disconnection problem

[Wally Wombat]

Hi
I have xp pro with all the service upgrades. I use Defender, and windows
firewall. I notice my broadband connection keeps dropping out and with the
message "work offline or try again" popping up. I feel there must be a tick
in a box somewhere that tells the system to disconnect after when not being
used, any suggestions.

Wombat

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

CrystalBall© sez...

You may have a horked (dirty; bad; flawed) install of IE7. I suggest that
you...

1. Uninstall IE7 (which automatically returns you to IE6) EXACTLY per
http://www.ie-vista.com/kbase2.html [Only use the Command
%windir%\ie7\spuninst\spuninst.exe if you cannot uninstall via Add/Remove
Programs!]

2a. Uninstall all toolbars and third-party Windows Themes (including Window
Blinds).

2b. Disable all Norton Add-ons, if applicable.

3. Reinstall IE7 EXACTLY per
http://www.ie-vista.com/known_issues.html#pre-install <= Steps #1-8, #10 &
#11; take note of #12, then STOP!

NB: Use http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/default.mspx as the
installation source, not Automatic/Windows Update.

Or Direct Download link:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=9ae91ebe-3385-447c-8a30-081805b2f90b

Tip: Save the installer to your desktop, do not Run it.

4. IMMEDIATELY go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and install any
critical updates offered. If a "Root Certificates" update is listed in the
Optional category, install it to take full advantage of IE7's additional
security.

Also see:

IEBlog : IE7 (Un)Installation and Anti-Malware Applications
http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2006/10/11/IE7-Installation-and-Anti_2D00_Malware-Applications.aspx

What's New in Internet Explorer 7
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms649487.aspx

Release Notes
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/ie/Aa740486.aspx

IEBlog: IE and Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2008/05/05/ie-and-xpsp3.aspx

 

[Wally Wombat]

Thanks for the reply, here's a little more info.
I am using IE6
I have all the updates for microsoft.
I run AVG, and Spybot - have no toolbars or themes.
Is there a disconnect protocol in the microsoft security programs?
Hope this helps.
--
Eats, roots and leaves.

CrystalBall© sez...

You may have a horked (dirty; bad; flawed) install of IE7. I suggest that
you...

1. Uninstall IE7 (which automatically returns you to IE6) EXACTLY per
http://www.ie-vista.com/kbase2.html [Only use the Command
%windir%\ie7\spuninst\spuninst.exe if you cannot uninstall via Add/Remove
Programs!]

2a. Uninstall all toolbars and third-party Windows Themes (including Window
Blinds).

2b. Disable all Norton Add-ons, if applicable.

3. Reinstall IE7 EXACTLY per
http://www.ie-vista.com/known_issues.html#pre-install <= Steps #1-8, #10 &
#11; take note of #12, then STOP!

NB: Use http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/default.mspx as the
installation source, not Automatic/Windows Update.

Or Direct Download link:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=9ae91ebe-3385-447c-8a30-081805b2f90b

Tip: Save the installer to your desktop, do not Run it.

4. IMMEDIATELY go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and install any
critical updates offered. If a "Root Certificates" update is listed in the
Optional category, install it to take full advantage of IE7's additional
security.

Also see:

IEBlog : IE7 (Un)Installation and Anti-Malware Applications
http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2006/10/11/IE7-Installation-and-Anti_2D00_Malware-Applications.aspx

What's New in Internet Explorer 7
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms649487.aspx

Release Notes
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/ie/Aa740486.aspx

IEBlog: IE and Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2008/05/05/ie-and-xpsp3.aspx
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

Hi
I have xp pro with all the service upgrades. I use Defender, and windows
firewall. I notice my broadband connection keeps dropping out and with the
message "work offline or try again" popping up. I feel there must be a
tick
in a box somewhere that tells the system to disconnect after when not
being
used, any suggestions.

Wombat

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Chances are that you're seeing the affects of a hijackware infection, due in
part, possibly, by that lousy anti-virus application you're running.

1. See if you can download/run the MSRT manually:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx

2. Run this online scan (in safe mode w/networking, if need be):
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm

3. Run additional checks for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis
log to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in
conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?board=10.0,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or another appropriate forum for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.
--
~PA Bear

Thanks for the reply, here's a little more info.
I am using IE6
I have all the updates for microsoft.
I run AVG, and Spybot - have no toolbars or themes.
Is there a disconnect protocol in the microsoft security programs?
Hope this helps.

CrystalBall© sez...

You may have a horked (dirty; bad; flawed) install of IE7. I suggest
that
you...

1. Uninstall IE7 (which automatically returns you to IE6) EXACTLY per
http://www.ie-vista.com/kbase2.html [Only use the Command
%windir%\ie7\spuninst\spuninst.exe if you cannot uninstall via Add/Remove
Programs!]

2a. Uninstall all toolbars and third-party Windows Themes (including
Window
Blinds).

2b. Disable all Norton Add-ons, if applicable.

3. Reinstall IE7 EXACTLY per
http://www.ie-vista.com/known_issues.html#pre-install <= Steps #1-8, #10
&
#11; take note of #12, then STOP!

NB: Use http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/default.mspx as the
installation source, not Automatic/Windows Update.

Or Direct Download link:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=9ae91ebe-3385-447c-8a30-081805b2f90b

Tip: Save the installer to your desktop, do not Run it.

4. IMMEDIATELY go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and install any
critical updates offered. If a "Root Certificates" update is listed in
the
Optional category, install it to take full advantage of IE7's additional
security.

Also see:

IEBlog : IE7 (Un)Installation and Anti-Malware Applications
http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2006/10/11/IE7-Installation-and-Anti_2D00_Malware-Applications.aspx

What's New in Internet Explorer 7
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms649487.aspx

Release Notes
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/ie/Aa740486.aspx

IEBlog: IE and Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2008/05/05/ie-and-xpsp3.aspx
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

Hi
I have xp pro with all the service upgrades. I use Defender, and windows
firewall. I notice my broadband connection keeps dropping out and with
the
message "work offline or try again" popping up. I feel there must be a
tick
in a box somewhere that tells the system to disconnect after when not
being
used, any suggestions.

Wombat

 

[Wally Wombat]

Hi There
Thanks again for the input.
Downloaded and ran option 1 and 2 with the system as clean as a whistle.
Which is what I had expected as Spybot and Pest Patrol gave it a clean bill
of health. I monitor the system with "what's running" and there is no
untoward progams running.
My start up applications has only 7 entries for security and a couple of
system files that I have checked ages ago. I run StartUp monitor, a great
small apps that stops this area of the computer getting clogged up with crap.
I have another computer on this network and checked that as well with the
same results. I'm beginning to suspect it might be the adsl modem that is
becoming unstable.
Will try another one and see if it behaves the same. Will report.
Thanks again
--
Eats, roots and leaves.

Chances are that you're seeing the affects of a hijackware infection, due in
part, possibly, by that lousy anti-virus application you're running.

1. See if you can download/run the MSRT manually:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx

2. Run this online scan (in safe mode w/networking, if need be):
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm

3. Run additional checks for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis
log to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in
conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?board=10.0,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or another appropriate forum for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.
--
~PA Bear

Thanks for the reply, here's a little more info.
I am using IE6
I have all the updates for microsoft.
I run AVG, and Spybot - have no toolbars or themes.
Is there a disconnect protocol in the microsoft security programs?
Hope this helps.

CrystalBall© sez...

You may have a horked (dirty; bad; flawed) install of IE7. I suggest
that
you...

1. Uninstall IE7 (which automatically returns you to IE6) EXACTLY per
http://www.ie-vista.com/kbase2.html [Only use the Command
%windir%\ie7\spuninst\spuninst.exe if you cannot uninstall via Add/Remove
Programs!]

2a. Uninstall all toolbars and third-party Windows Themes (including
Window
Blinds).

2b. Disable all Norton Add-ons, if applicable.

3. Reinstall IE7 EXACTLY per
http://www.ie-vista.com/known_issues.html#pre-install <= Steps #1-8, #10
&
#11; take note of #12, then STOP!

NB: Use http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/default.mspx as the
installation source, not Automatic/Windows Update.

Or Direct Download link:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=9ae91ebe-3385-447c-8a30-081805b2f90b

Tip: Save the installer to your desktop, do not Run it.

4. IMMEDIATELY go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and install any
critical updates offered. If a "Root Certificates" update is listed in
the
Optional category, install it to take full advantage of IE7's additional
security.

Also see:

IEBlog : IE7 (Un)Installation and Anti-Malware Applications
http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2006/10/11/IE7-Installation-and-Anti_2D00_Malware-Applications.aspx

What's New in Internet Explorer 7
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms649487.aspx

Release Notes
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/ie/Aa740486.aspx

IEBlog: IE and Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2008/05/05/ie-and-xpsp3.aspx
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/


Wally Wombat wrote:
Hi
I have xp pro with all the service upgrades. I use Defender, and windows
firewall. I notice my broadband connection keeps dropping out and with
the
message "work offline or try again" popping up. I feel there must be a
tick
in a box somewhere that tells the system to disconnect after when not
being
used, any suggestions.

Wombat

 

[Robert Aldwinckle]

Hi
I have xp pro with all the service upgrades. I use Defender, and windows
firewall.

I notice my broadband connection keeps dropping out and with the
message "work offline or try again" popping up.

Give more details about your connection.

E.g. is the underlying protocol PPPoE? Where is the login initiated?
E.g. by the OS or by a component of your modem?

I feel there must be a tick in a box somewhere that tells the system
to disconnect after when not being used,

Have you asked your ISP?

any suggestions.

First of all note that this is exactly analogous to what a dial-up user
who has specified Never dial may see. The OS and its applications
then rely on the user making a manual dial-up connection before they
can use the Internet. After this is done they may regard the Internet
connection as being provided by a LAN.

This happened to me quite frequently until I decided to treat the PPPoE
connection exactly the same way that I had treated my old dial-up
connection. E.g. the OS is aware of it, so I'm not reliant on the modem
keeping it up or more particularly, getting it going again when the OS
comes along with a request, supposedly directed to a LAN, that it can't
immediately support. It seems to be delays like that which cause the OS
to think that there is no connection to the Internet.

Consequently I have my mail clients, OE and WLMail aware that there is
a PPPoE connection, and then they do the necessary setup. If I forget
to check mail before using the browser this message lets me know that.
So, while it is up I can just switch to OE and press Ctrl-M, then switch
back to the message and click on Retry--exactly the same way that I
had to do it with dial-up.

Another alternative, while the message is up, is to use the Connection To
menu in the Start menu (e.g. press Ctrl-Esc,T) and then pick my DSL
connection. Either way seems to make the OS and its applications more
aware that the real connection to the Internet is *not* via a LAN so then
perhaps they are more tolerant of any periodic delays caused by the PPPoE.


HTH

Robert Aldwinckle
---

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

And #3?

Hi There
Thanks again for the input.
Downloaded and ran option 1 and 2 with the system as clean as a whistle.
Which is what I had expected as Spybot and Pest Patrol gave it a clean
bill
of health. I monitor the system with "what's running" and there is no
untoward progams running.
My start up applications has only 7 entries for security and a couple of
system files that I have checked ages ago. I run StartUp monitor, a great
small apps that stops this area of the computer getting clogged up with
crap. I have another computer on this network and checked that as well
with
the same results. I'm beginning to suspect it might be the adsl modem that
is becoming unstable.
Will try another one and see if it behaves the same. Will report.
Thanks again

Chances are that you're seeing the affects of a hijackware infection, due
in part, possibly, by that lousy anti-virus application you're running.

1. See if you can download/run the MSRT manually:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx

2. Run this online scan (in safe mode w/networking, if need be):
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm

3. Run additional checks for hijackware, including posting your
hijackthis
log to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use
(in conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix
anything on its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?board=10.0,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or another appropriate forum for
review by an expert in such matters, not here.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting
this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.
--
~PA Bear

Thanks for the reply, here's a little more info.
I am using IE6
I have all the updates for microsoft.
I run AVG, and Spybot - have no toolbars or themes.
Is there a disconnect protocol in the microsoft security programs?
Hope this helps.

CrystalBall© sez...

You may have a horked (dirty; bad; flawed) install of IE7. I suggest
that
you...

1. Uninstall IE7 (which automatically returns you to IE6) EXACTLY per
http://www.ie-vista.com/kbase2.html [Only use the Command
%windir%\ie7\spuninst\spuninst.exe if you cannot uninstall via
Add/Remove
Programs!]

2a. Uninstall all toolbars and third-party Windows Themes (including
Window
Blinds).

2b. Disable all Norton Add-ons, if applicable.

3. Reinstall IE7 EXACTLY per
http://www.ie-vista.com/known_issues.html#pre-install <= Steps #1-8,
#10
&
#11; take note of #12, then STOP!

NB: Use http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/default.mspx as the
installation source, not Automatic/Windows Update.

Or Direct Download link:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=9ae91ebe-3385-447c-8a30-081805b2f90b

Tip: Save the installer to your desktop, do not Run it.

4. IMMEDIATELY go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and install any
critical updates offered. If a "Root Certificates" update is listed in
the
Optional category, install it to take full advantage of IE7's
additional
security.

Also see:

IEBlog : IE7 (Un)Installation and Anti-Malware Applications
http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2006/10/11/IE7-Installation-and-Anti_2D00_Malware-Applications.aspx

What's New in Internet Explorer 7
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms649487.aspx

Release Notes
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/ie/Aa740486.aspx

IEBlog: IE and Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2008/05/05/ie-and-xpsp3.aspx
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/


Wally Wombat wrote:
Hi
I have xp pro with all the service upgrades. I use Defender, and
windows
firewall. I notice my broadband connection keeps dropping out and with
the
message "work offline or try again" popping up. I feel there must be a
tick
in a box somewhere that tells the system to disconnect after when not
being
used, any suggestions.

Wombat

 

[Kaja]

On this one I would call your Internet Service Provider and tell them the
situation. Sometimes there is a time limit to being online set and after
that the computer automatically goes offline if not used. They may be able
to extend that time. Let me know if that helps so I can improve my knowledge.
Best Regards,
Kaja

 

[Wally Wombat]

Thanks everyone for their input.
I have kept a check on my system to see what was happening but got no further.
We have had a few storms through this area and so I have disconnected my
modem a few times. and turned off the computer and now the system stays
stable. So was it the isp, was it my system, was it the modem? Or just
another glitch in the system.

Thanks again
Wombat