Have to switch PC on twice to connect!

[bertJ]

I can never connect to the web first time when I switch my PC on. I always have to switch the PC off and the modem etc. off completely then switch back on before I can connect. I always switch the ntl cable modem and Linksys router on before the PC. Once connected there's never any problem.
The strange thing is that the Local Area connection icon shows a 100.0 Mbps connection as being present the first time but I can't connect until I switch off etc. I've tried right clicking the icon and selecting repair but it doesn't help.
I've tried connecting the modem directly to the PC thus 'removing' the router but the results are variable; sometimes it connects first time but not always.
I'm running WinXP Pro SR2 with AVG using 1mb BB.
I'd be very grateful for ideas!

[MovedGoalPosts]

Very odd, if you have similar issues with or without the router, that rules out your network. It's either the modem or your computer settings.

Have a look at the drivers loaded for the network card on your PC. Are there newer versions available? Check also the settings for the internet connection on that card. Does it obtain everything dynamically? Is the card set to autonegotiate speeds.

Have a look too at energy saving settings on the PC - does it make any difference iif things like standby and hard disk shutdowns are disabled?

[Raistlin]

What software firewall are you running

[bertJ]

Originally Posted by Raistlin

What software firewall are you running

Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta 1.

[Neil]

Originally Posted by bertJ

Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta 1.

That's not a firewall.

[bertJ]

Originally Posted by Neil

That's not a firewall.

Sorry! I'm being thick or my brain's stopped working. WinXP SP2 own firewall is installed.

[Raistlin]

Power down the mode, and then turn the firewall off.

Power down the PC.

Connect the router back into the equation.

Turn the modem on, wait for the lights to settle.

Turn the router on, wait for the lights to settle.

Turn the PC on, wait for the HDD activity light to settle, and then log in.

If all is well on this boot then it's the XP firewall which is causing problems, it could be stopping your router/modem from correctly identifying the PC and that will stop you connection dead in its tracks.

The reason I said to re-connect the router before doing this is that this will give you the protection of the in-built firewall in the router after you turn the XP one off.

See if this helps, if it doesn't we'll need to look at something else, it could be one of the settings in the router for example - you're not using it wirelessly are you?

[bertJ]

Thanks very much for suggestions. I've updated the network card driver and tried disabling the firewall. Things seem to be OK but I'll not know until the PC has been off for a few hours. I'll try it later tonight or tomorrow and report back.

[Raistlin]

Originally Posted by bertJ

Thanks very much for suggestions. I've updated the network card driver and tried disabling the firewall. Things seem to be OK but I'll not know until the PC has been off for a few hours. I'll try it later tonight or tomorrow and report back.

[simbr]

You might want to check that your firewall isn't blocking DHCP. If after booting you can't view webpages again, try clicking 'start' then 'run' then typing 'ipconfig /renew all' and see if that makes a difference (had a similar problem with one of my machines in the past).

[Raistlin]

Originally Posted by simbr

You might want to check that your firewall isn't blocking DHCP. If after booting you can't view webpages again, try clicking 'start' then 'run' then typing 'ipconfig /renew all' and see if that makes a difference (had a similar problem with one of my machines in the past).

Good point, I'm hoping that by disabling the XP firewall we can make sure this isn't the case

[jaycee]

Don't switch off the modem would be the best option. It's probable that the modem has not finished starting up and aquiring a connection before your router requests an address from it, which means nothing works.

Also if you're using a router, you don't need the XP firewall enabled - your router is doing a far better job of keeping you protected.

[bertJ]

Everybody - Thanks for all your help. Everything is working OK today; I've left the firewall switched off - so far, so good. A minor point; is it OK to leave the modem and the router switched on all the time - they seem to get quite hot, also the relevant transformer plugs?
Cheers

[MovedGoalPosts]

You can leave modem and router running 24/7. They are designed to be always on bits of kit. Just make sure they aren't hidden in unventilated cupboards.

[Raistlin]

Originally Posted by bertJ

Everybody - Thanks for all your help. Everything is working OK today; I've left the firewall switched off - so far, so good. A minor point; is it OK to leave the modem and the router switched on all the time - they seem to get quite hot, also the relevant transformer plugs?
Cheers

Yep, mine have been on almost constantly since they were installed 8 months ago (only been turned off when I re-route cables or during power cuts)

Although the router is protecting you from the "outside world" it's worth getting a software firewall that won't cause problems as well.

It sounds like your firewall was blocking some sort of requests from the modem/router (possibly the DHCP request/acknowledgement) - it is possible to properly configure a firewall so it will allow these requests to pass, the trick is doing that while still keeping the system secure.

I wouldn't waste any more time with the XP firewall though - it only protects from inbound traffic (and your router does that for you anyway), you need a proper software firewalll that can be correctly configured and which will stop anything nasty from creating an outbound connection without your knowledge.