Tech Help: Internet shuts down randomly

[Nimbus]

I have a computer problem for you tech-head escapists; my internet, in short, is fucked.


Basically after a short while using the internet, it completely cuts out as if I had unplugged the cable* and then I have to restart the computer. I have noticed that it seems to disconnect a lot faster when I am doing something internet intensive, such as bittorrent or IRC DCC transfers.


Take into consideration that this is not a problem with the modem (I'm on DSL by the way, no router) as other things on the network seem to continue working perfectly.


Also take into account that it is almost definitely not a hardware issue. I don't think that my Vista boot on the same computer has the same issue (I can't confirm this, however. Long story, with issues for another day).


Things I have already tried to fix it include:
-Restarting the DNS Client service, although I don't know why I thought that would work.
-Re-installing the TCP/IP service (Had to use the cmd prompt and use Netshell or something like that)
Needless to say, neither worked.


If you need any more information, I will be back in about 8 hours. Heading to sleep right now.


Please try and help. My only other option if "ask the escapist" fails is a complete reinstall of windows, and that would be difficult as I no longer have my serial or a CD.






*Note: The computer doesn't actually notice this, the network connections icon finds no problems unless I actually unplug and re connect the cable, in which case I get a "limited or no connectivity" notice.

 

[Low Key]

I hate to ask this, but did you check for a browser update? Or maybe you statically set your IP and forget to change it back?

 

[Nimbus]

I hate to ask this, but did you check for a browser update? Or maybe you statically set your IP and forget to change it back?

My IRC and torrent downloads also stop, so it has nothing to do with the browser. Could you expand on what you mean about the IP thing? I was messing around with my modem setting a few months back and that might have done it, but it didn't affect anything else on the network or my Vista boot, so I didn't think that would have been it.

 

[Low Key]

In the control panel, click on "Network & Sharing Center". I'm using Win7 right now, but I'm pretty sure it's the same for Vista.

It should look something like this:

Spoiler

Click the link in the Network box that says "View Status" to get to this:

Spoiler

Click on "Properties" and a list will come up:

Spoiler

Then click on TCP/IPv4 and click "Properties" on that to get to the other screen in my above photo. Make sure everything says it's obtaining IP addresses automatically and click "OK".

If that doesn't work, I don't know what to tell ya.