TCP/IP connect problems

[fivekhigh]

I am using a TCP/IP dialup to connect to my University's server. When I connect, after about 10 minutes IE seem to be taking an inordinate amount of time loading a site then loads an error screen about being unable to load the site, DNS error. I don't seem to have any problem with netzero, but when I tried to use ATT worldnet service the same problem occured. At times the screen goes black except for a 2 inch band of randomly colored pixels. This has also occured while on the net with other providers, rarely. Have not seen this occur if I don't use the internet. I am beginning to believe this is a software problem with the winmoden or browser. I have also heard that AOL can cause problems. Would deleting it help. I want to discontinue their service once I get this problem rectified. Anybody with some advise? Thanks What hardware modem would you recommend.

[glc]

That could be a winmodem problem - sucking your CPU resources trying to maintain a connection. If Netzero works fine, I don't think AOL is the source of the problem. If you are using IE5+, you can try running a repair on IE. Keep your temporary internet files cleaned out - if you have a ton of stuff in the cache it can seriously impact browser performance.

If you have a free ISA slot, the 2 best hardware modems made are the Supra Express and the US Robotics Sportster - and they are both available (at a higher cost) in external serial models. If you must have a PCI modem, look at the Zoom 2920.

[fivekhigh]

How do I run a repair on IE? Thank for your quick reply.

[glc]

Control panel - add/remove programs. Click on IE, then click add/remove. The menu that comes up has repair as an option.

If this is still the version of IE that came with Windows, or if it was installed by AOL, this may not be an available option - and you should upgrade your IE from Windows Update.

[fivekhigh]

Did the IE repair and cleared the cache, which I do regularly, but still no change. Last night after logging on to the server and before starting IE,perhaps a 2-3 minute interval I got a BSOD, although I was able to return to win98. Could the server be sending some type of signal which causes a system conflict? It is interesting that the problem only seem to occur which this particular server. Any other thought? thanks. Also I have an older computer with win95 and I have no problem logging on or staying connected.

[fivekhigh]

Update, I happened to read in another forum that IE5.5 might be the culprit. I reverted to a previous version of IE and so far I am staying connected without problems. Thank again for your help.

[fivekhigh]

another update. Same problem occurred after about 5-10 minutes of connect time. I have a motorola win modem and I researched their latest drivers. This seems to have fixed the problem. Stayed online over 1 hour without problems. no more unusual shutdowns.

[glc]

Motorola winmodems are pretty nasty - if this starts happening again, toss it and get one of the hardware modems I mentioned earlier in the thread.