PLEASE HELP!!! No one knows the answer..sniff :-(

[Foxsniper22]

HELP ME PLEASE!!!! I'm sorry to repeat this question...But I'm going crazy with this problem!
I have: Intel. Pent. lll 800 MHZ.
128MB PC-100 SDRAM
Pent. lll Element 933 Mother Board
30 GB Hard Drive
32 MB AGP Video Graph. Accel.
v.90 56K Lucent Win Modem
Windows 98 SE

Here's my problem............I as you can see from my information, use a modem and dial up internet service. When using the internet, I have no problem getting online. When I log on, in the bottom right hand portion of my screen on the task bar the two little monitors pop-up and flash on and off. As I move around the internet or even select different items off each page, I am able to do so with decent speed for dial up. I click on the item I want to view or select the place I want to go, the two little monitors on my task bar either start or still are flashing on and off and away I go to my new destination. Here's the problem: Quite often when I select an item, it becomes highlighted or outlined and the little hour glass appears along-side my mouse pointer as it's suppose to.....but I get no response from my modem (or from windows) which ever is at fault. I sit and wait.....and wait...and wait for up to and sometimes over a minute (which can seem like an eternity when trying to get something done!). Then suddenly the little monitors on the task bar start flashing....and away I go. This happens quite regularly...but I can see no pattern present. I had a Connexant modem with the same problem, and then installed this Lucent to see if it would make a difference...but it's the same. I have the latest driver installed, and I've had the phone company test my line for noise...and it tests in the green ...which I'm told is excellent! Please, PLEASE!!! Help me.. If you can...I have been unable to find anyone that can figure this out.

[SilverBack]

Hi there
From what I understand you can connect to your ISP but cannot downlosd anything after that.
Its possible that your TCP/IP is corrupted. Click on the Internet icon in the taskbar(the flashing green monitors) and see what it shows on the Bytes sent and Bytes received. If they are only a few hundred Bytes then you have a problem.
Get your Windows CD ready.
To reinsatall TCP/IP go to Start>Settings>Control Panel>Network
If TCP/IP is there under the Configuration tab, highlight it and remove it.
Now install it again. Click on Add button.
Then double click on Protocol in the Select Network Component. Choose Microsoft in the manufacturers list.
Then click TCP/IP in the Network Protocols list.
Click OK.
Restart your system.
Hope that solves your problem
SilverBack

[Foxsniper22]

Hi Silverback:
I'm sorry I guess my discription of my problem must be a little confusing. Most of the time when I'm using the internet (dial-up) it works fine. Downloading files and programs works fine. However, quite often while online and trying to move to a different page or select something different on the page I'm on ....I click on what I want.....and ........nothing happens. It's as if the internet, my modem or my windows just quit working or froze up. The little monitors in the bottom right hand corner of my screen on the task bar....( I call them internet activity indicators) are black and not flashing at all. I then have to wait and wait for up to a minute or slightly longer ..... and then suddenly by themselves.. the little monitors start flashing and it's like the internet or my monitor start working again. Everything will work normally then untill the next freeze up ..... or lock up happens .....let's say 7 or 8 clicks down the road. And then the same thing happens...click to surf .... nothing happens....little screens are black...wait...wait....wait...suddenly they start flashing.....and back to normal surfing. I hope that clears it up. I know what you are talking about ....and that seems fine....but thanks for trying!! Foxsniper22

[report_2]

Sorry to say but what you describe is normal. When you click on a link, any link it sends the signal and then waits for a reply. If the site you are trying to access is very busy it will take a long time to get a reply to your request.
Go to View and activate the Status Bar at the bottom of your screen as it will tell you what is happening, e.g. connecting, waiting for reply or downloading and my favorite "done"

[SilverBack]

Hi Foxsniper22
It could be related to the traffic as report_2 suggested. Check out if the problem persists during your ISP's off peak hours.

[Foxsniper22]

Hi Report_2:
I'm sorry .... but I beg to differ, I always have my status bar active. I have seen all the status bar listings as you have described....and "done" is my favorite also....LOL. When this particular problem happens....I get absolutely no reaction from the status bar. As soon as the the little monitors start flashing on the -----> RH side of the "Status Bar" ... THEN I will recieve the trusty little "Status Quotes....such as "Web site found" "Waiting for reply" or what ever. But the whole time that I am waiting....I have nothing on the lower "Status Bar" on the LH side where you would commonly see those statements. Thanks anyway.....Oh BTW.... I have used alot of friends machines and several at the Store where I purchased my Puter....and this problem does not happen on them. Thanks for the input anyway!!! Foxsniper22

[shamus]

save whats important to you and reinstall the O.S. It gets to the point with any Win product where it's not a question of "why" it's more of a question of "how do I remedy it?". I have spent WAY to many hours on the latter and have found the former to be more time efficient. Just my2cents.

[report_2]

For this suggestion you will have to take it with a grain of salt...

At my place of employment I have the same problem. To resolve it I go to Start/Run, type in winipcfg and hit OK. Then I hit the "Release All" button and then hit the "Renew All button" which re-inputs the IP numbers, this puts me back on line and FLYING until it happens again in an undetermined amount of time. I simply do the winipcfg deal again.

At work I am on a network and I have never had this problem at home on cable so I have never tried it outside of work.

I have no networking knowledge and I fear that it may not "Renew All" as hoped causing you to have to contact your ISP to get the correct settings. That would be the worst case scenerio though.

You decide if it is better than a re-install.

[billydee]

Try this diagnostics site:

http://www.pcpitstop.com/internet/default.asp

PC Pitstop's Internet Connection Center can help. The Center is the place to start to help diagnose--and hopefully fix--connection problems for your home or office system. We've built a series of diagnostics to help you determine if you're getting optimal performance from your connection. The tools will also help diagnose whether the problem is your modem, your PC, the site you're visiting or your ISP.

Internet connections are affected by a number of factors and can vary from day to day. So check in to the Center regularly to make sure you're always getting the most Internet bang for your buck.

Hope that helps you.

[7ate9]

Hell, after hearing all of that (some of which were good sugestions, others not so well), I would go and rip and reinstall your communications software altogether, as long as you're not on a network that is. Make sure that you have your Windows 98 CD or Cabs first. Head into add/remove programs, windows setup, and uncheck communications. Apply and choose okay, but dont restart. Then head into the network and remove everything in here. choose okay, but again, dont restart when prompted. Goto start, find, files and folders. Do a search for rnasetup.dll, and rename it to rnasetup.old if you can. If not, no biggy. Restart the computer. After restart, head back to add/remove programs, windows setup, and double click communications this time. Check 2 items, Dial Up Networking and Hyperterminal. Choose apply and okay, but no restart if prompted. Head into the Network and make sure you have Client for Microsoft Networks, Dial Up Adapter, and TCP\IP. Choose okay and restart. Try things now. If still not working, I got some reg-hacks we can try.

[1willhackforfood]

I have same problem, click and wait .I have done everything even change from win98 to 95 to 2000 and back again .I think it is the phone companys box down the road..have to find some chain and take a ride in my pickup.hehe

<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small">Edited by 1willhackforfood on 05/05/01 21:59.</FONT></P>

[report_2]

This may sound stupid but...
have you emptied your Temp Internet Files lately?

[Shey]

How much space have you allowd for temp internet files? If you don't allow enough, there's a pause while some are released to make room for more. I use 10MB.

Shey

[Foxsniper22]

Hi there:
I tried your suggestion to no avail......I am not an expert at computers....I just know enough to be dangerous...ha ha. This problem has been a pain forever it seems. I wanted to thank you for taking time to at least try to help!!! Thanks...Foxsniper22

[Foxsniper22]

I would like to thank everyone for taking time out to try and solve my problem! I've tried all your suggestions ... but unfortunately still have the problem. :-( It doesn't happen all the time....but it is quite frequent....about every 7-8 clicks. I'm not sure if this helps...but even when I'm off line and just working with regular files....I have the same thing or similar type problem happening. I can be trying to move around while off line...and get pauses/freezes. At times I can click to switch from one Program to another, and will have to wait for the switch there also. Hope that little extra bit helps..
Thanks, Foxsniper22

[charlie]

Hi ,answer this question

does it tend to happen when another window should open?

Does it happen when the current open window moves deeper in to the place you are going?

[RWSchlatter]

do you happen to know what size your swap file is and if Windows is controlling it?

______________
Regards - Richard

[asmits]

Check this.

do you have the checkbox "logon to network"
enabled in your dial up settings
some isp's require this

[blackdog]

Wellllll friend, I'm not a seasoned 'putor person, but it sounds like your internet cache is overloaded, do you ever dump out the stuff in it????
Also, "temp" file, also "history", Also empty recycle bin. If this don't work, you can cuss me out at "edbobbie@conninc.com".

[Deutschbag]

Hey, looks like you got more help than you bargained for! I get the same problem sometimes. I am running a 56K modem, which already sucks, but when that happens I find that if you right click on the address button and select "open in new window" (I am just guessing at this- mine is in german) that it loads sometimes a little quicker. Just a shot. Later D'bag

[Foxsniper22]

I guess I'm not sure what you mean......anytime you click on a new item a new window opens.....but my puter/internet stops responding before it's even time for the new window to open. Like I said, I click on a new item..and sometimes off I go like it's suppose to and the new window opens....others I click and ................nothing....the little comment that comes up on the lower status bar...(like - web site found, waiting for reply, done) when things are going right ...doesn't even come on until after the wait I have...then the little monitors in the bottom corner of the screen start flashing...the status bar will then show "Web site found".....and it resumes working as normal...I hope that's what you were looking for....Thanks...Fox

[Foxsniper22]

I'm sorry RW.../images/w3t/icons/frown.gif I don't know the size or the controler of my swap files.....If this were the problem.....(just wondering here...I'm not an expert) wouldn't the internet have worked Ok at first until eveything got filled up.??? Please excuse my ignorance if this is not a pertainent question. If this could be my problem....what do I do to remedy it??? Thanks for your time.....Fox /images/w3t/icons/wink.gif

[Foxsniper22]

Hi /images/w3t/icons/smile.gif ..... Yes, I do have "logon to network" enabled in my dialup settings....I have tried it either way to no avail......./images/w3t/icons/frown.gif Thanks....Fox

[Foxsniper22]

Hey Blackdog: I also am not a "seasoned puter person" If my "cache" were overloaded...wouldn't my problem be more consistant? I did try this, and it didn't seem to make a differance....the only thing I noticed is that it seemed to make going to places I have been before.....take longer. Anyway....Thanks much for the input../images/w3t/icons/smile.gif Fox

[Foxsniper22]

Hi Duetschbag: Well...I'm very thankful for all the replies.../images/w3t/icons/wink.gif I'm sure hoping that we find the problem though. I didn't see much difference doing this....besides...I don't think this would be what I want to have to do...If there is an actual fix to my problem....Thanks anyway Bud.../images/w3t/icons/smile.gif Fox

BTW: I don't know why am I listed here as a Visitor?? I'm a member..... Oh well.

<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small">Edited by Foxsniper22 on 05/16/01 09:06.</FONT></P>

[novice]

Hi there,

I just finished reading all of the suggestions you've received and everything thing that I was going to suggest has already been suggested. I do have one possible explanation for your connection problem but you might not like it. Are the phone lines in your area old? I'm thinking that a bottleneck somewhere down the line is the culprit. If the phone system in your area has a lot of analog to digital converters (common when older systems are upgraded) then your signal could be bottlenecking at those areas. Newer systems, or those that have undergone a complete refit, wouldn't have such converters as the data streams are already digital. Normally the converters work fine but if the packet load going through them increases a lot, the connection speed goes way down and sometimes even stops as they try to clear up the channels. I would suggest that you contact your phone company to ask if your system has any such devices along the way. If so, they may be able to give you some suggestions as to how you can speed up your connection. I had the same problem with my phone system although all my phone company could suggest was to try clicking refresh/reload. Note: A cable modem solved all of my problems. =)

Hope this helps.

[RedRoses]

Looked at this with interest... re cap of suggestions:

1)Purge the cache (interenet "temp" files)
2)clean up "the other TEMP" folder--the one that has files that often start with a tilde~
3)don't forget those pesky cookies--I always dump those too
4)check your modem settings (check box suggestion)
5)re-install comm software/OS and some other -reinstalls

I always start with the least "impact" options and work my way up..that's me minimalist as possible - easier to add more salt that to take it out of the soup.

Anyway...the comment about the "old phone system" i.e. antiquated equipment is a very good one. I live in an area with "farmer phones" (picture Green Acres) from what I was told and applying a little math there can only be 78 people using phones at any given time!

Another problem with "old phones" is that though the phone company may have tested and "approved" your connection that is only in regard to voice and telecom is much more sensitive to line noise. You may start out with a clear line and then as more neighbors pick up the phone the signal is diminished. (I have signed on with a good enough connection to get my email and then been dead in the water for the web browser...and vice versa.)

What we do out here in "Green Acres" is close the browser. close the connection, and warm (or even cold) reboot the system. This does several things: a) if there was line noise you weren't going to get around that very easily anyway. b) the re-boot re-initializes the system and should clear some memory concerns if you have been multi-tasking. c) the reboot and reconnect re-initializes the modem d) new connect may be established on a clearer line and the time lapse may have resulted in other users signing off.

One other thing...don't remember if you mentioned this... is your modem a V90? Some ISPs and some old phone lines can't handle the V90. You might try modemhelp.org and see if there are suggested modem strings for disabling V90.

Good luck!

[pauledgarm]

I found the answer to this. I have been following all the answers about this problem. I have had this problem a long time ago but was not able to solve. Just yesterday I encountered this same problem. The problem is from your ISP. You are connected to the ISP but your connected is slowed or stopped from that point. Yeserday my small computer lights were barely blinking. Guess what I could barely to anywhere on the web. I checked all my settings on my computer but couldn't find anything wrong. Without changing anything now things are back to normal. I am convinced that the problem was with the ISP since I didn't change anything.

[bdintx]

Foxsniper, I feel your pain. This has been happening to me for months, although I think I may have found the answer. Apparently it has something to do with my computer's ATI video adapter. Changing drivers seems to have helped, since the hang happens less frequently now.

Run a search at microsoft.com/support for Article ID: Q175148 (use the Q number only) and see if it gives you any clues.

Otherwise, you'll have to get the special incense and crystals to make it work right.

[Mike Lundell]

try a different modem

<font color=blue>Mike Lundell</font color=blue>
<font color=green>gigabite@ida.net</font color=green>

[bdintx]

Here's the real answer. I found it this morning. Trash Internet Explorer and use Netscape. Oh, the pleasure of clicking a link and seeing something happen _every_ time is beyond compare.

[cseipp]

To determine if it is your system or your line connections, find a friend in town or maybe use your office, tote the computer there and hook it up(take the mouse and keyboard.....borrow their monitor)...........if things run smooth.......you know it is not your software/hardware configuration.....guess you'll have to move(kidding)..... if the problem persists....you get to keep pulling your hair out.

cseipp@cwtel.com

[coolsights2000]

sniff sniff you need to clean up the windows registry, cleanout all of your Temporary Internet Files(more than one if you are running muti users),reset your explorer defaults,run scandisk,then defrag your hard drive the problem should go away,also you need to run a program called X-clean that looks for hidden Adware systems and Spy programs, also update you antivirus program with the lastest .dat files

I do these steps when my system starts to slow down......

[coolsights2000]

dont worry sniff I have read all of the suggeston and the only thing you putter needs a good laxative

so do what i said above
email me at CoolSights2000@hotmail.com
some of the stuff gets complacated

[report_2]

At home I use a cable connection that is, of course, quite fast so, sometimes I get the experience you describe. All I do is hit the stop button, click on the address bar to highlight it and click on go.
I find that sometimes the first signal I sent just gets caught in a bottleneck and waits. Resending the signal usually finds a better path and connects as I would have expected the first to do so.
I never wait more than 10 seconds before resending my request.

[Fuelm@n1]

I wouldn't say that I have an answer, but just a few suggestions...

I have had some problems in the past with being online and it being slow and all. My ISP always blamed it on my modem or driver or such, but in fact it was them. The trouble was with my ISP, because later, it all got back to normal, when they got things (or their act) together.

You did mention that you also had the problem of pauses and freezes when you were off line. You may check to see what is running in the back round because it may be a program robbing you of the needed memory. Go into MSCONFIG and uncheck those programs that are running at startup. There may be several that you can uncheck, do to the fact that they are really not needed at startup. Example, if you have a Utilities suite running on your system, is it really needed, because they use up alot of RAM. Just uncheck those you feel you don't use or need.

You can do Ctrl/Alt/Delete and it will give you a list of items that are running on your system. Some you will have a good idea of what they are. You may try to EndTask some of the items and see if that helped with the pauses. Do not EndTask Explorer and SysTray.

You may ask those that you know who use the same ISP and see if they are having the same problem. Or use someone elses computer to log on the the Internet by using your User name and Password. You will be logging on through your ISP, and see if you have the same problem using their computer.

HTH's