[FNP]

Let's take a look at what's running at startup.

• Please download Autoruns for Windows.
• Extract the Autoruns zip folder contents to a new folder.
• Double-click autoruns.exe to launch the program.
• Go to File > Save As, and name it autoruns.txt
• Remember to save as type: *.txt!
• Please attach the file to your next reply (remember- it must be a .txt file).

[Advertisements]

Here's my Autoruns file. Guess there will be a lot of unneeded gunk in there. Heh heh...

Attached Files

•  AutoRuns.txt   152.84KB   132 downloads

[kneurotik]

Here's my Autoruns file. Guess there will be a lot of unneeded gunk in there. Heh heh...

Attached Files

•  AutoRuns.txt   152.84KB   132 downloads

[FNP]

I'm not overly familiar with Spybot, but you can try disabling it to see if that helps. Anything with a 'networking' in the title is worth trying.

• Right click the TeaTimer icon in the system Tray
• Then click Exit Spybot-S&D Resident
• (One you are clean you can restart TeaTimer by going to C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy, and double clicking on TeaTimer.exe

Edited by FNP, 17 May 2010 - 08:48 AM.

[kneurotik]

Ok, so do I disable Spybot when there is a connectivity problem? Or leave it disabled all the way and wait for the connectivity problem?

[FNP]

Try disabling it now and see if it leaves you with a problem.

[kneurotik]

It has been looking good for one day since disabling it.

Let me observe for a few more days and I will update again.

[FNP]

Sounds good. I'll continue to monitor your topic.

[Iconicmoronic]

Make sure peer name resolution services are turned on because if you're like me and try to secure everything on Windows, you might have turned these services off which can cause some connectivity issues. They are on by default.

You can also right click your connection icon on the taskbar and run the diagnose and repair utility, often times it can detect and resolve problems or point you in the right direction to learn more about the issue (although these are not helpful as often times as they are).

IE and most programs use a range of ip's by default, and so you don't need to disable your firewall. You simply need to figure out what range of ports your application uses by default and open them. Better yet configure a rule for your firewall to make these ports available to your program without leaving the ports 'open for business'.

I might also add that if you can configure it to work with Windows, the Windows Firewall is excellent! It is quite user friendly!

Where originally I was impressed by PC Tools anti-virus I have never run their firewall and so won't offer any criticism there. I am merely suggesting that it could be much easier to use the Windows Firewall as not only can you block all incoming connections and have successful network based program connections, but you can specify rules very easily and as it isn't third party software, you minimize the risk of system compromise (or perhaps heighten its security) and assure that Windows professionals can support you with their product.

Edited by Iconicmoronic, 20 May 2010 - 04:39 PM.

[kneurotik]

Hi iconicmoronic, thanks for the input.

I have peer name resolution services turned on (by default). Using the diagnose and repair utility has been my only way of resolving the connectivity problem for quite a while previously. It was pretty good at resolving problems then. Unfortunately that seems to be failing me now, hence my post for help here.

When you say Windows Firewall, you mean Windows Defender right? the reviews for Defender were pretty mixed the last time I read about it, but I might consider switching if it's really helpful.

The update after disabling Spybot Teatimer is that the last 3 days have been better, but I still got the disconnect problem once, which could not be resolved using the Diagnose and Repair utility (tried to get new IP settings, and also reset local area network connection) nor my IP's diagnostic program (detected the modem as not switched on).

Not sure if this is helpful, but I noticed a difference in the modem indicators. Previously, when the disconnect problem occurred, the DSL and Internet lights on the modem would both be switched off. But now, only the DSL light goes off.

[kneurotik]

Ok, I have been monitoring for the past week, and it seems like the problem is still there.

I have disabled Real Networks from startup, but it has made no difference.

Is there anything else that I can try?

[Iconicmoronic]

alright. well i apologize for the delayed answer but i have been afk, if you're wow savvy. i assume that by resetting the network you mean the adapter? i'm unsure whether you mean that you reset the modem with the reset button or by disconnecting your cables and waiting for 30-60 seconds then reconnecting; etc. windows diagnostic utility could provide you with a reset network adapter option which helps. in fact the issue might not be your pc. if you have an issue with lights on the modem your equipment might somehow be malfunctioning or it could be a network related issue. other people have tried turning off the ipv6 features to get better network connections and this might solve your connectivity issues. you might also want to try and contact your isp or check your coverage map if you're using broadband which can be shoddy in areas that are more remote. on a windows machine, i cannot entirely recall how to turn off ipv6. i believe if you find the properties menu for network connections that you can choose which features to enable. also, i didn't mean windows defender. you're right i've heard mixed reviews about it as well but i am definitely of the assumption that if microsoft built the os, they know what's best for their tool! microsoft security essentials has been relatively effective for AV as well as the malicious software removal tool. i actually mean windows firewall itself. you can turn it on by opening security center or in the services interface, you just have to scroll until you find the entry and then right click for properties and specify enable, and start automatically. as a precaution, to assure yourself no one is hijacking your connection also turn on smtp features in windows features under programs, windows features on/off and the smtp trap under services once you have enabled smtp. back to the firewall, if you want to use it effectively you need to know the port addresses which are used by the programs you prefer, and you'll want to control traffic on your connection by closing other ports. i setup my firewall to refuse any inbound traffic and permit all outbound traffic, i don't know how it worked as i tried to picture it in my head, but i was still able to use the programs that i use frequently.

i really wish i had more detailed information for you on the subject, in fact I've just purchased a network+ book which is simple to read (and the fact that the person on the tutorials videos was 15 made me feel a fool). i would definitely advise any enthusiastic and serious computer user to familiarize themselves with computer skill sets if they want a positive experience. again i apologize for the delay in answer and i do hope that you have resolved your computer issue by now.

i got completely carried away and forgot to tell you, update your hardware firmware! do this either via windows update, device manager, or perferably by using updated firmware drivers from your modem vendor's website. they are always under a support, download, or technical support page on the website.

Edited by Iconicmoronic, 07 June 2010 - 01:00 AM.

[kneurotik]

Thanks for the input, Iconicmoronic.

Sad to say, my problem has not been resolved and in fact appears to be worse. The disconnects are now occurring on a daily basis, sometimes 2-3 times a day! There seems to be no pattern to the modem lights when the problem occurs. The lights on my modem are: Power, Ethernet, DSL, Internet. Power is always on. When the problem occurs, sometimes only the DSL light goes off, sometimes only the Internet light goes off, usually DSL and Internet go off, and once I had all except Power go off.

What is consistent though, is that I can get a connection if I power off the modem, and wait 30 minutes. Yes, no less than 30 minutes. If I try to switch it on in less than 30 minutes, I usually only get Power and Ethernet, with no connection still. All this leads me to suspect that the modem might be wonky (which you have pointed out as well, that it might be hardware and not my laptop), but it will be tricky for me to get hold of another one just to troubleshoot.

Yes, when I say reset the network, I mean the adapter, using the windows diagnostic utility that you described- “reset network adapter” option.

I might give disabling ipv6 a go though. I think I could manage that. The bit on configuring windows firewall sounds too challenging for me! I will go check if there are any firmware upgrades for my modem too.

[Rowal5555]

Just a thought, have you called your ISP to see if other people on your line have had any problems?

When my DSL light goes out, it usually means there is a connectivity problem to the ISP when they are doing maintenance work (or a crook modem of course).

[kneurotik]

Yes, I have been planning to call my ISP. Am having some resistance to doing that as the phone operators are usually crap- they have told me to power cycle the modem and were not of much help. Didn't even know about the reset network adaptor option nor the windows diagnostic utility, which solved my problem in the past. I had to tell them about that!

However, I did a check with others in my apartment complex who are on the same ISP and they are not having any problems.

[Rowal5555]

I don't know if this will help, but can't do any harm. You could try it next time you are having problems.

This fix is from another site-Click Start, then Run and type CMD in the dialogue box that appears, and then click OK. Type netsh winsock reset into the window that appears and click ENTER.