XP gives SLOW downloads

[Ron Miller]

My Windows XP SP2 yields slow download times.
I have a typical home lan -- two computers connected via a router to
the cable modem.
Computer 1 runs Windows 98SE
Computer 2 runs Windows XP and Xandros Linux

My ISP (Road Runner) provides 3Mbs download speeds.
Using speed tests like DSLReports.com, I get 2.8Mbs on Computer 1 and
on Computer 2 under Linux.
Using exactly the same tests, I cannot get more than 2.3Mbs on
Computer 2 under Windows XP Pro SP2.

I have applied the usual tweaks, setting the TCP Receive Window to a
number larger than the default (64K). I've upgraded the Java Plugin
to the latest version (since most of the speed tests use Java
applets). I've cleared the Internet cache files. None of this helps.

Hardware problems are ruled out by the normal tests on Computer 2 when
running an OS other than XP.

Is there anything else I can try to adjust or tweak??

 

[NoNoBadDog!]

Do you have the same hardware (NIC Card) in each machine? That could very
well account for the different speeds...one card has a higher overhead than
the other. FWIW, I think you are not really getting 2.8Mbps...that is
exceedingly high for a 3Mbps connection, especially on a cable modem (but
would not be unheard of on a DSL connection). On most cable modems at off
peak times, 1.7 to 2.0 Mbps would be a more realistic expectation. Cable
has higher overhead than DSL, and at peak times your downloads will be much
lower than the advertised speeds. If you are getting 2.8 on one of the
machines, you are very lucky. I believe the second machine is the more
believable speed.

Bobby

 

[Ron Miller]

As I stated in the original post, this cannot be a hardware problem because
I get 2.8Mbs ON THIS MACHINE when I boot into Linux rather than Windows XP
Pro. Therefore, it must be a problem with Windows XP.
I get 2.8 Mbs on BOTH machines if I boot the second computer into Linux
instead of XP Pro.

Any other suggestions?

 

[Ron Miller]

I had a fairly new RCA cable modem. It had a flaky power or coaxial
connection -- if it got bumped, it wanted to reset itself. I got a new
modem -- an RCA DOCSIS model that's different from the first one -- and now
XP gives the same download speeds and speed-test results as the Linux
installation on the same computer and the Win 98SE computer on the same
LAN.