Lost Internet Connection

[Bob Henson]

This is one of those irritating problems which has, so far, defied any
attempts to reproduce it on purpose, so I'm writing in the hope that the
generalised data I have strike a chord with someone and, hopefully,
elicit an answer. The problem has started only since I began using Vista
(Home Premium).

When surfing with Firefox (my usual browser, but the same applies to
IE7) I occasionally "lose" all connection to the web - any URL produces
a "page not found" error. Switching browsers does not help at this point
- the same error occurs with IE7 too. I can access my mail connection -
just the web refuses to respond (DNS problem?)

My partner's computer (XP home) is on the same net connection via the
same (Netgear) router, and it continues to work normally. I can access
the second computer across the network too - in other words the router
is working OK, and connected to my ISP OK (I can get mail still, as I
said). My ISP doesn't report any random DNS problems but, if that were
the problem, my partner's machine would fail too.

Restarting my computer (and nothing else) restores the connection to the
web (works every time). I suppose the obvious answer is some sort of DNS
problem, but I'm not technical enough to guess what. As it didn't happen
with XP pro on my old machine (same connections) or on my partner's
machine, I'm assuming it's Vista related.

Any ideas where I start to look?

Regards,

Bob

 

[Mick Murphy]

Things to try.
1. Check for updated Vista compatible Firmware for your Router from its
Manufacturer.
2. Check for the latest Network Adaptor drivers.
3. In your Network Connection>Right-click on it>Properties>Unbind(untick)
TCP/IPv6

 

[Bob Henson]

Things to try.
1. Check for updated Vista compatible Firmware for your Router from its
Manufacturer.
2. Check for the latest Network Adaptor drivers.
3. In your Network Connection>Right-click on it>Properties>Unbind(untick)
TCP/IPv6

Thanks - I'll have a look as those ideas as soon as I have a moment.

Regards,

Bob

 

[Arge]

Hi Bob

I am having the same problem. It just started a couple of weeks ago and
like you, I have experienced it with both IE7 and Firefox.

I have been looking for a possible cause in this newsgroup for a couple of
weeks now, but this is the first post I have seen related to it.

Arge

 

[Arge]

Mick

I unchecked the TCP/IPv6 as you suggested and although I can't say it
totally corrected it, I have not had the problem since. All indicators are
that it took care of the problem.

Thanks

Arge

 

[Bob Henson]

Things to try.
1. Check for updated Vista compatible Firmware for your Router from its
Manufacturer.
2. Check for the latest Network Adaptor drivers.
3. In your Network Connection>Right-click on it>Properties>Unbind(untick)
TCP/IPv6

I've done all those, so now it's a question of waiting to see what
happens. It looks like the firmware update might well be useful for
other things, judging by the "new features" section. So far I can't
reconnect my Windows Mobile phone - but no doubt I'll crack that soon,
my laptop joins the network just fine, so there can't be much different.

Out of curiosity, why does disabling the latest TCP/IP help? Is there a
problem with v6?

Regards,

Bob

 

[Arge]

Unchecking the TCP/IP v6 appeared to help, but hasn't. I don't have the
problem as often as I did, but I am still experiencing it. I do find it
occurs more frequently in FireFox than it does in IE.

I have contacted Mircrosoft about it and if I receive a response that has
merit, I will share it.

Arge

 

[Arge]

I have continued looking for a solution and I found several references to
Zone Alarm. I have replaced Zone Alarm with Comodo.

Although it may still be to early to tell, but so far I haven't had any
problems with either IE 7 or Firefox.

Arge

 

[Bob Henson]

I have continued looking for a solution and I found several references to
Zone Alarm. I have replaced Zone Alarm with Comodo.

Although it may still be to early to tell, but so far I haven't had any
problems with either IE 7 or Firefox.

I see that there has been a problem which my ISP explained to it's
customers. A recent Microsoft update was intended to stop up a "bug" in
the Internet DNS services which allowed hackers to misuse the system.
The fix has apparently caused big problems with Zone Alarm uses, along
the lines that we were discussing. However, my problems started before
this happened, and I don't use Zone Alarm anyway - so it isn't the
answer in my case. I'm still waiting to see if my updates have done any
good - no problems so far, but then the incidents were not common, and
irregular, so I may have to wait some time to see if it has helped.

Regards,

Bob