Hi,

My connection to broadband keeps dropping and a cable is unplugged message keeps appearing!

Iv replaced the network card and the cable, and even had an engineer out who said that the signal is fine and it slowly driving me insane lol.

iv tried ipconfig with no resolution, updated my drivers and hired a priest to perform an exorsism lol.

Im on Virgin Media aka NTL hardwired from my samsung modem to my network card via Ethernet and as long a i dont try to do anything on the internet it keeps working.

Oh and iv tried all the Firewall settings i can find.

Please someone help me before i loose my mind completley over this!!!

Thanks in advance

My first thought was the card and cable but you said you replaced them so that takes care of card drivers too.

One thing you can "try" is go to Device Manager > Network adapters and highlight your NIC, then select Properties. Click on the Advanced tab and highlight Link Speed/Duplex Mode and change the value to "100 Mbps Full Duplex" or "10 Mbps Full Duplex" instead of Auto Negotiation. NICs have been able to auto-negotiate for some time, but I have seen this problem resolved by using a static setting.

If it still fails after that, set it back to Auto Negotiation. Then, to me, that leaves malware or the modem. I would do a complete malware scan (I have a canned text I can post if you do not have an arsenal of anti-malware tools). If that comes clean, then I would get a new modem.

I am leaning to the modem because of the specific error - that the cable is unplugged. Usually malware simply refuses to let you connect (or takes you somewhere you don't want to go). But a cable unplugged is a hardware error that comes from a different level in the IP stack. I note the modem must cooperate with the negotiation (hand-shaking) process. If it can't with two cards, and everything else is working fine, then again, I think the modem looks guilty.

BTW, you should look at putting a router in between your computer and the modem. It adds another very robust layer of security, and that in itself is reason enough to get one. But also, in cases like this, you could determine if the problem was between you and the router, or between the router and the modem. If you were able to access the router (typically done through your browser) fine, then you would know your computer, NIC, and Ethernet cable were good.

Thanks for the idea unfortunately iv already tried it,

I have an engineer coming out tomorrow to replace the modem.
funny thing is it was the engineer who said it couldn't be the modem as
it was too new lol well just goes to show hehe...

Thanks for the offer any anti mailware or adware would always be helpful.

Thanks for the offer any anti mailware or adware would always be helpful.

Okay. Below is my canned text. Skip those parts you have covered with your own tools.
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Important Note 1: For all of the following suggested programs, and before every scan, use each application's "update" feature to ensure you have installed the latest signature/definition files. This is necessary even if you just downloaded the most recent version of the application. Also, please be aware that some of the software is free to home and non-commercial use only. Be sure to read the EULAs before using.

Important Note 2: To avoid conflicts, ensure only one firewall and one "real-time" (also known as "in resident", "in memory", "auto-protect" or "active scanning") scanner program of the same type is running at any given time. That is, have only one firewall, one real-time anti-virus, one real-time anti-spyware, and one real-time anti-Trojan program running at any time.

Important Note 3: Performing major system scans and cleaning is never risk free. Although every program listed here has a long history of reliable performance, things can go wrong, especially with a problem system. System Restore allows you to “roll back” system files, Registry keys, installed program, etc. to a previous state. I recommend you create a System Restore “Point” now, before running through the cleaning procedures.

• 1. Quit all running applications
  2. Go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore,
  3. At the System Restore Welcome Screen, click the Create a restore point radio, button, then click Next,
  4. Name the Restore Point (Example: Before system clean)
  5. Click Create.

Begin Cleaning for Malware

• Delete Temporary Files - before scanning to rid system of thousands of temporary files. This action often significantly reduces scanning times and may clear out files that are corrupt or are infected with malware. Deleting cookies as well ensures all "tracking cookies" are removed too. Note that deleting cookies will force the manual entry of user names and passwords for sites requiring them on your next visit, so make sure you know them.
  
  ATF Cleaner 3 is a simple, easy to use, temporary file cleaner for Windows, Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Opera users.
  
  Alternatively, CCleaner is a popular tool for more advanced users. During installation, uncheck the option to install the Yahoo toolbar. Before first use, check Options > Settings and ensure is unchecked. It's Issues section is also an excellent Registry cleaner, but as with any Registry cleaner or editing tool, it should only be used with extreme caution by experienced users. I recommend you create a System Restore Point , and you should always backup the Registry before making any changes. Follow CCleaner’s prompts to make the necessary backup.
  
  To delete temporary files directly from the browser without using CCleaner, do the following:
  • Internet Explorer 7
    • Click on Tools > Delete Browsing History...,
      Click the Delete all... button,
      Check Also delete files and settings stored by add-ons.
      Click Yes.
    Internet Explorer 6 or earlier
    • Go to Tools > Internet Options> select the General tab,
      Click the Delete Cookies button, then OK,
      Click the Delete Files button, ensure Delete all offline content is checked, then OK.
    Mozilla Firefox
    • Go to Tools > Options,
      Click the Privacy button,
      Click the Clear All button,
      Click Clear All Information.

• Scan for Spyware - No one anti-spyware program gets them all. Therefore, it is necessary to use an arsenal of tools. Past controversy over some anti-spyware makers' decisions to delist known spyware emphasizes the need to attack on different fronts. I recommend you download, install, and use the latest versions of both of the following:
  • SpyBot Search and Destroy - Do not install TeaTimer
    
    AdAware SE
    
    If you don't have a current real-time scanner, get one NOW!. I recommend using the free Microsoft Windows Defender (XP/Vista)
    or
    SUPERAntiSpyware, both decent "real-time" anti-spyware scanners.
    
    Alternatively, AVG Anti-Spyware (formally "ewido") is proving to be an able product, plus it includes ewido's anti-Trojan scanner.
    
    There are many good anti-spyware alternatives - there are more malicious fakes! Beware! Ensure any anti-spyware under consideration is not listed on the Spyware Warrior List of Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites before thinking about downloading.

• Scan for Trojans - As in the fight against spyware, it is best to hit Trojans with a variety of weapons.
  
  • Trojan Hunter (30-day trial version) - skip if using AVG Anti-Spyware/ewido from above
    
    CWShredder (stand-alone version) checks for and cleans all known CoolWebSearch variants

• Scan for Viruses and Worms - Assuming you have an anti-virus program, download the latest signature files and perform a thorough scan. If you don't have an anti-virus program, get one NOW!, update the signature file, and perform a thorough scan. AVG Free is excellent. I keep one running in "auto-protect" mode, and another for "on-demand" scanning. Remember to disable the running scanner before scanning with the "on-demand" scanner.
  
  Scan with one or both (in turn) of these free on-line virus scanners as a double or even triple check. Some very malicious malware have been known to disable PC based AV scanners. These on-line scanners help compensate for that. Temporarily disable your real-time AV scanner first.
  • Trend Micro HouseCall
    or
    PandaSoft ActiveScan

• Scan for Rootkits - Rootkit is a term originating in the UNIX world to describe a set of "stealthy" tools used to obtain and/or maintain root access. A person with "root" access can do anything. Windows rootkits gain access by exploiting known vulnerabilities on un-patched systems, then use that access to install a "backdoor" to maintain that access to your system. Use one of the following:
  
  • AVG Anti-Rootkit Free
    or
    Microsoft Rootkit Revealer

• Firewalls - If you are not using a software based firewall, get one of these NOW!
  
  • Comodo Free Firewall (which also supports Windows Vista),
    Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall,
    or
    ZoneAlarm Free - a long time favorite, is sadly losing support among experts for foisting unwanted extras on unsuspecting users. Be sure to select I only want basic ZoneAlarm protection. This will still down load the entire 38.8Mb Security Suite, but after the 15-day trial period, you should be left with only Zone Alarm Free.
    
    Important Note - XP SP2's Windows Firewall: Windows Firewall ( known as Internet Connection Firewall, or ICF, in SP1) is woefully inadequate and should be replaced immediately. It only blocks unauthorized incoming access attempts. Comodo, Kerio and ZoneAlarm block incoming and outgoing unauthorized access attempts, thus preventing Trojans, keyloggers, and other spyware from "phoning home" with your personal information. Do not use more than one software based firewall.
    
    Important Note - Routers and Firewalls: If you have a router you still need a software based firewall on each system on your network. This is true even if it is a network of just one computer. If you are not using a router, you should, especially if you are using broadband (cable or DSL high-speed Internet). Ensure your router uses NAT (Network Address Translation). NAT is a very effective security feature that provides hardware firewall type features. There are several offerings for under $50.00USD. Some offer dial-up support, and some include a print server for network printing. Using a router also allows you to disable printer and Internet connection sharing.

Remember to re-enable any real-time scanning disabled during these scans when done.
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I know that is a lot but this is what it takes to get and keep your systems clean and running at full performance. I recommend all scanners be scheduled to update, then scan daily - mine run in the middle of the night. It is an important part of Practicing Safe Computing to also set up a routine to regularly scan your system(s) manually. Weekly is appropriate.

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