Internet Connection Drops In And Out, And Is Slow (Tried Everything I Can Think Of And Searched)

Hi guys

So let me start by saying i am new to this forum but not forums in general. I did search first! but most all answers were the same and usually just the basic stuff.

i have a computer thats a few years old that i put together with parts i got off newegg. it was pretty bad ass in its day, i use it primarily for gaming. For a little over a year now, ive been having problems with my internet connection. It randomly drops in and out, the icon will say its still connected to the router but there is no internet access. The computer in the room next to me will be playing the same game, on the same server, same router etc and no problems whats so ever. Ive installed new drivers, tried different USBs, using an ethernet. Experimented with the router settings, ports etc. Ive tried different wireless adaptors, changed internet providers, i dont even live in the same city. Ive even completely reinstalled windows and wiped it clean.

sometimes my CPU usage would spike like crazy, 8 percent to 90 some and back down in an instant. not sure if thats related. But i think that problem has been solved since reinstalling windows 7. When it is connected to the internet... on speedtest im maxing out at 10mbps when the PC in the room next to me is at 18-23mbps. I did notice that the NETGEAR program seems to conflict with windows own wireless network program. But ive just not been running the netgear one and letting windows do the work.

I'm running out of ideas here. My brother thinks its a program on my PC. but literally the only thing installed beside a few games are java, AVG, threatfire, and FLUX (program to dim the pc during certain times of day to help strain on your eyes.). ive googled these programs and never found anyone saying they're bogus etc. Please help, seems like no one can.

-brett

BIOSTAR TFORCE TF520-A2 AM2, MB
radeon x1950PRO512MBAC
AMD ATHLON 64 x2 4200+
windows 7 ultimate.
netgear WNA1100

 

Thank you for the reply. I really do appreciate it. I could connect it via ethernet but id have to move the computer. As mentioned perviously i had the same problem in a different town with a different router internet providor etc. I tried ethernet there and same problem. Also i think the moving to a new apt in a diff city having a different router location etc. would rule out the obstruction theory :\

http://www.speedtest.net/result/2219654535.png

 

Dragnet has come up with some good suggestions, but your brother maybe has a point about it being another program on your computer that is causing the problem. So I would suggest starting your computer in Safe Mode With Networking.

• Restart your computer and straight away tap the F8 key repeatedly (About once every second).
• When the advanced startup options appear...Choose "Safe Mode With Networking".

Run some tests by going to a few websites to see if your problem still exists. If all is well now...then your brothers idea was correct. Then it's just a matter of finding out which of your installed programs is causing the problem. This can be done by going to System Configuration (Click Start and Type msconfig) window and enable the startup programs one at a time until you find the one that is causing the problem.

 

I'm not at home right now, so unable to test, but I believe that Windows 7 users can connect wirelessly to the internet while in Safe Mode With Networking.
It may be that Win XP users are not able to do the same.

One of the other techs here may have more information on this subject...

 

I can confirm that Safe Mode with Networking does give you a wireless connection.
I am using it now