I'm online but can't open any web pages

Rustiescot · May 30, 2007, 20:50:22

Hello Folks,

I'm new to the forum, just like to say hello.....and ask for some advice.

I've only been with IDnet for 5 weeks but I'm already delighted with the download speeds I'm getting, around 2.2mb, compared with the speed (if that's the right word) of 90kb with my old ISP Virgin.net. Having just read through some of the topics in this forum it's interesting to note that even IDnet customers seem to have problems with speed.

Within the last few days I've just developed a PC problem. Both my wife and I have separate PCs which we use to connect to the same IDnet Home Lite account, although not at the same time. Is this allowed? Or is each account limited to one PC.

Things were working OK with both PCs since I joined IDnet, until the last few days.

My reason for asking is that, my PC is still operating as normal, but my wife's PC can only access the internet, it cannot access any web pages, each website receives an error message. Even trying to update AVG receives an instant timeout error.

We both run XPpro and have separate Speedtouch 330 modems, could it be a virus problem. I've checked the settings and even tried uninstalling Zone Alarm with no change to the situation.

Does anyone have any ideas on what our problem may be ??

Many thanks in advance.......Steve

DorsetBoy · May 30, 2007, 21:49:42

Hi Steve and welcome to Idnetters.

You can run as many PCs as you like BUT not on modems,this is a one PC at a time set up.

With an adsl router you can have both running together to the same connection.

Now the machine not opening pages could be several things,first check the connection details/password are still ok.
Clear all the cookies and cache on your browsers (press Ctrl+F5) and check your firewall settings especially as you have Zone Alarm which is notorious for being "too efficient" at times.

It could be a virus but they would tend to re-direct your browser or damage files etc.

See how you get on with that and report back,there is always lots of help around

Rustiescot · May 30, 2007, 22:41:32

Thanks for your reply DorsetBoy, but I think perhaps we've got a wire or two crossed

I'm aware I can't get both modems online at once, but when I connect my PC to the net, it connects to IDnet and loads web pages freely. When I disconnect and unplug my modem, and whenever my wife then plugs her modem in she can connect to IDnet immediately, no problem ( so connection details/passwords etc are working OK) it's when she then opens Firefox or IE, both refuse to load any webpages, giving an error message. Even without opening a browser window and using the "Check for Updates" facility in AVG we get an AVG window opening immediately saying there is a timeout error.

One of the first things I checked was the firewall Zone Alarm, but it appeared to be set up correctly. I subsequently uninstalled it, to eliminate it from the possible list of causes.

We've both been happily using the same phone line "one at a time" since we joined IDnet 5 weeks ago, but this problem has just happened in the last few days.

I have emailed help@IDnet.net yesterday, but have had no reply yet, so I've posted off another to support@IDnet.net tonight. As it's my first call for help, I don't now how long they take to reply.

I'll keep you posted on the problem, but anyone with any deas would be welcome at this end.

Lance · May 30, 2007, 22:50:39

Hi steve and welcome to the forum.

I would also strongly recommend router. These tend to give a more stable connection as well as, as pointed out by dorsetboy, allow more than one pc to be connected at the same time.

As for you actual problem, all I can think of in addition to dorsetboy is to try reinstalling the drivers for the modem to see if that helps.

While i'm here, i'll just say that people on idnet who have problems with speed, have them 99% of the time due to their physical bt telephone line from the exchange to their house. Very rarely is there a fault at idnet's end!

You should get a reply from support over the next day or two, but i imagine they are catching up with the weekend/bank holiday emails!

Inactive · May 30, 2007, 23:33:03

Quote from: Lance on May 30, 2007, 22:50:39

I would also strongly recommend router. These tend to give a more stable connection as well as, as pointed out by jupiter,

Read DorsetBoy..

Hi Steve,

Welcome to the forum, I know SFA about computers, just extending a warm welcome to you.

DorsetBoy · May 31, 2007, 06:45:47

Hi again Steve,having re-read this it sounds to me like the IP config/dns cache needs clearing and renewing.

You could compare both machines.Open the command prompt and type in ipconfig /all this will display the connection information.

To renew/reset the dns cache etc just look at the help menu and choose accordingly......

USAGE:
ipconfig [/? | /all | /renew [adapter] | /release [adapter] |
/flushdns | /displaydns | /registerdns |
/showclassid adapter |
/setclassid adapter [classid] ]

where
adapter Connection name
(wildcard characters * and ? allowed, see examples)

Options:
/? Display this help message
/all Display full configuration information.
/release Release the IP address for the specified adapter.
/renew Renew the IP address for the specified adapter.
/flushdns Purges the DNS Resolver cache.
/registerdns Refreshes all DHCP leases and re-registers DNS names
/displaydns Display the contents of the DNS Resolver Cache.
/showclassid Displays all the dhcp class IDs allowed for adapter.
/setclassid Modifies the dhcp class id.

The default is to display only the IP address, subnet mask and
default gateway for each adapter bound to TCP/IP.

For Release and Renew, if no adapter name is specified, then the IP address
leases for all adapters bound to TCP/IP will be released or renewed.

For Setclassid, if no ClassId is specified, then the ClassId is removed.

Examples:
> ipconfig ... Show information.
> ipconfig /all ... Show detailed information
> ipconfig /renew ... renew all adapters
> ipconfig /renew EL* ... renew any connection that has its
name starting with EL
> ipconfig /release *Con* ... release all matching connections,
eg. "Local Area Connection 1" or
"Local Area Connection 2"

Lance · May 31, 2007, 08:19:20

Quote from: Lance on May 30, 2007, 22:50:39
I would also strongly recommend router. These tend to give a more stable connection as well as, as pointed out by jupiter,

Quote from: Inactive on May 30, 2007, 23:33:03
Read DorsetBoy..

Sorry, I'm so tired at that time of night! Post edited and corrected!

Rik · May 31, 2007, 08:34:11

Hi Steve

I'll join in the chorus of welcome.

Like Dorset and Lance, I would urge you to consider moving to a router. There are many advantages, amongst which I would list greater security, less power and CPU drain on the PCs, and less to try and identify if things go wrong.

Quote from: Rustiescot on May 30, 2007, 22:41:32
it's when she then opens Firefox or IE, both refuse to load any webpages, giving an error message. Even without opening a browser window and using the "Check for Updates" facility in AVG we get an AVG window opening immediately saying there is a timeout error.

What error message do you get? The fact that you're getting instant timeouts from AVG points to one of two things: (a) the DNS setup on your wife's computer has gone haywire, as Dorset suggests, (b) the second modem, or its drivers, is playing up. Have you run Dr Speedtouch on your wife's machine? Have you tried switching modems round?

QuoteI have emailed help@IDnet.net yesterday, but have had no reply yet, so I've posted off another to support@IDnet.net tonight. As it's my first call for help, I don't now how long they take to reply.

Use the support@idnet.net address. Generally, you'll get a fast response, but as has been noted, the bank holiday may have an effect this week. Phone them if it's urgent - no queues, muzak or script jockeys!

Kheldar · May 31, 2007, 08:36:47

Hi Steve

Again just saying hi and welcome to the forums.

i'm another new idnet customer....i'm sure the techies here will help you with your problem.

i'll keep quiet on the techy front so not embarrass myself

Rik · May 31, 2007, 08:51:55

Aw, go on, make my day!

Rustiescot · May 31, 2007, 22:15:27

Gosh Rik, I wish someone would make my day

First thanks to all those who have kindly suggested some helpful options.

I've had my reply from support@IDnet.net.

Firstly it is OK to use 2 PCs connected one at a time to the same IDnet account.

They have suggested firstly uninstalling the Speedtouch modem and reinstalling with the latest driver.

So far that's taken me 3 hours !!!!!!!!! Don't ask !!!!!!!!

My head is spinning.........I'll update you all once I've got any good news !!!

Thanks again......Steve

Inactive · May 31, 2007, 23:48:45

Quote from: Rustiescot on May 31, 2007, 22:15:27

Firstly it is OK to use 2 PCs connected one at a time to the same IDnet account.

Hi Steve,

It is OK to have as many computers as you like connected to your IDNet Account, obviously subject to your set up.

Personally, I would just dump the Speedtouch Modem and get a router/modem, far more secure, no drivers required, and you can connect both computers at the same time, I have 2 computers running off of my single IDNet connection.

Good luck.

Kheldar · Jun 01, 2007, 10:44:03

i'd recommend a single combined modem / router as well - esp as a non techy.

i got myself Netgear.

this one... http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-017-NG

so simple even i set mine up and got it to connect to the net within about 10 mins

currently its only got 1 pc connected but when i grab my pc from our old house this weekend i'll be connecting a 2nd one....just gotta grab another network cable thingy for it.

GL.

Steve

Rik · Jun 01, 2007, 10:57:44

You might want to update the firmware, v 4.01.28 has just been released here.

Kheldar · Jun 01, 2007, 11:14:25

Quote from: Rik on Jun 01, 2007, 10:57:44
You might want to update the firmware, v 4.01.28 has just been released here.

hmm sure i mentioned....'if it aint broke....'

whats that gonna do for me rik ?

Rik · Jun 01, 2007, 11:20:45

New Features - Overview

1. Added support (DG834Gv3) for Wireless Distribution System (WDS) under the Advanced menu. WDS allows a wireless network to be expanded using access points without needing a wired backbone to connect them. The DG834Gv3 can be configured to connect with other access points as a bridge (with wired clients only) or as a repeater (with wired and/or wireless clients)
2. Added support (DG834Gv3) for Wi-Fi Multi-Media Power Save (WMM-PS). WMM-PS extends the battery life of Wi-Fi devices by increasing the efficiency and flexibility of data transmission. With WMM-PS, the same amount of data can be transmitted in a shorter time and using fewer frames, while allowing the Wi-Fi device to remain longer in a low-power, "dozing" state. WMM-PS is enabled by default.
3. Added a firewall configuration option to easily disable Instant Messaging ports which are open by default. To disable Instant Messaging ports go to the Firewall Rules page and check Close IM Ports.
4. Added support for PPTP client as ADSL encapsulation method as used in Russia. This encapsulation is not automatically detected by the Smart Wizard so must be configured manually on the Basic Settings page.
5. The manual has been updated and can be accessed by clicking on the Web Support Documentation link when the Router is on-line.

Modifications / Bug Fixes

1. Removed Trend Micro Security Services (TMSS) support.
2. Fixed a problem with Dynamic DNS where the IP address would not update when the WAN IP changed.
3. Fixed AOL Setup CD compatiblity issues.

Kheldar · Jun 01, 2007, 11:25:54

lol.

well thats as clear as mud. i'll run off to grab it later.

does it make coffee to with this update ?

Rik · Jun 01, 2007, 11:27:04

Only if your router fries during the update.

Kheldar · Jun 01, 2007, 11:33:07

Quote from: Rik on Jun 01, 2007, 11:27:04
Only if your router fries during the update.

i want coffee, not fish and chips !

Rustiescot · Jun 04, 2007, 23:24:15

Many thanks for the help folks, I've finally accepted defeat, being unable to successfully manoeuvre my way round all the settings parameters. So it's off to the PC hospital tomorrow and no doubt a hefty bill for a PC lobotomy

Rik · Jun 05, 2007, 08:01:54

If you read this before you go, Rustie, let us know where you're having difficulty and we'll try and help.

Rustiescot · Jun 09, 2007, 21:51:06

Hi folks,

Many thanks for your kind offer Rik but having spent 6 nights of about 4 hours each night on the PC after a hard days work the software settings were beyond me, and doing my head in.You'll have gathered that I'm not the most knowledgeable on resolving TCP/IP - DNS cache conflicts. It's one thing running a programme and another diagnosing the results.

The PC doctor I took it to said that the PC had so many conflicting issues that the cheapest way to resolve was to transfer the data onto his PC then reformat and reinstall XP, so I took the medicine.

It was fascinating to watch him speed through transactions that were stumping me, I could hardly keep up with his typed instructions throughout the process.

I also took everyone's advice and installed a router, now were both online and happy as two ducks in a pond.

Thanks again and see you around............Steve

Lance · Jun 09, 2007, 23:41:50

Hi Steve,

Glad you have it all sorted! Make sure you don't get pondwater in the router, ot could be nasty!!!

Lance

Rik · Jun 10, 2007, 09:51:06

Quote from: Rustiescot on Jun 09, 2007, 21:51:06
I also took everyone's advice and installed a router, now were both online and happy as two ducks in a pond.

Have you been reading Comedy Corner???

I'm glad you're sorted. Sometimes, as painful as it is, a re-install of Windows is the only cure. From what you say, you don't have a backup routine, and that's something you might want to think about, using an external USB HD.

I think you'll enjoy having the router. When Sue and I made the switch, we came to realise how much "queuing up" we had been doing.