Internet not receving packets

[BigE]

OK, my friend is having some internet problems. Here is what he told me:

All of a sudden, I came back to my comptuer.. and it was sending packets, but not receieved.. im running win xp.. example of packet sending, 1000 sent, 330 receieved.. msn messenger connected.. then a lil bit later, aim, and finnaly irc, but nothing else will.

Kinda vauge I know, but this is on a clean install of XP and on a fairly up to date computer. If there is any other information needed, please let me know and I will try and get it from him. Thanks!

[Mr N8]

When it tells how many packets sent and recieved, it is not telling you how many you sent havew been recieved. It is telling you how many your pc has sent, and how many it has recieved. Is he using dial-up, or a broadband service? Is he able to use his browser when he's having these problems, or just the individual services you listed?

If it's just a really slow connection you may want to try a new modem/NIC cable. Also, you could try a diffent telephone/network outlet. If these don't improve anything, try swapping the modem/NIC with a good one.

Nate

[BigE]

He's got cable. I'm guessing its just his ISP but I told him I would post anyway. He can't go anywhere on the net and sometimes even those services don't work. No matter what he can't recive any packets... its interesting. I dunno.

[Mr N8]

Have him call the cable company. A lot of times they can do a line test to see where the errors are occuring. This will let the company know there's a problem with their service/line if that is the case. Also, he will get his problem solved a lot more quickly. If the errors are shown on his end, check all the connections, and try changing the Network card. Good luck

[BigE]

Thanks! I'll let him know!