IE dropping connection. Messenger, LAN and Email all still work.

[Guest]

Several PCs on our network have started randomly dropping their internet
connection in IE. Messenger services, Email and other LAN functionality,
ping, trace route and ftp services are still active but trying to browse the
internet with IE, Mozilla or OPERA yeilds a page not found error. A reboot
will fix the issue but as far as I know a network repair does not. Also, if
the PC is left to it's own devices for about 10 mins or so, the connection is
restored. Any suggestions as to where to start?

 

[Malke]

Several PCs on our network have started randomly dropping their
internet connection in IE. Messenger services, Email and other LAN
functionality, ping, trace route and ftp services are still active but
trying to browse the
internet with IE, Mozilla or OPERA yeilds a page not found error. A
reboot will fix the issue but as far as I know a network repair does
not. Also, if the PC is left to it's own devices for about 10 mins or
so, the connection is restored. Any suggestions as to where to start?

Information you left out that would be helpful:

1. How many computers on the network? Domain or Workgroup?
2. Are they all XP and what version of XP - Home, Pro, what Service Pack
level?
3. What is the structure of the network? Ethernet to hub, switch,
router? What make/model hub, switch, etc.?
4. Have you disabled the power saving feature on the NIC's? In the NIC's
properties (Device Manager), uncheck "let Windows turn off this
device..."
5. Do you know if all the machines are 100% spyware and virus-free?
6. How do you connect to the Internet?

Malke