Strange dns issue...

[Chris W]

Ok so i don't really think it is a dns issue, but i can't work out what it is... so here comes the information...

My setup: Laptop wirelessly connected to Linksys WRT54G via 3com CMX to ntl BB. Laptop 128mb ram, pentium 998, win2k, fully patched, AV/ spyware free.

My problem: at completely random intervals i will get pcbd/ cannot find server on every site that i try.

The solution: Logging onto the router config page, clicking dhcp renew, then refreshing the page.

What i have ruled out...
- I am not going through a proxy, even if i specify one it doesn't make a difference
- I have tried using non-ntl dns
- I have tried 3 different firmware versions for the router
- Connecting wired to the router doesn't make any difference
- When the connection drops i can browse by ip
- nslookups work fine all of the times
- pings/ traceroutes etc are showing no problems
- I get the same problem whether i use IE6 or firefox

The strange parts...

- It sounds like a router issue, but none of the other computers on the network have the same problem
- I don't think it is a network issue, because i had the same problem when connected to ADSL at Ann's house
- So it makes it seem like a pc issue... but.... I get the same problem when running in safe mode with networking and there are no processes running that would cause the problem.

Any ideas would be appreciated!!

MB

EDIT: forgot to mention that my combined AV/firewall/adblocking/ spyware application has been ruled out as well

[greencreeper]

No specific help but on the basis of what you say I'd agree that it sounds like a PC issue - only other thing is an emergent problem caused by the interaction of two components. You've eliminated software on the PC, but what about hardware?

[Chris W]

Originally Posted by greencreeper

No specific help but on the basis of what you say I'd agree that it sounds like a PC issue - only other thing is an emergent problem caused by the interaction of two components. You've eliminated software on the PC, but what about hardware?

On the hardware side i haven't changed anything since i put the wireless card in and that was over a year ago...

[greencreeper]

Hmmm. You're at the stage where I'd start looking at the things it can't possibly be.

I dunno - everyone has to have a complicated setup these days.

[Chris W]

bump...

[SOSAGES]

if the laptop can - just connect it straight to the modem see what happens then

[Chris W]

Originally Posted by SOSAGES

if the laptop can - just connect it straight to the modem see what happens then

Not easily when i am here because i have to sit in the cupboard downstairs where the modem is!!

I did get the same problem when i was connected to ADSL at my g/fs house... and given that no-one else in the house is having the same problem i think i can rule out the modem and router.

[Seb]

I am having similar problems with one of the machines on my network. The internet will work for 5-10 minutes, then the DNS connection fails, and can not resolve any domains (apart from teh one i am currently browsing), any ideas?