Connects, but NO internet -Serious

[lani]

I just upgraded my system board, CPU & memory. I formatted (my existing) hard drive (the C: partition) and installed WinXP.Sp2 (slipstreamed). I installed all the latest patches and fixes, etc.

ASUS P4P800 SE
Pentium 4, 2.80E GHz, 800 mhz, 1 gb bus, Hyper-Threading (I think Prescot, but this is info Intel CPU utility gives)
1 GB Kingston Memory (DDR 3200 dual)
80 gig hard drive (maxtor)
2 cdrom drives (cdrw)
one floppy drive
56k modem
ATI Radeon 9200 (AGP)
Onboard LAN (Marvel Yukon - not using, not connected to anything)


I got started installing my programs, starting with my firewall (Sygate) and antivirus (AVG). After about 3-4 days of installing and running the computer in the evening after work, one night I had just checked my email and Eudora hung up normally. I saw a link I wanted to check out, so I opened my browser (Opera) and it connected using the dialog box. But as soon as it connected, Opera gave me a blank page with the basic message that the page could not be found (or something similar). So I opened IE, Eudora Mail, and Firefox, too, and they gave me the same message. The browsers don't even seem to Try and go anywhere. They instantly say can't be found. Typing in a number address doesn't help. They instantly go to page not found. Disconnecting and trying again does not help. The browsers/email don't even "try" they instantly give blank page or no network connection (email). The connection icon is in the system tray, but it just stays dark, not blinking.

Here's the problem: Nothing fixes it except to reboot. I can't recreate it, or make it happen. It seems to happen about once in a 24 hr period. Sometimes, like last night, it happened 2 hours after the first time. Again, if I just reboot, all is fine.

Here's some things that I tried (I tested connection after each change). I tried logging off and back on again. I completely EXITED my firewall program (Sygate, which never gave me any troubles, just defaults), and turned on the Windows Firewall. I exited my antivirus (AVG). I checked all the Network and Internet settings. "Always connect using my default connection, Under LAN, all buttons are NOT checked, Remote Access Auto Connection Manager, Remote Access Connection Manager, & Telephony all set to Automatic, I ran a WinsockFix for XP that my ISP sent, I created a new Internet Connection, deleted the old one, deleted both and recreated a new one. I tried a relatives' ISP on my machine, I have run every online Antivirus check I can find - they all find nothing. I have run Spybot and other spyware. I have run my own antivirus checks on it. I ran Hyjack this and saw nothing out of the ordinary and when posted no one else did either. My board does have an onboard LAN, I also tried setting it at disabled in the BIOS and does not show up in Windows Hardware (I also tried disabling it in CMOS before installing Windows). I didn't even have all my programs installed. I tried the pinging thing, but I truly don't understand it that well, because even when I'm connected to the internet when I ping, I get request timed out. So I must not be doing it right. I can ping myself though. I also replaced the modem. I also formatted and did fresh install. I also installed Tune-Up (a program I've had for months) and had it clear the memory and search for problems - none found. [I have installed WinXP with original disk & SP2 disk AND a slipstreamed WinXP.SP2 disk...same results.]

Finally, I gave up again and re-formatted and re-installed a fresh WinXP.SP2. (This is the 3rd time I did fresh install.) All seemed to be going well as I was re-setting up the computer with programs, etc. (in evenings after work, so slow process). On the third day after install, it does it to me again!! I tried a bunch of the usual things, and finally just rebooted and problem is gone -- until it pops up again, at which time I'm sure just rebooting will fix it.

I have my old (board/CPU with extra hard drive, etc) computer that runs WinXP.SP2 with just about the same software (just minor difference such as graphic programs or free versions), and it connects just fine all the time, even when this computer is not connecting.

Is there a Firewall/Sygate setting that is wrong? I just use the programs' default settings, and enable dll auth. The only programs I have set at Allow are my browsers (Opera, Firefox), email (Eudora), antivirus updating (AVG), and Generic Host process (which I have also set at Ask..no difference). I also check Sygates event viewer, and it doesn't show any blockage. There are incoming blocks, but they are not even at the same time. Is Sygate causing a problem, is there something I can check?? (Also, still happens with just Windows Firewall enabled.)

This is a brand new system, I am tired of trying to figure this out!! It's driving me crazy! I can't re-create the problem!! It is random. Just seems to happen about once in 24 hours!! I was running WinXP.SP2 with all my software (Sygate included) on my Pentium 3 (intel board) just fine for years! All I wanted was to get a faster system, to go from P3 to P4.

I'm starting to think it is the board. I have no other places to look or try. I can't keep installing Windows every week! I haven't been able to use my computer for anything but testing, since I bought the new board/CPU/memory.

Any ideas, Anybody!!!??? I would be really grateful for any assistance. TIA!

lani

[rightcoast]

Try this it just might get you up and running, if not we can try some other things as well.

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/IEFIX.htm

[lani]

I did download the file, and I will try it. However, none of the problems listed on that page sound like my problem.

Also, how could IE get broken so fast after just installing Windows? (3X) What could possibly be breaking it on such a new system?

And, I would really like to know, could it possibly be the motherboard? Because, I will return it and get an Intel board like my last one.

[rightcoast]

If, it was hardware, and I don'yt think it will turn out that way (most hardware rarely sometimes works, sometimes doesn't) I would lean more toward a possible bad Ram or a hard drive cluster etc...unlikely, but more likely than the mobo or port being faulty. This is indeed a mysterious one and might take a little trial and error. Pinging yourself tells me it isn't the ethernet port, and i also forgot to ask: Are you behind a router, or connected directly to the modem? Also I know you are running AVG, but have you done Adware/spyware scans as well. Being a new system isn't really a protection, you would be suprised at how fast this stuff can get on a PC.

Just to knock it out of the way, why not post a hijackthis log. You've done enough troubleshooting blind, if you post the log that way, everyone will be able to tell if it is a running process causing this problem.
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/downloads.html
Read "The official HijackThis QuickStart for posting on the SpywareInfo forums is available here" right above the download link if you have never used it before.

[lani]

Are you behind a router, or connected directly to the modem?

I am connected directly to the modem. I'm not connected to any router. I've never used one, don't really know what it is, but there is no other external hardware attached except for printer & scanner.

Also I know you are running AVG, but have you done Adware/spyware scans as well.

I always had firewall running before connecting to internet, especially 1st time. I have run spybot and done 3-4 online scans: Panda, Ca, trendmicro (?), and pcpitstop (also checks for hardware problems). Also, ran AVG at install.

Just to knock it out of the way, why not post a hijackthis log.

I did run HyjackThis and posted on 2 newsgroups:
http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index....opic=42633&hl=
http://forums.tomcoyote.org/index.ph...=31397&hl=lani

I reviewed it myself and saw nothing amiss. No one else there saw anything amiss. I posted those on Mar 4. I am still having this problem after formatting the hard drive and installing for the 3rd time. The only new things I have is the MB, CPU, & memory.

[I just loaded Nero today so that I can back up my data, otherwise it was not even loaded before.]

I will post current HyjackThis here (I see nothing amiss, but I am open to anyone checking it!):
-----------------------------------
Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 11:39:49 AM, on 3/13/2005
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
D:\Programs\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
D:\Programs\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\slserv.exe
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
D:\Programs\Raxco\PerfectDisk\PDSched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMax4PNP.exe
D:\Programs\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wpabaln.exe
C:\Program Files\Opera\Opera.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\slrundll.exe
E:\Program Install.etc\HyjackThis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://news.google.com/
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - D:\Programs\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMAXPnP] C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMax4PNP.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMAX] "C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\Smax4.exe" /tray
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] D:\Programs\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [hpppta] C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP PrecisionScan\PrecisionScan Pro\hpppta.exe /ICON
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - Startup: MiniMinder.lnk = D:\Programs\MiniMind\MiniMind.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = D:\Programs\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_01\bin\npjpi150_01.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_01\bin\npjpi150_01.dll
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://v5.windowsupdate.microsoft.co...?1110575155921
O16 - DPF: {7B297BFD-85E4-4092-B2AF-16A91B2EA103} (WScanCtl Class) - http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/v...fo/webscan.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{EBFED184-66EC-4080-B5CD-5922EFB52D5F}: NameServer = 66.81.0.251 66.81.0.252
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - D:\Programs\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - D:\Programs\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: PDEngine - Raxco Software, Inc. - D:\Programs\Raxco\PerfectDisk\PDEngine.exe
O23 - Service: PDScheduler (PDSched) - Raxco Software, Inc. - D:\Programs\Raxco\PerfectDisk\PDSched.exe
O23 - Service: SmartLinkService (SLService) - Smart Link - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\slserv.exe
O23 - Service: SoundMAX Agent Service (SoundMAX Agent Service (default)) - Analog Devices, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\SMAgent.exe

------------------------
See anything?
Help! (and, thanks!!)

[lani]

I would lean more toward a possible bad Ram or a hard drive cluster

I used Microsoft's memory checker (oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp) and let it run all 11 tests. It found no errors.

I also ran CHKDSK at boot for drives C & D (E & F were checked from within Windows). Did I mention that this hard drive is partitioned into 4 equal sections? 80 gig total. Got this hard drive as an upgrade for the P3 system 10 months ago. Have had no trouble with it. I've always had PerfectDisk installed and ran defrags regularly.

I also forgot to add that I ran cwshredder which found nothing.

This is a very simple home computer. I don't even connect the two computers. I just wanted to upgrade to a P4 system from the P3. I used my existing hard drive, 2 cdroms, video card, and modem. I added a new floppy. I installed the board, CPU & memory. I did a FULL format of C partition, and installed Windows XP. Ever since I have been plagued with this. I don't want a computer that messes up once a day...that's ridiculous for a brand new system. My old computer did not have this problem or any problem actually.

I bought a new modem and replaced the one in the P4 system (didn't change the problem).

Thanks for reading and suggestions. Any other suggestions??!!
lani

[rightcoast]

Sorry I didn't get to you for a while there lani, I got a call and had to go to work for a few...

Why don't you go through this guide and see if it one of your modem settings. I know this stuff is hard to recreate, so you may not know...but it's somthing you should try. Especially the parts about flow and error control respectively.
http://www.techspot.com/tweaks/winxp_modem/index.shtml

Also, is the driver for the modem installed by XP or did you have a disk? Can you tell the make and model of the modem? An easy way for all the specs is belarc advisor, post the results for that (everything) if you would, it will help.
http://www.belarc.com/products.html

[lani]

Originally Posted by rightcoast Also, is the driver for the modem installed by XP or did you have a disk? Can you tell the make and model of the modem? An easy way for all the specs is belarc advisor, post the results for that (everything) if you would, it will help. http://www.belarc.com/products.html

With the first modem, I had to install driver from disk. It was Creative di5653. I uninstalled it, and replaced the modem with SmarkLink, which Windows identified and installed drivers for by itself. Either modem, same problem.

I am going to print out and check all the modem settings you asked me to check. Meanwhile, here is the Belarc --
-------------------------
Belarc:
Operating System System Model
Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (build 2600) To Be Filled By O.E.M. To Be Filled By O.E.M. To Be Filled By O.E.M.
Processor a Main Circuit Board b
2.80 gigahertz Intel Pentium 4
16 kilobyte primary memory cache
1024 kilobyte secondary memory cache Board: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. P4P800SE Rev 2.xx
Bus Clock: 200 megahertz
BIOS: American Megatrends Inc. 080009 02/17/2005
Drives Memory Modules c,d
81.96 Gigabytes Usable Hard Drive Capacity
66.29 Gigabytes Hard Drive Free Space

ARTEC WRR-52Z [CD-ROM drive]
LITE-ON LTR-16102B [CD-ROM drive]
3.5" format removeable media [Floppy drive]

Maxtor 6Y080P0 [Hard drive] (81.96 GB) -- drive 0, s/n Y33PHNCE, rev YAR41BW0, SMART Status: Healthy 1024 Megabytes Installed Memory

Slot 'DIMM0' has 512 MB (serial number SerNum0)
Slot 'DIMM1' is Empty
Slot 'DIMM2' has 512 MB
Slot 'DIMM3' is Empty
Local Drive Volumes

c: (on drive 0) 20.49 GB 16.71 GB free
d: (on drive 0) 20.49 GB 16.01 GB free
e: (on drive 0) 20.49 GB 17.13 GB free
f: (on drive 0) 20.49 GB 16.45 GB free
Network Drives
None detected
Users Printers
local user accounts last logon
User1 3/13/2005 2:04:50 PM (admin)
local system accounts
Administrator never (admin)
Guest never
HelpAssistant never
SUPPORT_388945a0 never

Marks a disabled account; Marks a locked account

Canon PIXMA iP5000 on USB001
Microsoft Shared Fax Driver on SHRFAX:
Controllers Display
Standard floppy disk controller
Intel(R) 82801EB Ultra ATA Storage Controllers
Primary IDE Channel [Controller]
Secondary IDE Channel [Controller] RADEON 9200 SE Family (Microsoft Corporation) [Display adapter]
RADEON 9200 SE SEC Family (Microsoft Corporation) [Display adapter]
ViewSonic PF790 [Monitor] (17.7"vis, s/n MU00203463, January 2000)
Bus Adapters Multimedia
Intel(R) 82801EB USB Universal Host Controller - 24D2
Intel(R) 82801EB USB Universal Host Controller - 24D4
Intel(R) 82801EB USB Universal Host Controller - 24D7
Intel(R) 82801EB USB Universal Host Controller - 24DE
Intel(R) 82801EB USB2 Enhanced Host Controller - 24DD SoundMAX Integrated Digital Audio
Unimodem Half-Duplex Audio Device
Communications Other Devices
Smart Link 56K Voice Modem
Marvell Yukon Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000Base-T Adapter, Copper RJ-45
RAS Async Adapter
Network Card MAC Address: 00:118:0F:81:A4 Hewlett-Packard ScanJet 5300C/5370C
Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
Microsoft PS/2 Mouse
USB Printing Support
USB Root Hub
USB Root Hub
USB Root Hub
USB Root Hub
USB Root Hub
Virus Protection
No details available
Installed Microsoft Hotfixes [Back to Top]
Internet Explorer
SP2 (SP2)
Windows XP
SP3
KB867282 on 3/12/2005 (details...)
KB873333 on 3/12/2005 (details...)
KB873339 on 3/12/2005 (details...)
KB885250 on 3/12/2005 (details...)
KB885835 on 3/12/2005 (details...)
KB885836 on 3/12/2005 (details...)
KB886185 on 3/12/2005 (details...)

Windows XP
SP3 (continued)
KB887472 on 3/12/2005 (details...)
KB887742 on 3/12/2005 (details...)
KB888113 on 3/12/2005 (details...)
KB888302 on 3/12/2005 (details...)
KB890047 on 3/12/2005 (details...)
KB890175 on 3/12/2005 (details...)
KB891781 on 3/12/2005 (details...)

Click here to see all available Microsoft security hotfixes for this computer.


Marks a HotFix that verifies correctly
Marks a HotFix that fails verification
(note that failing hotfixes need to be reinstalled)
Unmarked HotFixes lack the data to allow verification
Software Licenses [Back to Top]
Belarc - Advisor 5a723a58
Microsoft - Internet Explorer took out key
Microsoft - WebFldrs XP took out key
Microsoft - Windows XP Home Edition took out key
Software Versions [Back to Top]
Adobe Acrobat Version 7.0.0.0 *
Adobe Reader Version 7.0.0.0 *
Ahead Software AG - Cover Designer Version 2, 3, 0, 6 *
Ahead Software AG - InfoTool Application Version 2, 2, 1, 0 *
Ahead Software AG - Nero Burning ROM Version 6, 3, 1, 12 *
Ahead Software AG - Nero CD - DVD Speed Version 2, 2, 0, 0 *
Ahead Software AG - Nero DriveSpeed Version 2, 0, 0, 1 *
Ahead Software AG - Nero StartSmart Version 1, 0, 1, 15 *
Ahead Software Gmbh NeroCheck Version 1, 0, 0, 2 *
Analog Devices Incorporated - DLS Loader Application Version 4, 0, 2, 0 *
Analog Devices, Inc. - AudioWizard Application Version 4, 0, 4, 6 *
Analog Devices, Inc. - SMax4PNP Application Version 4, 0, 4, 11 *
Analog Devices, Inc. - SoundMAX Control Panel Version 4, 0, 4, 25 *
Analog Devices, Inc. - SoundMAX service agent Version 3, 2, 6, 0 *
Belarc, Inc. - BelManage Client Version 6.1f *
Canon BJ Raster Printer Driver Installer Version 1.80.2.9 *
CCleaner Version 1.17.0094 *
Cinematronics - 3D Pinball Version 5.1.2600.2180 *
ConeXware, Inc. - PowerArchiver 2004 Version 9.20 *
ERUNT *
GRISOFT, s.r.o. - AVG 7.0 Anti-Virus System Version 7.1.0.285 *
GRISOFT, s.r.o. - AVG Anti-Virus System Version 7.1.0.307 *
Guide *
Hewlett-Packard - HP PrecisionScan Pro Version 2.52 *
Hewlett-Packard - HP ScanJet Copier Utility Version 3.3 *
Hewlett-Packard - hpbmset Application Version 3.1 * Hewlett-Packard Company - HP ScanJet Coach Version 2.00.0043 *
Hewlett-Packard Company - HP ScanJet Parallel Port Test Utility Version 1, 0, 1, 0 *
I.R.I.S. SA - readiris Version 5, 0, 0, 1 *
Inno Setup Version 51.15.0.0 *
Intel(R) Processor Identification Utility Version 1.5 *
Mahjong *
Microsoft (r) Windows Script Host Version 5.6.0.8820 *
Microsoft Corporation - Internet Explorer Version 6.00.2900.2180 *
Microsoft Corporation - Windows Installer - Unicode Version 3.0.3790.2180 *
Microsoft Corporation - Windows Movie Maker Version 2.1.4026.0 *
Microsoft Corporation - Windows® NetMeeting® Version 3.01 *
Microsoft Data Access Components Version 3.525.1117.0 *
Microsoft(R) Windows Media Player Version 9.00.00.3250 *
Microsoft® Fax Server Version 5.2.1776.0 *
Microsoft® Windows(TM) Shell PowerToys Version 96.02.06 *
Mozilla - Firefox Version 1.7.6: 2005022304 *
NTREGOPT *
Opera Internet Browser Version 8.0 *
PepiMK Software - Spybot - Search & Destroy Version 1, 3, 0, 12 *
QUALCOMM Incorporated - Eudora Version 6.2.1.2 *
Raxco Software, Inc. - PDEngine Module Version 7, 0, 0, 34 *
Raxco Software, Inc. - PDSched Module Version 7, 0, 0, 34 *
Raxco Software, Inc. - PerfectDisk Module Version 7, 0, 0, 34 *
Safer Networking Limited - SpyBot-S&D Version 1, 3, 0, 12 *
Sun Microsystems, Inc. - Java(TM) 2 Platform Standard Edition 5.0 Update 1 Version 1.5.0.10 *
Vellosoft - MiniMinder Version 6.46 *

[lani]

Why don't you go through this guide and see if it one of your modem settings. I know this stuff is hard to recreate, so you may not know...but it's somthing you should try. Especially the parts about flow and error control respectively. http://www.techspot.com/tweaks/winxp_modem/index.shtml

I printed it out and went through it step by step. Here's things I changed.

Maximum speed: set to 115200 (was set to 460800...the new modem did this, the old modem was set at 115200...don't know why the new one did this, I had just let everything at default)

I ticked (enabled) Negotiate multi-link for sing link connections (it was unticked)
It suggested to uninstall everything in the Networking box in the modem settings, so I uninstalled: Client for Microsoft Networks, Qos Packet Scheduler, and File & Print Sharing. Leaving just Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) installed. (At this point, after I clicked OK, it asked to reboot, so I let it)

Under DNS it said to do as ISP instructs. My ISP had formally just told me to leave defaults. I don't know what DNS to add, so I left this section alone.

Under WINS, I unticked Enable LMHOSTS lookup, because it said if NetBIOS is disabled (mine is) to untick, so I did.

Under Modem& phone options: Advanced Tab: I left it alone, because it suggested to remove all uneccessary components, but did not say what was unecessary, so I thought best to leave alone (my other computer has same 5 items).
Under modem default Preferences: Advanced Tab: I changed Compression from Standard to Forced EC, as suggested.

I did not change anything in the registry, as it said I could do it if I wish, and I don't wish to!

Another note:
When I ping my ISP mail server, I always get "request timed out" (3 lines)
I can ping the default gateway though. I don't know what this means though. When the connection is not working, I get the same result, except I can't remember what I get when I ping the default gateway...it's starting to get to my brain now!!

That's it. Not much changed. Let me know what you think!!
Thanks mucho!
lani
still

[rightcoast]

I think so far so good, Hopefully uninstalling the unessesary protocols helped.

Let me know how it goes, and if anyone else has any thoughts on this one, I am interested. It's always tough when all data points to things working correctly...yet they aren't. This user has replaced or swapped the hardware that could cause these issues to my knowledge, yet the problem is persisting.

[glc]

I know you have tried 2 different modems, but they are both software controlled Winmodems. I'd be inclined to try a true hardware modem such as a US Robotics 2976 - it's $38 at Newegg. However, if you can ping your default gateway but nothing any further, I'd suspect something at your ISP's end. Might want to give their support line a call.

[rightcoast]

Ahhh..man glc, you never cease to amaze me. I didn't even think if they were winmodems...

I know you spent some time on the line already with the isp lani:

I ran a WinsockFix for XP that my ISP sent, I created a new Internet Connection, deleted the old one, deleted both and recreated a new one. I tried a relatives' ISP on my machine,

You should do what glc says and try a hardware modem, and try your isp again.

You can also consider broadband as an alternative. At 38 bucks for the new modem, on top of what you pay your ISP (maybe), the cost may be about equal. If you have access to broadband that is. I know it isn't a true solution either, but a possible plan B. You can bundle cable broadband with VoIP phone service in most areas now, effectively lowering your total bills and getting speedy access for nearly free (counting what you would save on long distance with a 20 a month unlimited calling VoIP plan), you are in effect making money as well if you any international calling.

Just another thought....

[lani]

This has to be short....gotta go.

My ISP can't help any further, because my backup computer (WinXP, with the older modem) is connecting just fine, even when this one is not.

The place where I bought the modem said this was not a "soft" or "winmodem" ?? (same for the old modem) On the box it mentions nothing about software or winmodem. I even asked the guy. I have seen other modems that specifically say "winmodem." Please explain, is it something you see in Belarc??

There is no DSL, broadband, etc available in this area.

lani

[glc]

There are very few true hardware PCI modems, and neither Smartlink or Creative make any. The USR 2976 and 2977 OEM modems are hardware, as are their 5610 series retail modems. The only other true hardware PCI modems are a very few with the Lucent/Agere Venus chipset, and I haven't seen any of those around for a while. Everything else is software controlled. If you can borrow an external serial port modem to try, most of those are hardware controlled - but avoid USB modems. If you connect a serial modem, make sure you reset the port to 115200, 8, none, 1, hardware. Windows default is 9600 and Xon/Xoff flow control, which will bottleneck the connection seriously.

Hint - if a modem installs with a simple point to an .inf file, it's hardware. If you have to run a setup to install it, it's software.

[lani]

Wow! Thanks for the eye-opener. Here I thought I was not using a software driven modem all this time. They got me! Before I installed XP a few years back, I had always used an external modem, I did not want a software driven modem. My external modem, a Jaton, would not work with XP, so I had to buy a replacement. A local computer store recommended the Creative Labs, and told me it was not a "winmodem" or "soft" modem...silly me!

You suggested the USR 2976 & 2977 (OEM). However, I went to USR's web site and they list those models as "winmodems." ??

I went ahead and ordered a controller-based modem - 5610B model. USR actually has some very nice "learning" pages set up. I just got it through Amazon (free shipping). It's actually not that much more $$. It will be here in a while!

I am certainly thankful for the modem education from this forum!! I'll try to keep you updated, when/if I find resolution. Thanks.

lani

[lani]

BTW,
Would either of you (or someone else) please, please, give me step-by-step instructions how to test the internet using "ping"??

I have searched high and low on the internet, and groups, and I can't find anywhere where someone gives you complete steps on how to ping.

I just don't know if I am doing it correctly. Also, if you know of an address to ping, I really need that and it would be helpful, too, because I don't even know if my ISP allows pings.

Thanks a bunch, sorry to be so green on the subject, but I really am.

lani

[rightcoast]

Pinging is really easy lani, you'll have the hang of it in no time

Just open up you command line // Start>Run then type CMD or Command

Here is an IP address to ping it's always up too 204.71.202.160 ...it's Yahoo.

type ping 204.71.202.160

you are looking for the response time in MS (milliseconds)

I am gettin 89-90 MS for Yahoo there, not that great really.

Trying Google, I get 15-16 MS

You can also use the domain name, like this:

ping www.google.com

Also look at the packets sent/packets recieved, they should be the same with none lost.

Hope that helps

[glc]

The average response time from Yahoo or Google on dialup should be around 150-200 ms.

[rightcoast]

Arghh...I can be a bonehead. Yep. I have cable lani. For some reason last night I was getting lousy pings from Yahoo, which is why I listed them in comparison to the google ping times.

[lani]

I think I tried that. I know I tried www.google.com. And, even on my computer that is connecting just fine, I always get 4 lines of "request timed out."

What does this mean? How do I work around that?

(I'll have to try that tonight when I get there.) TIA, you guys are a lot of help, really!

lani

[lani]

BTW, off the subject, but is there a way to stop my post from being on here permanently??

thanks

[glc]

C:\>ping www.google.com

Pinging www.google.akadns.net [64.233.161.99] with 32 bytes of data:

Reply from 64.233.161.99: bytes=32 time=111ms TTL=243
Reply from 64.233.161.99: bytes=32 time=110ms TTL=243
Reply from 64.233.161.99: bytes=32 time=110ms TTL=243
Reply from 64.233.161.99: bytes=32 time=110ms TTL=243

Ping statistics for 64.233.161.99:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 110ms, Maximum = 111ms, Average = 110ms

C:\>ping www.yahoo.com

Pinging www.yahoo.akadns.net [216.109.117.107] with 32 bytes of data:

Reply from 216.109.117.107: bytes=32 time=50ms TTL=52
Reply from 216.109.117.107: bytes=32 time=50ms TTL=52
Reply from 216.109.117.107: bytes=32 time=50ms TTL=52
Reply from 216.109.117.107: bytes=32 time=50ms TTL=52

Ping statistics for 216.109.117.107:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 50ms, Maximum = 50ms, Average = 50ms

That was with DSL.

Nope, posts are permanent. We only delete posts that violate forum rules and a warning would go along with it. If you post personally identifiable info, we can edit a post for you after the 12 hour timeout - I just looked through yours and I don't see a problem - looks like you already edited your license keys out.

[lani]

- thanks for the info on the posts, I was a little concerned about my info...thanks for looking it over.

- sorry about posting a new post. I did post a new post, because this is a different computer (not the one with the connecting problem), but I decided to check ping on it, and I just wanted basic, educational information. sorry, I didn't realize I was posting in error.

My question -

I need some information on pinging. "rightcoast" gave me instructions on how to ping the internet. So, I opened a command box and...

--------------------------------------------
typed: ping 204.71.202.160

results:

Pinging 204.71.202.160 with 32 bytes of data:

Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.

Ping statistics for 204.71.202.160:
Packets: sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100%) loss),
---------------------------------------------------------
This machine connects to the internet just fine; I'm using it right now. When I did this test the 2nd time, I temporarily set the firewall to "Allow All". I still got the same results. I also tried www.google.com. I always get the same results: Request timed out.

Could someone explain to me what this means, and why I can't ping Yahoo or Google, but I can connect to the internet???

This computer has WinXP.SP2, 56K dial up.

thank you!
Linda

[glc]

C:\>ping 204.71.202.160

Pinging 204.71.202.160 with 32 bytes of data:

Reply from 204.71.202.160: bytes=32 time=81ms TTL=242
Reply from 204.71.202.160: bytes=32 time=70ms TTL=242
Reply from 204.71.202.160: bytes=32 time=70ms TTL=242
Reply from 204.71.202.160: bytes=32 time=70ms TTL=242

Ping statistics for 204.71.202.160:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 70ms, Maximum = 81ms, Average = 72ms

[lani]

Okay. It seems to work fine for you. Is it because you're using broadband or DSL?

Why doesn't it work for me?

What does the Request timed out mean?? Why is this the only result I get, yet I connect and am using the internet???

[glc]

Request timed out means that the ping did not receive a reply. Something is blocking it. It may be time for a traceroute.

C:\>tracert 204.71.202.160

Tracing route to 204.71.202.160 over a maximum of 30 hops

1 20 ms 20 ms 20 ms user-11fag01.dsl.mindspring.com [66.245.64.1]
2 10 ms 20 ms 20 ms user-11fag01.dsl.mindspring.com [66.245.64.1]
3 10 ms 10 ms 20 ms cor02-v10.il-chicago0.ne.earthlink.net [209.165.
97.65]
4 20 ms 10 ms 20 ms bor01-ge-6-1.il-chicago0.ne.earthlink.net [209.1
65.97.17]
5 20 ms 20 ms 30 ms bor02-so-6-1.mo-stlouis0.ne.earthlink.net [209.8
6.82.9]
6 20 ms 30 ms 20 ms bor01-ge-1-1.mo-stlouis0.ne.earthlink.net [209.8
6.83.9]
7 40 ms 40 ms 40 ms bor02-oc12-6-1.co-denver0.ne.earthlink.net [209.
86.82.5]
8 60 ms 70 ms 70 ms bor01-so-6-1.ca-pasadena0.ne.earthlink.net [209.
86.82.77]
9 70 ms 81 ms 80 ms bor02-so-3-1.ca-sanfranc0.ne.earthlink.net [209.
165.109.157]
10 80 ms 81 ms 80 ms bor01-ge0-0-0.ca-paloalto1.ne.earthlink.net [209
.165.108.166]
11 80 ms 71 ms 80 ms peering-yahoo.ca-paloalto1.ne.earthlink.net [209
.165.108.174]
12 80 ms 80 ms 81 ms ge-2-0-0.msr1.sc5.yahoo.com [216.115.100.2]
13 70 ms 80 ms 80 ms vl44.bas2-m.sc5.yahoo.com [66.163.160.222]
14 70 ms 80 ms 80 ms 204.71.202.160

Trace complete.

Let's see where yours is dropping.

[lani]

c:>tracert 204.71.202.160

Tracing route to 204.71.202.160 over a maximum of 30 hops

1 * * * Request timed out.
2 * * * Request timed out.
3 * * * Request timed out.
4 * * * Request timed out.
5 * * * Request timed out.
6 * * * Request timed out.
7 * * * Request timed out.
8 * * * Request timed out.
9 * * * Request timed out.
10 * * * Request timed out.
11 * * * Request timed out.
12 * * * Request timed out.
14 - 30 * * * Request timed out.
Trace complete.

--Firewall popped up, as usual, and I said allow traceroute. When I look at firewall log, it says Allowed, ICMP, 204.71.202.160, remote port 8, local port 0, lists the application name/file location, occurences 90

[glc]

How about getting rid of the firewall completely till this issue is solved?

[lani]

Sygate firewall is completely uninstalled. I turned off XP firewall. I still get same response when I try to ping. Request timed out.

I can ping my default gateway. I cannot ping my ISP mail server.

I can and am connected to the internet and browsers & email are working just fine. I don't know what this means.

Is it possible my ISP has something set up to disallow this?

I guess I just won't worry about pinging, I really don't need to ping anyone, I just need to connect to the internet, and I haven't had any problems with this computer connecting. While I was waiting for parts, etc., I thought I would educate myself on pinging. And, I do know how to do it, just not successfully!

thanks

[glc]

Is it possible my ISP has something set up to disallow this?

Yes - call them and ask.