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General discussion

Help with Connection

Dec 26, 2014 12:30AM PST

I am so frustrated, as I am not a computer person. Here is the problem. I have one computer that disconnects from the internet after 5 minutes, maybe 10 minutes, maybe half an hour. This machine is Windows 7. All of my other computers connect just fine and stay connected. If I take the computer to another location and hook to the internet, it does the exact same thing. I have spent hours looking through posts all over the internet, but nothing specifically addresses this problem. This is a new problem in the last few months. When it is connected it won't upload to my website server, so my webpage won't update. This is a new machine. Will you please help? Thank you !!!

Discussion is locked

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Sorry
Dec 26, 2014 12:36AM PST

I don't see enough detail save ONE THING that helps diagnose this one. The fact it is new, and failing means you have options. 1. Call the maker and work it out. 2. Return it as defective.

Why Windows 7? Those are getting hard to find and with Classic Shell what we missed in 8 returns along with having many more choices in products.
Bob

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Thank you
Dec 26, 2014 12:48AM PST

My daughter built the computer. She is not local right now, so she can't help. I like Windows XP, but had to have a 7 machine to install Dreamweaver. But that is beside the point. The computer works perfectly, just not the internet connection.

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That's why details matter.
Dec 26, 2014 12:55AM PST

There are so many reasons for this to fail that we have to begin at the basics.

You didn't reveal if rebooting makes it work again.
Bob

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Yes
Dec 26, 2014 12:58AM PST

Yes, as a matter of fact it does !!!!

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Then we have
Dec 26, 2014 1:04AM PST

It worked for months. Now it doesn't.

That's not much to work with BUT a recurring hit for me (only about half the time) are new Windows users (even seasoned ones fall for this one) is to accept drivers from Microsoft.

Right or wrong, Microsoft is still assuming Windows users learn the OS about System Restore as well as driver rollback.

There's also issues with some security suites that shut down your internet connection as they get close to their renewal dates. Or the date/time is too far off.

-> Again, we're working in a vacuum here so take these ideas with some latitude.
Bob

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ok
Dec 26, 2014 1:08AM PST

You bring up interesting points. Drivers, I understand that. And I do have to reset the clock and date from time to time....hmmm? Ok, thank you again. I know this was asking a lot of people. I do appreciate the ideas.

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There's a SMALL clue.
Dec 26, 2014 1:48AM PST
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/synchronise-computer-time-internet-custom-schedule-windows-7/ shows that Windows 7 can sync time with the internet so the fact you have to adjust tells me something is up.

That is, in the old days we had to enable this but about a decade ago it is turned on (enabled) by default so something is off here.

-> I hate to broach this area but must. Are your sure this is a legitimate Windows? Why I ask is one of the cracks we see from time to time (no pun intended) is the crack breaks the internet time service and internet connection problems follow the owner as Microsoft updates Windows and the crack collides with the updates.
Bob
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Re: daughter
Dec 26, 2014 12:59AM PST

The problem is that nobody on this forum is local either. So since we don't know what your daughter did, we can even help less via this forum than she can help via phone, mail or whatsapp.

I have to agree with Bob: "call the maker". It's the only solution, apart from bringing it to a repair shop or buying a new Windows 8.1 PC.

Kees

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Thank you
Dec 26, 2014 1:02AM PST

Thank you for taking the time to respond and advise.

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Re: help with connection
Dec 26, 2014 12:47AM PST

I see 2 problems here:
1. Connection fails after some time (between 5 to 30 minutes). You forgot to tell if it's a wired or a wirelsss connection.
2. When it is connected, it won't upload to the server that hosts your website. You forgot to tell what program you use to upload (let's say Filezilla) and what error messages it gives (let's say: invalid password).

For problem 1 the usuals are:
a. See if it stays connected if you use Linux (free download, burn the image to DVD and boot from it).
b. See if it stays connected if you go back to factory conditions from your recovery media, without any program that possibly interferes.
The usual solution for failing hardware is to replace it (under warranty). The usual solution for Windows issues is to start all over if you can't fix it.

For problem 2 there's just not enough information to guess if it's related to problem 1 or if it's just some setting in your upload program. I think it's the last, but most likely you'll have to redo those settings anyway after you fixed problem 1. So that's the first priority.

By the way, it's somewhat amazing that a new machine has Windows 7. Did it really come with it, or did you downgrade from Windows 8?

Kees

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Thank you
Dec 26, 2014 12:51AM PST

The connection is wired, and I use Dreamweaver. I'm not a technology person, so I won't understand much of the terminology...... sorry.

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Problem Resolved
Dec 26, 2014 12:18PM PST

Rolled back to the previous driver, and all is well. I am so glad that Bob mentioned that. Thank you, thank you, thank you !!!!!

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Re: driver
Dec 26, 2014 9:59PM PST

Good job, and thanks for telling. But why did you update the driver?

Kees