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Question

problem with computers not receiving packets :(

Mar 1, 2013 2:16AM PST

So, some weeks back while using my main PC, the internet stopped working for me - when checking the connection it was showing that packets were being sent, but not received.

Weirdly, it would start working at normal speed after a while, only to cut out again every 30 minutes to an hour.

This problem has plagued me on and off since then, with only a small time-span in between (maybe 3 days) that it was running fine, then the problems started up again.

I'm not all that tech savvy, but I've googled the problem since it started and tried just about every fix ever suggested to people who had this problem (that I'm aware of) - I've tried:
* buying a new router - NOTE: this problem seems to happen with both routers, and it's a recent thing so even after resetting my old router with the same settings I've always used (and that always worked), the problem was still there regardless.
* updating my nvidia device drivers (also went to look for firmware for my router but there was no updates on what I already had)
* running a virus scan in safe mode (Avast! Antivirus) of both the quick and more lengthy sorts, and a boot-time scan. Got rid of 5 malwares (1 high risk, 4 low).
* used registry cleaner, and Winsockxp fix.
* Restoring my computer to time before the problems started via Restore point.
* Ran check disc tool.
*possibly more that I can't remember anymore.

Needless to say - nothing has worked.

However, when I linked up my laptop with the same internet connection today, the same problems occurred there, so I guess it's not a problem with my PC after all?

Just in case it matters - PC is on XP, laptop is on Vista.

Any suggestions about what the problem could be or what I could do about it? Again, I'm not all that great when it comes to tech stuff, so

Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Test the hardware.
Mar 1, 2013 2:23AM PST

I see lots of writing about the PC but since the connection (Ethernet) doesn't work on other PCs why not try it back at the router with another cable on another port?

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router ports, etc
Mar 1, 2013 2:27AM PST

well, I tested it with two different cables in two different ports on the router, with the same problem.

I'm not sure if that was what you meant?

Also, just adding (since I can't edit my post) - the DHCP Lease is set to 24 hours too, so I guess it can't be that either.

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Given the story.
Mar 1, 2013 2:46AM PST

I begin to wonder if it's your gear at all. Take your laptop to a free WiFi hot spot and it should be fine. Next call? Your ISP.
Bob

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hmm..
Mar 1, 2013 3:28AM PST

Could it possibly be due to a Windows Security Update (KB2789643) refusing to install?

This is a problem that occurred on both computers around the time the update came out, and no matter what I do it always seems to result in an error. I've tried suggestions/fixes on the windows update site but none have worked.. frustrating!

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http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2789643 = No.
Mar 1, 2013 3:33AM PST

No, that's the rather common .NET failure. .NET is not used here so I hope we can forget that for now.

The .NET failure is widely discussed, the fix for that is well known so I no longer discuss it. I uninstall .NET and move to the next issue.
Bob