Hi there.

I am posting because I have reached a point where I am at a loss what to try next..

I am running Windows XP on a Dell desktop. This connects via wired Ethernet to my wireless Netgear DGN2000 router, and then to the outside world. The connection was always pretty solid until a little while ago. Now, when I try to download files, for example drivers from a website, the ethernet seems to die. The icon is still present, and there is nothing to indicate that it's lost connection apart from downloads stalling/cant access any webpages. I also run a VNC server and often if my wife is at home and using the internet, I will find that I cant connect to the VNC server. This is coupled with my wife having to reset the connection by disabling/enabling the Local Area Connection (which is our quick fix for when the connection drops). One thing to note is that this doesnt happen with any other machines on the network (which for detail's sake connect wirelessly).

Typically, I will get around 18MB downloaded of a file before it stalls. The problems seems to kick in quicker when the download speed is greater.

I tried upgrading the NIC drivers, but that didnt help. Due to a previous similar experience that was caused by a router, I upgraded the router firmware; this didnt solve the issue. Today I uninstalled the NIC driver completely, rebooted, re-installed the driver, rebooted; still no joy. I dont think this is a malware etc issue as Im very security concious (Comodo firewall, Webroot Spy Sweeper, AVIRA AV). I know about Winsock, but not enough to determine whether a damaged layer could cause this.

My next two things to try would have been: buying a new NIC & reformatting. Obviously a new NIC is an expense, and reformatting would be very time-consuming (I dont use the Dell recovery disc as this comes with too much bloatware, plus it's only XP Home and I prefer my Professional install).

Can someone offer a glimmer of hope/advice?

edit: A couple of things to add...

When the connection drops, I cant connect to my router; IE just times out trying to connect.

Also, if I try to renew the IP, I get this:

C:\Documents and Settings\Gordon>ipconfig /renew

Windows IP Configuration

An error occurred while renewing interface Local Area Connection : unable to con
tact your DHCP server. Request has timed out.
No operation can be performed on Network Connect Adapter while it has its media
disconnected.

C:\Documents and Settings\Gordon>