Internet connection randomly stops

[Charles Dance]

Hello.
My internet connection stops working at random times. By random i mean that if for example i am watching a video on YouTube, i.e. not pressing any buttons on anything related to the computer or modem, the internet stops communicating with the computer.
This has been happening forever and to start the internet working again i have to reset my modem and restart the computer, then it works fine, but it stresses me out.
In MSN messenger i get this error code - 80072ee7 (error on DNS and Key ports), and when i test the TCP connection it says it is unable to connect. This code suggests that it could be my proxy setting or firewall. But would this not mean i couldn't connect to the internet in the first place seen as though i don't do anything for the connection to cut out?
I'm starting to think it is the modem itself which is the problem. Anybody got any ideas to help me?
Thanks.

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[LVTravel]

I am assuming that you are talking about a dial-up modem here. If so, some
ISPs will automatically cut you off if you are not sending information TO a
site (actively browsing or keying in information). I had this problem when
I was on DU and downloading MS patches, etc. Start the download and the
only thing that is being transmitted back up the line is the packet
acknowledgements. This doesn't satisfy the ISP's inactive cutoff setting.
My workaround was to set Outlook Express to download my emails every 5
minutes or keep a second browser window open which I occasionally refreshed
which reset the ISP's inactivity timer. I was never able to otherwise sort
it out with my ISP's technical support though many phone calls, but you
might try that route. Also on Dial-up, make sure you disable call waiting
since this will drop your ISP's connection and you won't necessarily be
notified of the reason.

If this is a cable modem, it may be your cable supplier or the modem at
fault. Might try calling them also. I haven't experienced this problem
since moving to cable.