Limited / sporadic internet access

I have two computers sitting side by side in my home office. Both are hard-cabled connected to an AT&T router for internet access. About 3-4 weeks ago I began experiencing problems with one of the computers wherein no matter what browser I opened (Firefox, IE or GoogleChrome) I would get an error message saying it was unable to find the website, or couldn't find the server @ [website].

I've tried rebooting the computer and sometimes find that doing so will bring back my ability to access the internet for a period of time (from a few hours to maybe a day or two) but then - seemingly randomly - I'll get the same error messages when I attempt to open a browser window.

I'm sending this post from the other ('working') computer...which by virtue of this post going through / showing up in this forum suggests the issue is probably NOT related to my ISP (as you would think both computers would be experiencing the same connectivity problem if it were an ISP problem.)

I have no idea how to trouble shoot what is causing this intermittent (but very frustrating!!) inability to consistently keep a connection with the internet on the 'broken' computer.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you.

I would ping the router to see if you're getting at least that far. To do this, you need to bring up a DOS windows so that you can type some commands.

Bringing up a DOS window: There are a few ways. Here's one that's pretty quick: Hold the Windows key and tap the R key. Then in the Open box, type cmd and hit the Enter key.

A black window with white letters will appear. It will have a prompt in the form of C:\Documents and Settings\your user name>

Type PING 192.168.1.1 and hit the Enter key.

See if you get a reply. If so, your computer is seeing your router.

If that doesn't work, try PING 192.168.0.1.

Hello there,
I have been having issues with my wireless internet connection latley and I don't know why, but after I read killem123 post I thought my problem is similar except I have a wirless connection. I have tried what you suggested (ping 192.168.1.1) and I got this message "packets: sent=4,received=0,lost=4 (100%loss)".
and I also tried the other ping and I got this message "Packets: sent=4,received=4,lost=0 (0%loss)".. so what does this mean? please help.

Thanks,

1) It meanst that your router's IP address as seen by your computer is 192.168.0.1.

To access the Internet, you first need to access your router. The router connects your computer to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). There is probably a modem in there also.

If you have problems accessing the Internet, I first try to ping the router. If you get a reply from the router, then you know it's not your wireless connection. If it's not the wireless connection, then it could be the router, the modem or the connection to your ISP.

I have access to the internet but it's been really slow lately (almost a month now) and I contacted Rogers and they did a test form their end and advised that the connection seems fine and everthing is ok.

So then why is my interent access is so slow?

I aslo did the PINGTEST online and it graded me as "F" very poor internet connection. Do I need to get a better router or an upgraded version for both router and modem?

Thank you!

Try using the wired connection. If things are still bad then it may be your router. It could also be your computer. So you'll need to connect another computer to see how things compare.

Something else: Using a wired connection - reboot to Safe Mode with Networking. Do that by tapping the F8 key at startup. You should get a Start menu. Arrow to the Safe Mode with Networking option. If the Internet slowness goes away, then your computer has something on it preventing full access speed. Probably malware.

If connecting via a wire and booting normally, if the Internet slowness goes away, then you have a wireless problem. It could be your router or the wireless network adapter in your computer. Most times, it's the position of the computer relative to the router. Move the computer closer to the router.

You could also be seeing wireless interference. This can come from cordless phones, microwave ovens (while they are operating) or even from other wireless networks in your area such as ones that your neighbors may be using. If this is the case, change the wireless channel on your wireless router.

Jan2011, BIGGGGGGGGGGGGG THANKSSSSs to you my dear, it was the router and modem problem, but I beleive mostly the router, I have moved the location and now I'm browsing through webpages like a bult.....thanks to you.