ISP or Computer problem

Ever since the cable modem was installed I can surf the net for 15-20 minutes then get dnserver error on all web sites, a cold boot will restore the connection and it's good for another 20 minutes. At times the computer will lock up and have to use power button to shut down. I'm getting no where with ISP Tech Support, Any Ideas? Gateway 1000Mhz, 64Meg Ram, Toshiba PCX1100U modem using USB connection, Windows ME.

1. RE: ISP or Computer problem
lbyard Sep-04-01 05:44 AM
In response to message 0

I would try enabling DNS in Start, Settings, Control Panel, Network, the instance of TCP/IP bound to the adapter going to the MODEM, Properties, and entering your ISPs DNS server IP addresses (most ISPs have a primary and secondary DNS server). You can determine the addresses with Start, Run, enter winipcfg, select the adapter connected to the MODEM, More Info >>. Click the button with … to get the second DNS server IP.
MSKB 274498 at http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q274/4/98.ASP? may provide a clue. Larry

2. RE: ISP or Computer problem
waddy Sep-04-01 02:28 PM
In response to message 0

my input :
its the USB ....... i have used a USB modem for a while and have come across this problem many times....
USB hates sharing IRQ's - try to get it on its own IRQ ....
http://www.usbman.com << -- go there
a good trick is to take all PCI cards out , reboot, then shutdown ..... reboot go into BIOS and disable com2 (serial2) in the bios that will free an IRQ for you ...... then install the USB device.......
after thats installed insert one PCI card in at a time , hopefully the USB controller will get its own IRQ ........
You can share IRQ with a network card that doesnt seem to affect USB .. = PCI slot 3 or 4 by memory

3. RE: ISP or Computer problem
lbyard Sep-04-01 02:45 PM
In response to message 2

Good input, Waddy. I have not used a broadband MODEM with a USB connection. Larry

4. RE: ISP or Computer problem
seabee Sep-05-01 09:35 AM
In response to message 3

Tried enabling DNS as you suggested Larry same results after 23 minutes, with a bonus windows ""blue screen" Windows Protection Error System Halted"" I have the network cards sitting here I was waiting to resolve the modem problem before trying to set up the network. Will install a card in this computer an try modem on ethernet.

5. RE: ISP or Computer problem
lbyard Sep-05-01 04:39 PM
In response to message 4

Try uninstalling and reinstalling everything network. Disable DNS. Check cables. It appears the signal is dropping-out. Did the ISP test the signal to noise ratio of the connection? Or it could be the USB interface as Waddy mentioned. USB can certainly be troublesome, especially if you have more than one device. I think I would disable USB and install a network adapter, especially if I had plans to share the connection with another PC using a router. Network adapters cost less than $20. The cable is around $3. Router/switch combos (e.g., http://duxcw.com/digest/Reviews/Network/smc/smc7004br/smc7004br.htm) are about $100 in the US. Larry

6. RE: ISP or Computer problem
seabee Sep-11-01 10:26 PM
In response to message 5

Or it could
>be the USB interface as
>Waddy mentioned. USB can
>certainly be troublesome, especially if
>you have more than one
>device. I think I
>would disable USB and install
>a network adapter, especially if
>I had plans to share
>the connection with another PC
>using a router
Larry
It was the USB no problems using the NIC, router is the next step after I find someone to put the RJ45's on the Cat5 cables to the other computers. Thanks for the help Larry, & Waddy
Seabee