Dial-Up Networking freezing my computer, sometimes

[Andy Bonanno]

I'm using WinXP on a P4 with a dial-up internet connection. The problem is
that sometimes the connection just halts as soon as it connects. When this
happens, the following
symptoms can be seen:
1) Clicking 'Disconnect' will let the phone hang up but the software in my
computer still thinks it's connected.
2) Attempting to open any other software (i.e.: Explorer, Task Manager,
VirusScan, Outlook Express, Internet Explorer) causes the busy cursor to
appear for a short time but the software does not open.
3) The only thing that works properly is clicking 'Network Connections'.
4) Sometimes the lock-up disappears and all clicked items that didn't work
will suddenly activate. Most times I must re-boot the computer.
5) Occasionally, but not regularly, mouse clicks do not work.

I should also mention that I am running McAfee 7 and McAfee Firewall as
well.

Any ideas?

Andy

 

[Andy Bonanno]

Is there someone in this group that has an inkling why this is happening?

 

[Guest]

I think ithas something to do with the networking and certain settings that we have on our comps. At least this is the only thing that we have in common. Either the drivers or adapters fail. Try to get the same condition without the networking -- impossible. It could be also the way firewall works as well -- which explains why McAffee interferes.

Is there someone in this group that has an inkling why this is happening?