First, the obligatory sentence.

I hope I am posting in the right forum.

I tried to run the hardware scan so you would know what is on my computer, but it wouldn't work. So, I will give as much information as I can.

It is an HP Pavilion 511w, it is a stock computer. The only thing I have added is another memory card.

I have dial-up service with Windstream. My connection fails after being connected for 5 to 10 minutes. I can re-connect right away, but it will disconnect after a few minutes. I contacted their tech support and they say there is no problem with their system. I had the phone company check the phone lines, again, no problems. So, I thought I would try a different ISP. I signed up with PeoplePC and the connection works for about 60 to 90 minutes, then it disconnects. PeoplePc says there is no time limit on their connections. So, now I am thinking the problem must be in my hardware.
I have Trend Micro virus protection and keep it updated, so I don't think it is a virus, but I guess anything is possible.
Could it be the modem? If it is the modem, is that a simple plug in I could replace myself? Any help would be appreciated.

Well close, although it should be in the Internet section

If you have Internet Explorer, access the scan page using it and it should work. Then post the results back.

What Operating System are you on?

Any personal Firewall? Do you have a router or a modem, just to be sure?

If you have a Firewall turn it off temporarily as well as your Anti-Virus utility and then try to connect to the Internet.
What browser are you using BTW to get onto the net?

Have you tried checking your cable connections (to PC) are all ok, i.e. working (swapping them around, swapping ends around, testing with a spare one)?

Also have you ran the PING and Trace Route commands from the Command Prompt yet?

Just some initial questions...

Also as this is a dial-up connection:

Do you have Call waiting or Distinctive ring or any other such features (fax) or any other devices connected to the phone line (cable box) etc.?

Originally Posted by Kazna3

Well close, although it should be in the Internet section

Well, I am thinking I have a hardware problem, so I chose this forum. Isn't a modem hardware? Sorry.

If you have Internet Explorer, access the scan page using it and it should work. Then post the results back.

I am using IE 7, and the scan doesn't work. I posted a reply on that thread.

What Operating System are you on?

Windows XP

Any personal Firewall? Do you have a router or a modem, just to be sure?

It still does the same thing with the Firewall and Anti-Virus turned off. I have a modem.

If you have a Firewall turn it off temporarily as well as your Anti-Virus utility and then try to connect to the Internet.
What browser are you using BTW to get onto the net?

IE 7

Have you tried checking your cable connections (to PC) are all ok, i.e. working (swapping them around, swapping ends around, testing with a spare one)?

All connections check out OK.


Also have you ran the PING and Trace Route commands from the Command Prompt yet?

I have no idea what that means.


Just some initial questions...

Originally Posted by jephree

Also as this is a dial-up connection:

Do you have Call waiting or Distinctive ring or any other such features (fax) or any other devices connected to the phone line (cable box) etc.?

It is just a plain phone line, no extra features. It is only used to connect to the internet. I live in the sticks, no DSL available.

Assuming that you use Outlook Express:

Go to Tools > Options > Connection

Uncheck the Dial-up boxes there. Then click on Internet Connection Settings > Change:

Under Connections > Dial-up: Clear all buttons and then set the Current connection as: Set Default


See if this helps at all.

Originally Posted by jephree

Assuming that you use Outlook Express:

Go to Tools > Options > Connection

Uncheck the Dial-up boxes there. Then click on Internet Connection Settings > Change:

Under Connections > Dial-up: Clear all buttons and then set the Current connection as: Set Default


See if this helps at all.

Yes, I am using Outlook Express. I tried what you suggested, and it still disconnects after a few minutes.

Do you have a HOSTS file?

Go into your hosts file. Now it may not exist, and thats totally fine but it might. If so, it'll be in c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts. Open it with notepad and see what it has listed. Its used to block access to certain IP addresses placed inside it.

Have a read through and try the "ping" and "tracert" functions described here aswell: http://www.tomsnetworking.com/2003/01/13/how_to_dns_fix/

It'll point better to the problem, hopefully and show whats happening with your DNS.

Next time you get a server/connection timeout/error... post the link of the website you get it with just for a little checkup.

Originally Posted by Kazna3

Do you have a HOSTS file?

No hosts files.

Go into your hosts file. Now it may not exist, and thats totally fine but it might. If so, it'll be in c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts. Open it with notepad and see what it has listed. Its used to block access to certain IP addresses placed inside it.

Have a read through and try the "ping" and "tracert" functions described here aswell: http://www.tomsnetworking.com/2003/01/13/how_to_dns_fix/

Already did this with the Tech from my ISP.

It'll point better to the problem, hopefully and show whats happening with your DNS.

Next time you get a server/connection timeout/error... post the link of the website you get it with just for a little checkup.

Never get any type of "timeout/error", the connection just disconnects. It doesn't happen on any certain website. It will do it even when I do not have any windows open. It seems to be getting worse. My Windstream ISP will now only stay connected for a minute or two and my PeoplePC ISP will only stay connected for ten to fifteen minutes.

i came from the sticks and its unfortunate that is a common problem, althought it can be improved with deticated phone line ran from the phone box outside to the modem. also if you hear any static on the line that will do it. also if its worse when it rains indicates some bad phone lines in the area.