[HellKatzX]

I have Vista Ultimate been using it for about the last year never had any serious issues with anything including my internet connection.

Now tonight suddenly my internet goes down about every 30 minutes out of no where doesn't matter what I'm doing or even if the computer is just sitting idle. I have to unplug the modem and replug it in to get it working again. I'm connecting directly from Motorola Surf Board 5100 modem to the PC with Ethernet connection. no other pcs or game consoles in the house on this connection. Can anyone shed any light on what's going on or what I need to do to start figuring out what the problem is.

It's definitely not my isp all the lights that are suppose to be lit on the modem are staying on like they should.

Thanks for any help

[Curly]

I have the 5100b modem and this happens periodically to me also -- without Vista. Power cycling fixes the problem. Just to be sure, is your DHCP lease time sufficient?

[Rollin' Rog]

Try cleanboot testing without any 3rd party firewall or antivirus long enough to see if it still happens >>


http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135 << for Vista, but applies equally to XP, and better written.

[TerryNet]

The modem indicates it still has a good connection, but you have to power cycle it to get working again? Restarting the PC doesn't restore the connection? I realize that's what you said in the initial post; just want to confirm because that sounds like a failing modem.

[HellKatzX]

Originally Posted by TerryNet

The modem indicates it still has a good connection, but you have to power cycle it to get working again? Restarting the PC doesn't restore the connection? I realize that's what you said in the initial post; just want to confirm because that sounds like a failing modem.

Correct. It also appears when this happens that there is multiple network connections trying to initialize in the Network & Sharing Center. However when I go into Manage Network Connections there's only one.

[DaveA]

I see this when the Cable company is out and about checking the lines. Each time they have to open a connection the signal is broke and one will lose access.

[TerryNet]

But, DaveA, doesn't the modem (if you have status LEDs like the Surfboard) indicate a loss of connection? And doesn't the connection restore when the signal is restored?

[DaveA]

"But, DaveA, doesn't the modem (if you have status LEDs like the Surfboard) indicate a loss of connection? And doesn't the connection restore when the signal is restored?"
Somtimes BUT not always, to BOTH questions.

[Rollin' Rog]

I've had ISP issues several times when the modem showed full status -- there is connectivity but such a severely degraded connectivity that no actual connection can be established.

However powering off the modem has no effect on that sort of problem.

You might also try an ipconfig /release followed by ipconfig /renew and see if that also works.

[HellKatzX]

I've talked to the ISP and they insist it's a problem with the computer itself as they are showing a strong healthy connection to my modem on their end.

I don't understand why it just randomly disconnects every 30-60 minutes and then I have to power cycle to reconnect.

[HellKatzX]

Originally Posted by Rollin' Rog

You might also try an ipconfig /release followed by ipconfig /renew and see if that also works.

What's this mean in noobie terms ??

[Rollin' Rog]

If you open a command prompt (start > run: cmd and then enter

ipconfig /release

Your IP settings are deleted until you renew them with ipconfig /renew

It's a little like a modem reset -- but not quite.

You can also try ipconfig /flushdns

Which would pretty much emulate the modem reset or a reboot.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314850

If ipconfig /flushdns works -- you are having problems with a corrupt dns cache. I've seen this caused by antivirus and firewall programs which is why I suggested some clean boot troubleshooting.

If the problem continues after all this -- and your ISP insists it's not their problem (don't really trust them -- but see if you can find a page in their help links that shows where work is being done and outages may occur -- the help techs do not always check this as it is time consuming) -- if you still have problems -- suspect the modem itself.

[HellKatzX]

Originally Posted by Rollin' Rog

If you open a command prompt (start > run: cmd and then enter

ipconfig /release

Your IP settings are deleted until you renew them with ipconfig /renew

It's a little like a modem reset -- but not quite.

You can also try ipconfig /flushdns

Which would pretty much emulate the modem reset or a reboot.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314850

If ipconfig /flushdns works -- you are having problems with a corrupt dns cache. I've seen this caused by antivirus and firewall programs which is why I suggested some clean boot troubleshooting.

If the problem continues after all this -- and your ISP insists it's not their problem (don't really trust them -- but see if you can find a page in their help links that shows where work is being done and outages may occur -- the help techs do not always check this as it is time consuming) -- if you still have problems -- suspect the modem itself.

I executed all of those commands successfully I guess we'll see in a few moments if the issue is resolved. After ipconfig /flushdns I had to power cycle again I don't know if thats normal or not. Here are screen shots of when the connection initially went down, what I think the problem is, and when its working again.


Disconnected:


Not working, Multiple Networks????:


Working again after power cycle:

[HellKatzX]

Is it possible when I did these steps to resolve another issue I added something that shouldn't be there?

"Go to accessories and RIGHT click on command prompt. Choose "run as admin". In the command prompt window type in......

net localhost Administrator /add Local Service

Hit enter.

Then at the next prompt, type in ......

net localhost Administrator

You should see a line that says "NT AuthorityLocal Service". That confirms that it was added. Exit it out of there and reboot."

From thread: http://forums.techguy.org/windows-vi...k-toolbar.html

[Rollin' Rog]

Yeah I've seen that recommendation -- I haven't seen anyone report problems after doing it.

I don't know if the instructions here are clearer -- but check them out:

http://8help.osu.edu/3618.html

And no, an ipconfig /flushdns should not require another power cycle -- but it might take just a bit longer to get a connection temporarily.

I know the Vista network diagnostic sucks -- not nearly as informative as XPs -- but have you run it when this happens? Just right click on the modem icon and choose "diagnose and repair".