asked on

Randomly losing access to the Internet

On XP and Vista machines, I randomly lose access to the Internet (page cannot be dislayed). To resume I need to repair local area connection or change the DNS server addresses from primary to secondary. This problem does not affect the network connection i.e I can still access network drives etc. The problem is only with the web browser (I have tried Firefox etc same prob.) The problem is occuring on both wired and wireless connections. I have Windows 2000 machines on the same network and the problem does not happen with them.

flubbster

This problem can many times be cured by changing the default setting for the NIC speed setting. The 10/100 Mbs setting is usually set as Auto Detect. Changing this setting to either 10 Mbs or 100 Mbs Full Duplex may very well solve your problem. To check the setting and change it, do this:

Right-click your network connection and select Properties
Your network card should be showing in the top drop-down box
Click on Configure
Click on Advanced
On the left side, you will see various properties of your network card. One will be called Media Type, Speed, or possibly Link
Select 'Media Type' (for example), and on the right-side drop-down, it will most likel;y be set for Auto Detect.
Change that setting to either 10 Mbs Full Duplex, or 100Mbs Full Duplex. Try whichever you like. Test to see how your connection works and see if it maintains the connection. You can always return it back to Auto Detect if it does not help.

Good Luck!

alan8817

ASKER

I'm afraid this has not fixed the problem. I have tried all speeds and the problem is still occuring.

Jonvee

You could try the WinSock XP Fix:
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/winsockxpfix.html

Some further suggestions here in this previous thread>
"Loss of Internet connection":
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/23109224/Loss-of-Internet-connection.html

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Member_2_2473503

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

Jonvee

Further ideas here>

"Random network diconnections in windows network ... "
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/21960837/Random-network-diconnections-in-windows-network-destination-host-unreachable.html

alan8817

ASKER

I think the problem is a DNS issue as I can access http://64.233.187.99 but cannot access www.google.com.

Jonvee

Did you run ipconfig /flushdns as suggested by ebjers?

Details>
"Clearing your DNS Cache on your Windows XP PC":
http://tutorials.ausweb.com.au/web/Tutorials/Your-PC-Security/Clearing-your-DNS-Cache-on-your-Windows-XP-PC/

alan8817

ASKER

Yes, which fixes the problem, but say an hour later the problem will happen again. Would you suggest creating a batch file to flush the dns every 30mins?

Jonvee

Not sure if that would work. Investigating same.
Meanwhile you may wish to consider trying the suggestion under sub-heading "Block Negative Entries" >>

"DNS in Windows XP":
http://www.updatexp.com/dns-windows-xp.html

Member_2_2473503

Change your external DNS to one of the ones I recommended earlier, I have recommended those to many people and it has solved most external DNS resolution issues.

eb

alan8817

ASKER

I set the primary DNS server to 4.2.2.6 which has fixed the problem.

Member_2_2473503

Glad to hear it,

eb