Intermittent internet disconnects -- stops working for 10 minutes

[nemps]

Hi, I'm having problems with my computer at work. I'm on a local area network and every computer on this network is connected to the internet via a D-link switch. I seem to be the only person having this problem though. For some reason, every 10 - 15 minutes, my internet goes down for about 5 - 10 minutes, then the connection is re-established (by itself, i don't do anything to get it back), and it works fine for about 10 - 15 minutes, before disconnecting again. It's frustrating in the extreme. Obviously while it is disconnected, I'm unable to send/receive e-mails, browse the internet or even communicate with clients/HQ (we use Windows Live Messenger). I don't know what the reason could be for this problem!

I've tried uninstalling Windows Live Messenger, running virus scans (which picked up two different viruses and then deleted them) and then re-installing it, but the problem persists. It's making me look very inefficient to my superiors. Seriously, I'm unable to do anything pretty much 40% of the time. I really need to get this problem fixed!!! Could somebody please help!!!

Regards,

Nemps.

[xbookx]

Seems more like virus problem, make sure you have updated your antivirus, use hijackthis to clean your system.

Or simplest and boring answer, format.

Or call your network admin for help if you have one.

[austjosh]

When you connection goes down are you still able to access internal files (like files from another computer in the office or even a network shared printer).

Also you may wont to try and use a different network cable at either ends of the connection.

Another thing to try is to use a different port on the switch, try using a port that you know works and swap see what happens to the other computer and yours...


Josh

[nemps]

xbookx, unfortunately, this is a small company and we don't have an IT department. I'm a software developer myself, not an IT guy, so when it comes to Network Admin, I'm having major difficulties, but have to figure it out myself... but thanks to you guys, I'll hopefully get some resolution.

Josh, thanks heaps for your helpful pointers. I've swapped the cable going to the Lan port in the wall and the problem persisted. Swapped the switch (port 5 with port 4 -- my colleague's port and didn't tell him hehe) but still persisted. I'm checking to see if the next time it goes down, whether the network goes down too (i don't use a printer and rarely share files, so I haven't noticed that problem if it exists)... you think it might be the NIC drivers?

I've installed Ad-aware and it has detected 42 "parasites"... Also installed Avira antivirus and AVG (both with the latest updates) and picked up viruses both times! I'll keep you updated on my progress... Thanks for your help guys!

~Nemps

[nemps]

Okay so just to let you all know, my computer was absolutely *infested* with viruses, spyware and trojans... one of them being a backdoor trojan of some description... anyway, after downloading a bunch of free anti-virus and anti-spyware apps, it's been running like a charm for 3 hours with no hiccups! Booya! Thanks a lot for the advice and assistance guys... good to be able to go somewhere to vent and get help (and quickly too!)

You rock!

[johnwill]

Did you get it sorted out?