Internet disconnect. Analogue line.

[Switzerland calling]

For the past several weeks I have been experiencing an internet
disconnection problem.

At the time, the only change I had made was to buy and download my new
version of Norton anti-virus. I assumed the disconnection problem was
associated with Norton. After weeks of trying to solve the problem with
Norton to no success, they advised me it is most likely a problem with
Microsoft.

I have Windows XP and an analogue line at 50.6 kbps. Whilst online the line
will disconnect and my phone will ring and the line will attempt to
reconnect. I can find no pattern to the disconnection – it is NOT associated
with:

- what I’m doing online (it can be handling email or using websites or just
reading something (i.e. not really “doing†anything)!)
- time of day
- incoming phonecalls (I have tried to trigger it without success, and I’m
not that popular anyway to receive all the disconnect calls!)
- virus (I’ve scanned my system with two anti-virus programs)
- frequency (can happen after only a minute or not happen for as long as 20
minutes)
- my ISP (they inform me it’s “business as usualâ€)
- idle time (I am almost always busy doing something when I am online)
- my phone (I have only one on the line – it works perfectly normally)
- I am very simple user – I handle small amount of emails and a bit of
website browsing (not “dangerous†sites)
- Note: I wanted to try the Start/ Settings/ Network/ Repair suggestion in
the forum, but I could not access the “Repair†button (it is displayed but
not as a selectionable option (I am logged on as Administrator))
- Settings for Redial options:
o Idle time = 1 hour
o “Redial if line is dropped†– not selected

I would be grateful for any advice I can get on the problem – as much as I
am not a big internet user, it does play a crucial role in my life.

Many (many) thanks.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Start with...

How to troubleshoot network connectivity problems in Internet Explorer
[ignore APPLIES TO section if you're not running Vista or IE7]
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936211

If no joy...

1. After making certain you have a copy of your Product Key, uninstall all
Norton software (including LiveUpdate) via Add/Remove Programs.

2. Enable the Windows Firewall.

NB: You're "working without a net" now: Don't to ANYTHING else online (e.g.,
browsing; reading email; chatting) except #3 through #5 below until your
anti-virus application has been installed and fully updated!

3. Run this removal tool:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

4. Reboot and /immediately/ install Avira AntiVir* (free), or the 30-day
free trial version of, e.g., NOD32**, KAV7***

5. Manually update your new anti-virus application then run a full system
scan.

Do your problems persist now?

[Don't forget to subscribe to your new AV app or uninstall it then reinstall
the Norton application before the free-trial period expires! Should you
decide to reinstall the Norton application, I recommend not installing any
Norton Add-ons for a while.]

* http://www.free-av.com/
** www.eset.com/download/index.php
*** http://usa.kaspersky.com/trials/home-users/anti-virus-7/
--
~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/

 

[Switzerland calling]

Hello PA Bear – thanks for your fast reply.

I read the troubleshooter article – it seems largely to apply to problems
connecting to particular websites rather than disconnecting from the
internet. I tested all the physical connections and everything appeared fine,
but problem persists.

I should have said in my original question, having been so frustrated with
Norton (Helpdesk) I have already unsubscribed and physically removed/
uninstalled the program (I did not run the removal tool you mention in 3 –
should I do this also?).

Interestingly, I had then installed Avira, updated it, and ran full system
scan (no virus or problem showing on my pc).

That’s what surprised me so much – the disconnect problem seems to have
started when I downloaded the new Norton, but did not disappear when I
uninstalled it. Norton maintained that it was a Microsoft problem.

Is it just a coincidence for the timings? I have changed absolutely nothing
else – I have an amazingly “static†pc that I don’t tamper with – it was
running beautifully for the past year…

Would this “Repair†option I mentioned (I wanted to try the Start/ Settings/
Network/ Repair suggestion in the forum, but I could not access the “Repairâ€
button (it is displayed but not as a selectionable option (I am logged on as
Administrator)) be useful in this case?

Any further ideas please? Best regards.

Start with...

How to troubleshoot network connectivity problems in Internet Explorer
[ignore APPLIES TO section if you're not running Vista or IE7]
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936211

If no joy...

1. After making certain you have a copy of your Product Key, uninstall all
Norton software (including LiveUpdate) via Add/Remove Programs.

2. Enable the Windows Firewall.

NB: You're "working without a net" now: Don't to ANYTHING else online (e.g.,
browsing; reading email; chatting) except #3 through #5 below until your
anti-virus application has been installed and fully updated!

3. Run this removal tool:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

4. Reboot and /immediately/ install Avira AntiVir* (free), or the 30-day
free trial version of, e.g., NOD32**, KAV7***

5. Manually update your new anti-virus application then run a full system
scan.

Do your problems persist now?

[Don't forget to subscribe to your new AV app or uninstall it then reinstall
the Norton application before the free-trial period expires! Should you
decide to reinstall the Norton application, I recommend not installing any
Norton Add-ons for a while.]

* http://www.free-av.com/
** www.eset.com/download/index.php
*** http://usa.kaspersky.com/trials/home-users/anti-virus-7/
--
~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/

For the past several weeks I have been experiencing an internet
disconnection problem.

At the time, the only change I had made was to buy and download my new
version of Norton anti-virus. I assumed the disconnection problem was
associated with Norton. After weeks of trying to solve the problem with
Norton to no success, they advised me it is most likely a problem with
Microsoft.

I have Windows XP and an analogue line at 50.6 kbps. Whilst online the
line
will disconnect and my phone will ring and the line will attempt to
reconnect. I can find no pattern to the disconnection – it is NOT
associated
with:

- what I’m doing online (it can be handling email or using websites or
just
reading something (i.e. not really “doing†anything)!)
- time of day
- incoming phonecalls (I have tried to trigger it without success, and I’m
not that popular anyway to receive all the disconnect calls!)
- virus (I’ve scanned my system with two anti-virus programs)
- frequency (can happen after only a minute or not happen for as long as
20
minutes)
- my ISP (they inform me it’s “business as usualâ€)
- idle time (I am almost always busy doing something when I am online)
- my phone (I have only one on the line – it works perfectly normally)
- I am very simple user – I handle small amount of emails and a bit of
website browsing (not “dangerous†sites)
- Note: I wanted to try the Start/ Settings/ Network/ Repair suggestion in
the forum, but I could not access the “Repair†button (it is displayed but
not as a selectionable option (I am logged on as Administrator))
- Settings for Redial options:
o Idle time = 1 hour
o “Redial if line is dropped†– not selected

I would be grateful for any advice I can get on the problem – as much as I
am not a big internet user, it does play a crucial role in my life.

Many (many) thanks.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

I should have said in my original question, having been so frustrated with

Norton (Helpdesk) I have already unsubscribed and physically removed/
uninstalled the program (I did not run the removal tool you mention in 3 –
should I do this also?).

Yes, you MUST run the removal tool, too, then reboot. See if this helps at
all.

Hello PA Bear – thanks for your fast reply.

I read the troubleshooter article – it seems largely to apply to problems
connecting to particular websites rather than disconnecting from the
internet. I tested all the physical connections and everything appeared
fine, but problem persists.

I should have said in my original question, having been so frustrated with
Norton (Helpdesk) I have already unsubscribed and physically removed/
uninstalled the program (I did not run the removal tool you mention in 3 –
should I do this also?).

Interestingly, I had then installed Avira, updated it, and ran full system
scan (no virus or problem showing on my pc).

That’s what surprised me so much – the disconnect problem seems to have
started when I downloaded the new Norton, but did not disappear when I
uninstalled it. Norton maintained that it was a Microsoft problem.

Is it just a coincidence for the timings? I have changed absolutely
nothing
else – I have an amazingly “static†pc that I don’t tamper with – it was
running beautifully for the past year…

Would this “Repair†option I mentioned (I wanted to try the Start/
Settings/
Network/ Repair suggestion in the forum, but I could not access the
“Repairâ€
button (it is displayed but not as a selectionable option (I am logged on
as
Administrator)) be useful in this case?

Any further ideas please? Best regards.

Start with...

How to troubleshoot network connectivity problems in Internet Explorer
[ignore APPLIES TO section if you're not running Vista or IE7]
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936211

If no joy...

1. After making certain you have a copy of your Product Key, uninstall
all
Norton software (including LiveUpdate) via Add/Remove Programs.

2. Enable the Windows Firewall.

NB: You're "working without a net" now: Don't to ANYTHING else online
(e.g., browsing; reading email; chatting) except #3 through #5 below
until
your anti-virus application has been installed and fully updated!

3. Run this removal tool:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

4. Reboot and /immediately/ install Avira AntiVir* (free), or the 30-day
free trial version of, e.g., NOD32**, KAV7***

5. Manually update your new anti-virus application then run a full system
scan.

Do your problems persist now?

[Don't forget to subscribe to your new AV app or uninstall it then
reinstall the Norton application before the free-trial period expires!
Should you decide to reinstall the Norton application, I recommend not
installing any Norton Add-ons for a while.]

* http://www.free-av.com/
** www.eset.com/download/index.php
*** http://usa.kaspersky.com/trials/home-users/anti-virus-7/
--
~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/

For the past several weeks I have been experiencing an internet
disconnection problem.

At the time, the only change I had made was to buy and download my new
version of Norton anti-virus. I assumed the disconnection problem was
associated with Norton. After weeks of trying to solve the problem with
Norton to no success, they advised me it is most likely a problem with
Microsoft.

I have Windows XP and an analogue line at 50.6 kbps. Whilst online the
line
will disconnect and my phone will ring and the line will attempt to
reconnect. I can find no pattern to the disconnection – it is NOT
associated
with:

- what I’m doing online (it can be handling email or using websites or
just
reading something (i.e. not really “doing†anything)!)
- time of day
- incoming phonecalls (I have tried to trigger it without success, and I’m
not that popular anyway to receive all the disconnect calls!)
- virus (I’ve scanned my system with two anti-virus programs)
- frequency (can happen after only a minute or not happen for as long as
20
minutes)
- my ISP (they inform me it’s “business as usualâ€)
- idle time (I am almost always busy doing something when I am online)
- my phone (I have only one on the line – it works perfectly normally)
- I am very simple user – I handle small amount of emails and a bit of
website browsing (not “dangerous†sites)
- Note: I wanted to try the Start/ Settings/ Network/ Repair suggestion
in
the forum, but I could not access the “Repair†button (it is displayed
but
not as a selectionable option (I am logged on as Administrator))
- Settings for Redial options:
o Idle time = 1 hour
o “Redial if line is dropped†– not selected

I would be grateful for any advice I can get on the problem – as much as
I
am not a big internet user, it does play a crucial role in my life.

Many (many) thanks.

 

[Switzerland calling]

OK, I ran the removal tool to tidy up anything lurking there and rebooted.
Still the same problem. It's quite frequent and making it close to
impossible to use internet.

Ideas:

Firewalls: I have always had Windows disabled and used Zonealarm with no
previous problems or conflicts.

Network repair option (below): would this work for me?

Appreciate further thoughts... regards.

I should have said in my original question, having been so frustrated with
Norton (Helpdesk) I have already unsubscribed and physically removed/
uninstalled the program (I did not run the removal tool you mention in 3 –
should I do this also?).

Yes, you MUST run the removal tool, too, then reboot. See if this helps at
all.

Hello PA Bear – thanks for your fast reply.

I read the troubleshooter article – it seems largely to apply to problems
connecting to particular websites rather than disconnecting from the
internet. I tested all the physical connections and everything appeared
fine, but problem persists.

I should have said in my original question, having been so frustrated with
Norton (Helpdesk) I have already unsubscribed and physically removed/
uninstalled the program (I did not run the removal tool you mention in 3 –
should I do this also?).

Interestingly, I had then installed Avira, updated it, and ran full system
scan (no virus or problem showing on my pc).

That’s what surprised me so much – the disconnect problem seems to have
started when I downloaded the new Norton, but did not disappear when I
uninstalled it. Norton maintained that it was a Microsoft problem.

Is it just a coincidence for the timings? I have changed absolutely
nothing
else – I have an amazingly “static†pc that I don’t tamper with – it was
running beautifully for the past year…

Would this “Repair†option I mentioned (I wanted to try the Start/
Settings/
Network/ Repair suggestion in the forum, but I could not access the
“Repairâ€
button (it is displayed but not as a selectionable option (I am logged on
as
Administrator)) be useful in this case?

Any further ideas please? Best regards.

Start with...

How to troubleshoot network connectivity problems in Internet Explorer
[ignore APPLIES TO section if you're not running Vista or IE7]
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936211

If no joy...

1. After making certain you have a copy of your Product Key, uninstall
all
Norton software (including LiveUpdate) via Add/Remove Programs.

2. Enable the Windows Firewall.

NB: You're "working without a net" now: Don't to ANYTHING else online
(e.g., browsing; reading email; chatting) except #3 through #5 below
until
your anti-virus application has been installed and fully updated!

3. Run this removal tool:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

4. Reboot and /immediately/ install Avira AntiVir* (free), or the 30-day
free trial version of, e.g., NOD32**, KAV7***

5. Manually update your new anti-virus application then run a full system
scan.

Do your problems persist now?

[Don't forget to subscribe to your new AV app or uninstall it then
reinstall the Norton application before the free-trial period expires!
Should you decide to reinstall the Norton application, I recommend not
installing any Norton Add-ons for a while.]

* http://www.free-av.com/
** www.eset.com/download/index.php
*** http://usa.kaspersky.com/trials/home-users/anti-virus-7/
--
~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/




Switzerland calling wrote:
For the past several weeks I have been experiencing an internet
disconnection problem.

At the time, the only change I had made was to buy and download my new
version of Norton anti-virus. I assumed the disconnection problem was
associated with Norton. After weeks of trying to solve the problem with
Norton to no success, they advised me it is most likely a problem with
Microsoft.

I have Windows XP and an analogue line at 50.6 kbps. Whilst online the
line
will disconnect and my phone will ring and the line will attempt to
reconnect. I can find no pattern to the disconnection – it is NOT
associated
with:

- what I’m doing online (it can be handling email or using websites or
just
reading something (i.e. not really “doing†anything)!)
- time of day
- incoming phonecalls (I have tried to trigger it without success, and I’m
not that popular anyway to receive all the disconnect calls!)
- virus (I’ve scanned my system with two anti-virus programs)
- frequency (can happen after only a minute or not happen for as long as
20
minutes)
- my ISP (they inform me it’s “business as usualâ€)
- idle time (I am almost always busy doing something when I am online)
- my phone (I have only one on the line – it works perfectly normally)
- I am very simple user – I handle small amount of emails and a bit of
website browsing (not “dangerous†sites)
- Note: I wanted to try the Start/ Settings/ Network/ Repair suggestion
in
the forum, but I could not access the “Repair†button (it is displayed
but
not as a selectionable option (I am logged on as Administrator))
- Settings for Redial options:
o Idle time = 1 hour
o “Redial if line is dropped†– not selected

I would be grateful for any advice I can get on the problem – as much as
I
am not a big internet user, it does play a crucial role in my life.

Many (many) thanks.

 

[Lil' Dave]

For the past several weeks I have been experiencing an internet
disconnection problem.

At the time, the only change I had made was to buy and download my new
version of Norton anti-virus. I assumed the disconnection problem was
associated with Norton. After weeks of trying to solve the problem with
Norton to no success, they advised me it is most likely a problem with
Microsoft.

I have Windows XP and an analogue line at 50.6 kbps. Whilst online the
line
will disconnect and my phone will ring and the line will attempt to
reconnect.

If I read and interpret the above correctly, you have call-waiting option as
part of your phone service. But, isn't waiting, rather, hanging up.

 

[Switzerland calling]

Thanks, but no, I don't have call waiting (I live in Switzerland).

 

[3c273]

Switzerland has call waiting.
http://www.swisscom.ch/res/festnetz/dienste/einstellungen/anklopfen/Index.htm
</sarcasm>
Louis

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Firewalls: I have always had Windows disabled and used Zonealarm with no

previous problems or conflicts.

If ZA Pro, see if disabling it and then enabling the Windows Firewall fixes
the problem.

If ZA Free, see if uninstalling it via Add/Remove Programs and then enabling
the Windows Firewall fixes the problem. (Very often just disabling ZA Free
doesn't work.)

If still no joy, leave ZA disabled/uninstalled and try the network repair
options/commands.

How to reset Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) in Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/299357

How to troubleshoot TCP/IP connectivity with Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314067
--
~PA Bear

OK, I ran the removal tool to tidy up anything lurking there and rebooted.
Still the same problem. It's quite frequent and making it close to
impossible to use internet.

Ideas:

Firewalls: I have always had Windows disabled and used Zonealarm with no
previous problems or conflicts.

Network repair option (below): would this work for me?

Appreciate further thoughts... regards.

I should have said in my original question, having been so frustrated
with
Norton (Helpdesk) I have already unsubscribed and physically removed/
uninstalled the program (I did not run the removal tool you mention in
3 –
should I do this also?).

Yes, you MUST run the removal tool, too, then reboot. See if this helps
at
all.

Hello PA Bear – thanks for your fast reply.

I read the troubleshooter article – it seems largely to apply to
problems
connecting to particular websites rather than disconnecting from the
internet. I tested all the physical connections and everything appeared
fine, but problem persists.

I should have said in my original question, having been so frustrated
with
Norton (Helpdesk) I have already unsubscribed and physically removed/
uninstalled the program (I did not run the removal tool you mention in
3 –
should I do this also?).

Interestingly, I had then installed Avira, updated it, and ran full
system
scan (no virus or problem showing on my pc).

That’s what surprised me so much – the disconnect problem seems to have
started when I downloaded the new Norton, but did not disappear when I
uninstalled it. Norton maintained that it was a Microsoft problem.

Is it just a coincidence for the timings? I have changed absolutely
nothing
else – I have an amazingly “static†pc that I don’t tamper with – it was
running beautifully for the past year…

Would this “Repair†option I mentioned (I wanted to try the Start/
Settings/
Network/ Repair suggestion in the forum, but I could not access the
“Repairâ€
button (it is displayed but not as a selectionable option (I am logged
on
as
Administrator)) be useful in this case?

Any further ideas please? Best regards.


:

Start with...

How to troubleshoot network connectivity problems in Internet Explorer
[ignore APPLIES TO section if you're not running Vista or IE7]
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936211

If no joy...

1. After making certain you have a copy of your Product Key, uninstall
all
Norton software (including LiveUpdate) via Add/Remove Programs.

2. Enable the Windows Firewall.

NB: You're "working without a net" now: Don't to ANYTHING else online
(e.g., browsing; reading email; chatting) except #3 through #5 below
until
your anti-virus application has been installed and fully updated!

3. Run this removal tool:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

4. Reboot and /immediately/ install Avira AntiVir* (free), or the
30-day
free trial version of, e.g., NOD32**, KAV7***

5. Manually update your new anti-virus application then run a full
system
scan.

Do your problems persist now?

[Don't forget to subscribe to your new AV app or uninstall it then
reinstall the Norton application before the free-trial period expires!
Should you decide to reinstall the Norton application, I recommend not
installing any Norton Add-ons for a while.]

* http://www.free-av.com/
** www.eset.com/download/index.php
*** http://usa.kaspersky.com/trials/home-users/anti-virus-7/
--
~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/




Switzerland calling wrote:
For the past several weeks I have been experiencing an internet
disconnection problem.

At the time, the only change I had made was to buy and download my new
version of Norton anti-virus. I assumed the disconnection problem was
associated with Norton. After weeks of trying to solve the problem
with
Norton to no success, they advised me it is most likely a problem with
Microsoft.

I have Windows XP and an analogue line at 50.6 kbps. Whilst online the
line
will disconnect and my phone will ring and the line will attempt to
reconnect. I can find no pattern to the disconnection – it is NOT
associated
with:

- what I’m doing online (it can be handling email or using websites or
just
reading something (i.e. not really “doing†anything)!)
- time of day
- incoming phonecalls (I have tried to trigger it without success, and
I’m not that popular anyway to receive all the disconnect calls!)
- virus (I’ve scanned my system with two anti-virus programs)
- frequency (can happen after only a minute or not happen for as long
as
20
minutes)
- my ISP (they inform me it’s “business as usualâ€)
- idle time (I am almost always busy doing something when I am online)
- my phone (I have only one on the line – it works perfectly normally)
- I am very simple user – I handle small amount of emails and a bit of
website browsing (not “dangerous†sites)
- Note: I wanted to try the Start/ Settings/ Network/ Repair
suggestion
in
the forum, but I could not access the “Repair†button (it is displayed
but
not as a selectionable option (I am logged on as Administrator))
- Settings for Redial options:
o Idle time = 1 hour
o “Redial if line is dropped†– not selected

I would be grateful for any advice I can get on the problem – as much
as
I
am not a big internet user, it does play a crucial role in my life.

Many (many) thanks.

 

[Switzerland calling]

Here is what I have tried now:

1. Phone company tested my line from their end (not here at home) – no problem
2. Ran Dell Modem test on pc – no problem

Windows XP: Repairing network connections – I can’t repair Network
connection, because I realise I don’t actually have a Network – sorry (I have
only one pc connected).

Speed tests – is only for American cities – don’t think speed is the problem
(Avira is apparently always slow), so I’m less worried by this.

I am bit baffled now. If line & modem are both fine, what else could it be?
Is there any way it could be a bug?

Thank you for sticking with me on this! L

Firewalls: I have always had Windows disabled and used Zonealarm with no
previous problems or conflicts.

If ZA Pro, see if disabling it and then enabling the Windows Firewall fixes
the problem.

If ZA Free, see if uninstalling it via Add/Remove Programs and then enabling
the Windows Firewall fixes the problem. (Very often just disabling ZA Free
doesn't work.)

If still no joy, leave ZA disabled/uninstalled and try the network repair
options/commands.

How to reset Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) in Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/299357

How to troubleshoot TCP/IP connectivity with Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314067
--
~PA Bear

OK, I ran the removal tool to tidy up anything lurking there and rebooted.
Still the same problem. It's quite frequent and making it close to
impossible to use internet.

Ideas:

Firewalls: I have always had Windows disabled and used Zonealarm with no
previous problems or conflicts.

Network repair option (below): would this work for me?

Appreciate further thoughts... regards.

I should have said in my original question, having been so frustrated
with
Norton (Helpdesk) I have already unsubscribed and physically removed/
uninstalled the program (I did not run the removal tool you mention in
3 –
should I do this also?).

Yes, you MUST run the removal tool, too, then reboot. See if this helps
at
all.

Switzerland calling wrote:
Hello PA Bear – thanks for your fast reply.

I read the troubleshooter article – it seems largely to apply to
problems
connecting to particular websites rather than disconnecting from the
internet. I tested all the physical connections and everything appeared
fine, but problem persists.

I should have said in my original question, having been so frustrated
with
Norton (Helpdesk) I have already unsubscribed and physically removed/
uninstalled the program (I did not run the removal tool you mention in
3 –
should I do this also?).

Interestingly, I had then installed Avira, updated it, and ran full
system
scan (no virus or problem showing on my pc).

That’s what surprised me so much – the disconnect problem seems to have
started when I downloaded the new Norton, but did not disappear when I
uninstalled it. Norton maintained that it was a Microsoft problem.

Is it just a coincidence for the timings? I have changed absolutely
nothing
else – I have an amazingly “static†pc that I don’t tamper with – it was
running beautifully for the past year…

Would this “Repair†option I mentioned (I wanted to try the Start/
Settings/
Network/ Repair suggestion in the forum, but I could not access the
“Repairâ€
button (it is displayed but not as a selectionable option (I am logged
on
as
Administrator)) be useful in this case?

Any further ideas please? Best regards.


:

Start with...

How to troubleshoot network connectivity problems in Internet Explorer
[ignore APPLIES TO section if you're not running Vista or IE7]
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936211

If no joy...

1. After making certain you have a copy of your Product Key, uninstall
all
Norton software (including LiveUpdate) via Add/Remove Programs.

2. Enable the Windows Firewall.

NB: You're "working without a net" now: Don't to ANYTHING else online
(e.g., browsing; reading email; chatting) except #3 through #5 below
until
your anti-virus application has been installed and fully updated!

3. Run this removal tool:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

4. Reboot and /immediately/ install Avira AntiVir* (free), or the
30-day
free trial version of, e.g., NOD32**, KAV7***

5. Manually update your new anti-virus application then run a full
system
scan.

Do your problems persist now?

[Don't forget to subscribe to your new AV app or uninstall it then
reinstall the Norton application before the free-trial period expires!
Should you decide to reinstall the Norton application, I recommend not
installing any Norton Add-ons for a while.]

* http://www.free-av.com/
** www.eset.com/download/index.php
*** http://usa.kaspersky.com/trials/home-users/anti-virus-7/
--
~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/




Switzerland calling wrote:
For the past several weeks I have been experiencing an internet
disconnection problem.

At the time, the only change I had made was to buy and download my new
version of Norton anti-virus. I assumed the disconnection problem was
associated with Norton. After weeks of trying to solve the problem
with
Norton to no success, they advised me it is most likely a problem with
Microsoft.

I have Windows XP and an analogue line at 50.6 kbps. Whilst online the
line
will disconnect and my phone will ring and the line will attempt to
reconnect. I can find no pattern to the disconnection – it is NOT
associated
with:

- what I’m doing online (it can be handling email or using websites or
just
reading something (i.e. not really “doing†anything)!)
- time of day
- incoming phonecalls (I have tried to trigger it without success, and
I’m not that popular anyway to receive all the disconnect calls!)
- virus (I’ve scanned my system with two anti-virus programs)
- frequency (can happen after only a minute or not happen for as long
as
20
minutes)
- my ISP (they inform me it’s “business as usualâ€)
- idle time (I am almost always busy doing something when I am online)
- my phone (I have only one on the line – it works perfectly normally)
- I am very simple user – I handle small amount of emails and a bit of
website browsing (not “dangerous†sites)
- Note: I wanted to try the Start/ Settings/ Network/ Repair
suggestion
in
the forum, but I could not access the “Repair†button (it is displayed
but
not as a selectionable option (I am logged on as Administrator))
- Settings for Redial options:
o Idle time = 1 hour
o “Redial if line is dropped†– not selected

I would be grateful for any advice I can get on the problem – as much
as
I
am not a big internet user, it does play a crucial role in my life.

Many (many) thanks.