modem on its last legs?

Will73 · 11-07-2006, 18:06

I'm wondering if anyone can identify this problem that has happened both yesterday and today when i have switched my computer on, after getting in from work:

I switch both the modem (NTL:100 connected via ethernet) and computer on at the plug and then immediately boot up the computer. Windows loads but i have no internet connection at all e.g. via internet explorer and MSN doesn't log in, despite the modem looking ready to go. I clicked the troubleshoot button on MSN and it said something about no I.P. address found.

I can remedy this by shutting everything down, turning everything off at the plug, then just powering the modem back on at the socket and letting it go through its cycle for 30 secs or so until it is ready, THEN turning the computer on. Hey presto - I now have an internet connection!

It's almost as if in order to get a connection i have to treat it as if i have hooked up to the modem by ethernet for the first time - i.e. powering the modem on and letting it get settled before booting up the PC.

so, do you reckon the modem is on its way out, the ethernet card is breaking (its only about 6 months old...) or NTL are just playing about with the network in my area (Cambridge CB4)..?

Cheers,
Will

jellybaby · 11-07-2006, 18:23

Have you tried repairing your connection when this happens (right click they network icon near your clock)

It just maybe your computer boots up and is ready before the modem has kicked in.

Will73 · 11-07-2006, 18:50

I know the network icon you mean - but that doesn't appear!

Its worked fine for months, its just in the last two days it has done this

joggerspark · 12-07-2006, 08:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will73

I know the network icon you mean - but that doesn't appear!

Its worked fine for months, its just in the last two days it has done this

did it used to appear before this problem started? if so then the problem may be with the network card or the driver...

banjo · 12-07-2006, 09:13

This is normal, all you have to do is power on your modem and wait for the two right hand lights to come on solid before switching on your computer and you should ok.

I have the same set up as you and this is what I have always done

Will73 · 12-07-2006, 09:21

If you are talking about the icon with two small screens, then that has only ever appeared when the ethernet cable is pulled out. I think it's set to 'hide' in the system tray, if all is running well.

---------- Post added at 09:21 ---------- Previous post was at 09:16 ----------

banjo - That's why i think there is a problem, as although you say it's normal, it has only just started happening in the last two days. It's been working fine for months, previously.

I am beginning to wonder if the modem is taking slightly longer to boot up. I'm just trying to pre-empt a major issue where I lose my connection altogether, and the subsequent frustration that will follow in NTL trying to sort it out

banjo · 12-07-2006, 09:34

Will, I am talking about the lights on the modem not on the monitor screen, I have always had to go through the same procedure every morning as I turn my modem off over night, if I do not wait for the two right hand lights to go "solid" then as you say I do not get a connection but this has always been the same for me

Will73 · 12-07-2006, 10:50

Yep, sounds like our connections are doing the same thing. It's just that mine has only just started doing that!

hmmm...just had a thought... I wonder if its because i uninstalled ZoneAlarm a few days ago and so windows now boots quicker than it takes for the modem to settle on the two solid lights on the right hand side. I think that could be it you know.

godster · 12-07-2006, 14:07

Will I live in Cambridge also (CB2). I've noticed since they rolled out the upgrades from last week my connection has been extremely unstable. At points as though there is no longer a connection with similar symptoms i.e. cannot connect to msn and unable to load any web pages.

I've not contacted them as yet but just wondered is anyone else in the cambs area was experiencing the same problems. At times my connection will be fine and run at a nice speed then dies, almost as if someone has pulled the plug!!!

banjo · 12-07-2006, 17:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will73

Yep, sounds like our connections are doing the same thing. It's just that mine has only just started doing that!

hmmm...just had a thought... I wonder if its because i uninstalled ZoneAlarm a few days ago and so windows now boots quicker than it takes for the modem to settle on the two solid lights on the right hand side. I think that could be it you know.

Bingo, I think you have cracked it as your connection has to be made before your computer is fully booted, or you will get this problem

SnoopZ · 12-07-2006, 17:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will73

Yep, sounds like our connections are doing the same thing. It's just that mine has only just started doing that!

hmmm...just had a thought... I wonder if its because i uninstalled ZoneAlarm a few days ago and so windows now boots quicker than it takes for the modem to settle on the two solid lights on the right hand side. I think that could be it you know.

Just leave the modem on 24/7 like your meant to do and see if you run into any problems. Good job uninstalling ZA as its not very good and is causing alot of problems with people that are on the 4mb tier at the moment.

TheNorm · 12-07-2006, 18:13

I've had no problems in Cambridge all day today. I do as SnoopZ says, leave my modem (and router) on all the time. I only "power cycle" (switch off, wait 10 seconds, switch on) if there is a problem connecting to the internet - which is several times per month ...