DSL only connects after restart...

[DilLy]

I just got WinXP Home (Fresh install) on my Dell Dimension 8100. I came to the Dell update site to update the chipset and Bios, (all other drivers are updated too) everything is great I really like this quirky little OS However it seems that I can only connect through my DSL modem once per Windows session, then I have to restart to connect again. This is really annoying.
I can stay on as long as I wish, but when I close IE or MSN Ex, I will most likely not be able to connect again, but I have an "always on" connection, and I can ping my DNS just fine with no loss, and my Winsocks are fine. I have the Windows built in Firewall turned off, as well as Auto Update.

I am using ZoneAlarmPro 3.0 and have IE and MSN Ex set to full access, as well as Generic Host Processes for Win32 Services. Does anyone know of certain services (Administrative Tools>Services) in WinXP that can hinder my browsers? I seem to have all my Network and Internet settings alright. Oh yeah, I never had this problem in Win ME, but there is a lot more to XP that I just am not sure about how it works like all the services.

Also, I am using the 3Com 3C920 Integrated Fast Ethernet Controller. I saw that there is an update for Dimension 8100 using WinXP for a 3Com 3C905C-TX Ethernet Controller. My 3C920 says it is 3C905 compatible in my Device Manager, so... should I get that updated driver? The driver in question was released in October of 2001, seems kinda old, but I got this computer in June last year and havent tried to update the Ethernet. It's just that the fact that mine isn't that perticular card but is compatible I wasn't sure If I should use the update, ya know?

I hope this ends up being a fairly common problem with a common solution.
Thanks everyone

[RJ]

Hello and welcome to the PC mech forums.

As far as I know there is an issue with ZoneAlarm and WinXP.
Anyway, be sure that the WinXP firewall is disabled.

What I'd try is to disable ZoneAlarm, and then connect to the internet without ZoneAlarm. If you are able to reconnect, then the problem lays on ZoneAlarm.

RJ

[DilLy]

Thanks for the reply. I am glad I ran into such a hoppin' Forum.

I guess I should have stated this earlier, but anyway, I have tried to disable ZAPro before when this problem occurs, but I would still need to restart to solve the prob.

Keep the info coming In the meantime here is some more about my connection-

In my Connection Properties (in Network Connections) I have only Client For Microsoft Networks and TCP/IP checked. QoS Pakcet Scheduler and File and Printer Sharing are UNchecked. I do not really even know what QoS Packet Scheduler is used for, could anyone let me know (in addition to any other ideas about my main problem in the first post) what QoS is? Do I need it checked? (I don't have a network, I just get online)

[ktkendall]

Are you using PPPOE on your machine??

[ktkendall]

Got this from my ISP, apparently if I were using their PPOE software it does not work with WinXP. As you go down further you will see WinXP has built in ability to do PPPOE connections. It sounds to me like you are either using your ISP's software, and after you disconnect it shuts down something you need to reconnect, or there is a conflict with your ISP's software and WinXP. Being that you can connect once, I think your problem is found under> ControlPanel\Administrative Toos\Services.
There could be a service running when you boot that allows you to connect, then is disabled once you disconnect, and therefore will not allow you to reconnect , but that could be why rebooting allows you to reconnect, because the service is up and running again! When you find the service you think, double click it to check it's properties! Otherwise we would need to know your ISP and really what software you are using to connect with!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Configuring Verizon DSL and Windows® XP™
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THIS TOP PART IS ONLY IF YOU HAD VERIZON DSL SOFTWARE INSTALLED ON YOUR PC, YOU WOULD REMOVE IT FIRST!
EVEN IF YOUR NOT USING VERIZON THIS SENARIO MY APPLY TO YOUR SITUATION!

Uninstall the Verizon Online DSL software

1.From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
2.Select Add or Remove Programs.
3.Select iVasion Winpoet Version 2.0.
4.Click Change/Remove.
5.Click Yes to confirm removal.
6.The Uninstall Wizard notifies you that the process is complete. Click OK.
7.Click OK to close the Uninstall Wizard window.
8.Close the Add and Remove Programs window and the Control Panel.
2. Remove the existing Verizon Online connection entry
1.From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
2.Select Network and Internet Connections.
3.Select Network Connections.
4.Right-click the Verizon Online connection, select Delete from the pop-up menu.
5.Close the Network Connections window.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Create the DSL PPPoE connection using the New
Connection Wizard

1.From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
2.Select Network and Internet Connections.
3.Select Network Connections.
4.To start the New Connection Wizard, select Create a new connection.
5.Select Next.
6.Select Connect to the Internet. Click Next.
7.Select Set up my connection manually. Click Next.
8.Select Connect using a broadband connection that requires a user name and
password. Click Next.
9.In the ISP Name field, enter Verizon Online. Click Next.
10.Enter your user ID and password for your primary account. Click Next.
11.Select the Add a shortcut to this connection to my desktop check box. Click
Finish.
12.The Connect Verizon Online dialer appears. Click Properties.
13.On the General tab, verify the Service name: field is blank (if there a value is
present in this field, it may prevent you from establishing a PPPoE connection).
Also, verify that the Show icon in notification area when connected check box
is selected. (This will ensure that the "connected" icon displays in the system tray
on the task bar.)
14.Select the Options tab.
15.Verify that the Display progress while connecting, Prompt for name and
password and Redial if line is dropped check boxes are selected.
16.Select the Security tab
17.Select the Typical (recommended settings) Security option, and then select
Allow unsecured password from the drop-down list.
18.Select the Networking tab.
19.Verify that Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is checked.
20.Select the Advanced tab.
21.Verify that the Internet Connection Firewall and Internet Connection Sharing
check boxes are not selected.
22.Click OK.
23.Click Connect to initiate the PPPoE connection.

© 2000 Verizon Online
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have since obtained a linksys router with built in PPPOE and it is the best coumputer enhancement I have gotten since getting DSL. I have 2 computers and a laptop though, so I needed it to be able the share the DSL without having to constantly be monkeying with cables and PPPOE software on each PC!
Hope this helps! KK