DSL and connectivity issues

[newgrandpa]

I am using IE and it doesn't seem to be the problem. My DSL drops connection whenever it wants to. My equipment has been checked out and seems to be functioning properly including the modem. Dropping internet connection during a session, especially a survey, is very frustrating and money losing. Service provider has been contacted and says everything OK. Any suggestions?

[falcon9]

I am using IE and it doesn't seem to be the problem. My DSL drops connection whenever it wants to. My equipment has been checked out and seems to be functioning properly including the modem. Dropping internet connection during a session, especially a survey, is very frustrating and money losing. Service provider has been contacted and says everything OK. Any suggestions?

I'd suggest switching to a cable connection however, that's only marginally better in regards to connection reliability.  There are too many variables which can affect any internet connection, (whether dialup, DSL, wireless, cable, T1 line, satellite, etc.), and service outages cannot be entirely eliminated.  Basically, the decision usually becomes a trade-off balancing cost, speed and connection reliability which is up to you.

[Abrupt]

I am using IE and it doesn't seem to be the problem. My DSL drops connection whenever it wants to. My equipment has been checked out and seems to be functioning properly including the modem. Dropping internet connection during a session, especially a survey, is very frustrating and money losing. Service provider has been contacted and says everything OK. Any suggestions?

Have you had line tests performed to check for issues?  I think most modems can perform an evaluation and give various signal to noise ratios and other packet loss details.  This information can prove useful in determining if there is some sort of intermittent line issues such as moisture, or an old exposed line or some sort of interference.  If your DSL is also on a line with a land phone, make sure you have the filters installed where they need to be installed (I have seen people chain filters off already filtered devices and this is not a suggested thing to do and can cause errors itself).

[newgrandpa]

Have you had line tests performed to check for issues?  I think most modems can perform an evaluation and give various signal to noise ratios and other packet loss details.  This information can prove useful in determining if there is some sort of intermittent line issues such as moisture, or an old exposed line or some sort of interference.  If your DSL is also on a line with a land phone, make sure you have the filters installed where they need to be installed (I have seen people chain filters off already filtered devices and this is not a suggested thing to do and can cause errors itself).
[/quote] Thanks. I have worked with my service provider, AT&T, online to reset the modem twice. Operation was successful. AT&T also provides a "Fix it" package that says eveything is OK with my system. However, once I ran those software tests I deleted that software. Did not get a warm fuzzy feeling. I have visually inspected the lines and installed them myself years ago. DSL is also on a land phone and filters are installed properly. But, phone line to the computer runs through a surge protector, then to filter, then to modem and phone.

I am unclear as to how to make the modem do a self test. No clue.

Have to run "Windows XP" diagnose connection problems a lot to restore connectivity. Again unclear as to how to understand the report details.

Found a "Connectivity Fixer" package on CNET but you have to pay for it's auto fix feature. Manual only.

I must go for free stuff. Broke. Any further suggestions? 

[patapon555]

I would try resetting the modem to see if that helps. If not, then call your ISP and see what's up.

[newgrandpa]

Excerpt from last diagnostic report. Seems to me my ISP is the problem. Is that correct? Just joined Windows Improvement Program in hopes of getting some answers.

"HTTP, HTTPS, FTP connectivity

warn HTTP: Error 12007 connecting to www.microsoft.com: The server name or address could not be resolved 
warn HTTPS: Error 12007 connecting to www.microsoft.com: The server name or address could not be resolved 
warn FTP (Passive): Error 12007 connecting to ftp.microsoft.com: The server name or address could not be resolved 
warn HTTP: Error 12007 connecting to www.hotmail.com: The server name or address could not be resolved 
info FTP (Active): Successfully connected to ftp.microsoft.com.
warn HTTPS: Error 12029 connecting to www.passport.net: A connection with the server could not be established 
error Could not make an HTTP connection.
error Could not make an HTTPS connection. "

[Abrupt]

Those errors don't reveal enough to determine what sort of problem there is, but many people have had similar problems and here is one sample I found where a solution seemed to fix the issue:  http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/ie/forum/ie8-windows_other/error-12007-the-server-name-or-address-could-not/2cbfb8a8-8970-4aaf-843c-1c781dc8053f

You can test basic line performance/reliability against sites such as http://www.speedtest.net/ and http://pingtest.net/.

I will hold off on suggesting accessing the modem until a last resort as that is more involved, but I am interested in knowing if there are regular land line phones in your home too.  With land line phones you will have to have filters on the lines going to them to prevent calls from knocking out your internet.  Additionally with land line phones you can do the 'poor mans' line check by picking up the phone and quickly and repeatedly tapping the hangup button until you get a clear line.  Listen for static on this line (be warned that you will get the typical beeping/notification noise/message after a short period so you only have a brief moment to listen for static, humms, pops, crackles, hisses).

[newgrandpa]

Those errors don't reveal enough to determine what sort of problem there is, but many people have had similar problems and here is one sample I found where a solution seemed to fix the issue:  http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/ie/forum/ie8-windows_other/error-12007-the-server-name-or-address-could-not/2cbfb8a8-8970-4aaf-843c-1c781dc8053f

You can test basic line performance/reliability against sites such as http://www.speedtest.net/ and http://pingtest.net/.

I will hold off on suggesting accessing the modem until a last resort as that is more involved, but I am interested in knowing if there are regular land line phones in your home too.  With land line phones you will have to have filters on the lines going to them to prevent calls from knocking out your internet.  Additionally with land line phones you can do the 'poor mans' line check by picking up the phone and quickly and repeatedly tapping the hangup button until you get a clear line.  Listen for static on this line (be warned that you will get the typical beeping/notification noise/message after a short period so you only have a brief moment to listen for static, humms, pops, crackles, hisses).

Thanks again. speedtest and pingtest say all is well. 2 landline phones. Phones and modem use same lines. Static on one phone well away from modem. Other phone at computer is clear. All phones are filtered. Incoming calls do not interrupt internet connection. Have to read microsoft answers. Long one. Problem persists. Heavy in the mornings.     

[abdyer2001]

LOL you know DSL is also an abbreviation for a kinda nasty comment..

[newgrandpa]

For Abrupt. Unplugged my DSL from surge protector. Straight into phone jack. Seems to have helped. But now "packet test" is unsuccessful.

[newgrandpa]

Problem was finally solved for the most part. Complaints to the ISP, new DSL modem, Ethernet connection instead of USB and working out of a newer computer. Even my job applications and resume uploads were previously "lost" by potential employers. Cannot rule out IE8 problems on previous computer. Seems "murphy" got me!