DSL problem....

[pam123]

This started about 2 weeks ago.
I have Verizon DSL, with a Westell modem, and with no warning it will suddenly break connection and, sometimes, redial.
I get the usual "this page cannot be displayed error" frequently and sometimes refresh will fix it and at others it means the connection is about to break( the linked monitors icon disappears from my System tray a few seconds later. ).
The connection light on the modem will sometimes flicker when this happens but most of the time it displays no change.
The errors I get have read 618,619, and 713 in the past in addition to the previously mentioned "this page cannot...". Now they also read 678.
Verizon tech supporrt claimed that the problem is not on there end, this was after one of those thorough systems checks that also pings the connection.
They recommended that I contact MicroSoft.
I took the problem to M$ tech support(ouch!) and I thought we traced it to Norton's AV 2003.
It would seem that was coincidence as the problem still remains even though the AV program has been removed ( and very thoroughly using MorrisWindgate's tips and regcleaner).
It has become impossible to play and on-line game for any length of time and even ordinary websurfing is a chore.
I think the problem is Verizon but I don't know how to prove it or how to get a tech to do something other than " let's check your settings ".
Does anyone have any idea what's going on here?
This problem came out of the blue after I'd been using XP Home for about 6 weeks with no trouble.
I set up the DSL connection while on the phone with a Verizon tech so there is nothing there that does not conform to their requirements.

[Xayd]

Using their PPP software or the XP PPPoE software?

[pam123]

Using the XP PPPOE software.
The Verizon stuff has trouble with XP by Verizon's own admission.

[glc]

Have you tried using RASPPPoE or maybe even a router?

[pam123]

I hadn't considered RASPPPoE, why give the "method manual" folks at Verizon one more excuse, but that doesn't apply any more.
I have been pricing routers for the last few days. If you have any manufacturers to recommend please post them.
Thanks!

[Redo40]

Hey Pam123, give RASPPPoE a try, when I first got dsl their software gave me fits, switched to RASPPPoE and it was smooth sailing. As for routers, I have the Linksys BEFSR41 and really like it. It was easy to set up and hasn't lost a connection as of yet.

[pam123]

Thanks Redo40.
Linksys goes on the shopping list.
I'm already researching RASPPPoE.

[Tuf]

If you buy a router that supports PPPoE like the Linksys ones do you won't need RASPPPoE or any other connection software.

[pam123]

Thanks Tuf!