Mysterious Loss of Internet Connection ?

[like2edit]

About a week ago I noticed after my PC was idle for perhaps and hour I could no longer access the Internet or email. When this happens I have to reboot my PC to regain Internet access.

I have Windows XP MCE and I use a cable modem for the internet. It appears there's nothing wrong with the modem. When I lose access I tried rebooting the modem- that didn't do anything. Also, all the lights on the modem look normal even after I lose Internet access.

Could this be some kind of virus or spyware issue? My virus software PC-cillen has not detected anyting. I haven't installed anything new on the PC related to the internet. I did install a few screen video capture programs recently which I will be uninstalling now.

 

[tlcscousin]

It sounds like the network cards power management setting is allowing the computer to shut off the card to save power.

you can check to see if the card has a power management tab by going to device manager and the properties of the NIC
Look for a power management tab and if present remove any check mark present.

 

[micker377]

Do you have a router in the system?

 

[linney]

If all else fails, and it was working a week ago, maybe using System Restore to get back to that time might help you?

 

[like2edit]

I did end up doing a system restore and it appears the problem is gone.

fyi, I have a relatively new Dell XPS, so I called in the problem to tech support. Right off the bat the guy told me to reinstall my O/S. I told that seemed extreme and only then did he suggest a system restore, but he added it would likely be a waste of time. It appears he was wrong.