I've read several of the other posts regarding notebooks dropping internet connections. I've run the WinSockFix tool and made many scans using several well known tools to rid my notebook (HP Compaq nc8230 running WinXP SP3) of trash. The notebook runs fine - but the internet connection is spurious. Fast when working (connected to a Netgear router that lives upstairs) with no problems in the last two years - until recently.

When page loads stop - which is every couple minutes - I can get things moving by pushing the wireless antenna button to turn it off, then turn it back on. I've used NetStumbler to identify a channel less used and that helped with speed and strength of signal. But the dropping off is driving me nuts.

My wife's similar notebook (running Vista) has no such problems.

I uninstalled Java and reinstalled it - this fixed a Google Maps problem.

The connection problem cropped up when I looking for a download of the original movie Tron. It disabled Microsoft's MSE and nothing I've found has resolved this. MSE installs but fails as it begins a scan. The icon in the tray displays problem status but disappears when the cursor moves over it.

Avast is running.

Any ideas?