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Troubleshooting Slow Broadband
or Windows Network Connections
Last updated: 10/7/02
Q. How can one fix a slow broadband (cable or
DSL) or Windows network connection?
A. Slow network connections are often caused
by bad network cables (especially long ones) or cables that are not run correctly
or are not plugged-in all the way. This is particularly true for custom
straight-thru and crossover cables because they are often made improperly
by inexperienced, untrained people, are not fabricated with the correct plugs
and cable, and/or not properly tested before delivery. See
for more info. Other causes include defective network adapters
and interrupt conflicts (see How
to Test a Network Adapter), and other equipment
failures, such as hub, Ethernet switch, and router ports.
With this said, another possibility, when using the TCP/IP
protocol, is an improper Windows registry setting. The Windows registry
should be backed-up before you start. To do that, go to Start, Run,
enter regedit, Help, and look under Import and Export or in the Help Index
under backing-up the registry files... The process is at http://cable-dsl.home.att.net/#IncreasingWindow. You
may find the instructions at the link a little confusing. So here are
mine... In the second column of the table, choose your version of Windows
(e.g., Windows 95/98/Me), right-click the appropriate file (e.g., TCPRW32K.REG) with
your mouse, choose Save Target As... in the resulting menu, and select a
location to save the file (e.g., your Desktop). Go to that location
and double-click the file. Restart Windows. To undo the "damage," use
the appropriate file in the fourth column. Editing (or tweaking) the
Windows registry can get you in a lot of trouble and may make Windows unusable. This
procedure is therefore a last resort and should not be done before troubleshoot
the hardware. This procedure may also fix slow Local Area Network connections. Note: this
procedure may mess-up dial-up connections if you are still using a MODEM.
Larry
Windows FAQ Index
Also, see Windows
Tips and Tricks.
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