just the last 30 minutes).
>> >
>> >So it's got to be something besides the router. But what is strange is that
>> >ever since I have bypassed the router, the problem has decreased
>> >significantly -- again, occurring only 2 times today.
>> >
>> >Looking forward to any ideas. Thanks!
>> >
>> >
>> >"Barb Bowman" wrote:
>> >
>> >> I doubt that this router properly works with Vista. It's circa 2001
>> >> and D-Link stop updates for it 6 years ago -
>> >> http://www.support.dlink.com/products/view.asp?productid=DI%2D701
>> >>
>> >> My advice is to replace the router.
>> >>
>> >> On Sun, 7 Sep 2008 20:17:00 -0700, husky86
>> >> <husky86@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>> >>
>> >> > D-Link 701P for the router
>> >> --
>> >>
>> >> Barb Bowman
>> >> MS-MVP
>> >> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
>> >> http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
>> >> http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com
>> >>
>> --
>>
>> Barb Bowman
>> MS-MVP
>> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
>> http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
>> http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com
>>
--

Barb Bowman
MS-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com

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Subject: Re: Losing Internet Connection A Few Times Each Day
Group: microsoft.public.windows.vista.networking_sharing
Date: 9/9/2008 5:40:24 PM
From: +Bob+ [Email Address Protection]

On Mon, 8 Sep 2008 22:33:00 -0700, husky86
<husky86@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>I completely bypassed the router today, yet the problem has occurred on 2
>separate occasions. Most recently it occurred for about 3 minutes (this was
>within just the last 30 minutes).

Are you saying that you are plugged directly into your cable modem?

If so, and it is still dropping the connection, the acid test would be
to plug in a different computer and do the same test. If it still
drops, then it's either your cable modem or a problem on their line
(often it's the line from your house to the pole).


>So it's got to be something besides the router. But what is strange is that
>ever since I have bypassed the router, the problem has decreased
>significantly -- again, occurring only 2 times today.
>
It's sounding like a signal quality problem to me... but try the test
above.


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