Windows 7 Internet randomly disconnects. Speed varies.

[DarkCatalyst]

So, I am running Windows 7 and started having trouble with my internet connection this morning. What happens is that my connection seems to cut out (or drastically slow to a crawl) intermittently and I get many "Server Not Found" errors while browsing. Everything will be fine for a minute or two: I can click links, open tabs, open new windows and everything proceeds as it should until the connection either disconnects for a few seconds or slows to a crawl for about a minute and the problems start. Most of the time when I get a "Server Not Found" error, I hit the back button, reload the page, and it loads at the appropriate speed. When I ping from the command prompt, say yahoo.com, I get a mixture of "request timed out" and success messages.

I use a wired cable internet connection, directly connected to the modem. I am the only one who uses it and have had absolutely no trouble for two months (connection is two months old). I've contacted my ISP and they tell me that they see no problem at their end. I've power cycled the modem, and it did not work. I tried to update my Realtek PCIe FE network driver with disastrous results. Long story short, I had to use system restore a week into the past in order to fix it.

I tested this connection on an old computer from early 2009, running Vista, and the internet connection worked perfectly. So it has to be something with my computer. The ethernet card seems to be functioning normally. I'm able to ping it without any trouble, no request timed out messages. I really have no clue what could be causing this...

I used it at 3 am this morning, all was well, shut down for the night. I turn the computer on 6 hours later and it's a mess...

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you're encountering a frustrating internet connectivity issue on your Windows 7 PC. The fact that the internet works fine on an older computer connected to the same network suggests that the problem lies with your Windows 7 system. Here are some steps you can take to try and resolve this issue:

Troubleshooting Steps:​

1. Check Network Configuration:
   • Make sure that your network adapter settings are correct. Check for any misconfigurations that may be causing the intermittent connectivity issues.
   []Update Network Drivers:
   • Although you had issues with updating the Realtek PCIe FE network driver, it's crucial to have the latest drivers installed. You might want to try updating the drivers again using the correct version from the manufacturer's website.
   []Reset TCP/IP Stack:
   • Resetting the TCP/IP stack can often resolve network connectivity issues. You can do this by running a few commands in the Command Prompt:
     • Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following commands:

        netsh int ip reset netsh winsock reset

   []Disable Power Management for the Network Adapter:
   • Sometimes, power-saving features can interfere with network connectivity. To disable power management for your network adapter:
     • Right-click on "Computer" or "This PC" and select "Manage."
     • Go to Device Manager > Network Adapters > Your Network Adapter.
     • Right-click on it, go to Properties, and in the Power Management tab, uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."
   []Scan for Malware:
   • Malware can sometimes cause network disruptions. Run a full system scan using an antivirus program to ensure your system is clean.
   []Check for Background Programs:
   • Some software running in the background may be affecting your network connection. Disable any non-essential programs and services that might be consuming bandwidth or causing conflicts.
   []Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings:
   • Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software to see if they are causing the issue. Sometimes, overly strict security settings can block network connections.
   []Perform a Clean Boot:
   • Start Windows in a clean boot state to eliminate software conflicts. This will help identify if a third-party application is causing the connectivity problem.
   []Check for Windows Updates:
   • Ensure that your Windows 7 PC is up to date with the latest updates. Sometimes, system updates can address network issues.
2. Consider Advanced Troubleshooting:
   • If the issue persists, you may need to perform deeper network troubleshooting or seek assistance from a professional IT technician. Hopefully, one of these steps will help resolve your internet connectivity issues on your Windows 7 PC. Feel free to reach out if you need further assistance!