Internet Explorer or Netscape do not work.

[teksonic]

Hello All

I'm running a desktop with Win XP home and a laptop with Win XP pro and sharing a USB ADSL modem.

When the modem is plugged into the laptop everything works fine.

When its plugged into the desktop neither IE or Netscape can receive from the net.

When I connect to the net, Windows tells me I am connected at 512kbs .... so I know the modem is good and I know the connection is good, but neither IE or Netscape can surf. If I look at the connection status I can see something like 3451 packets sent - 51 received. So I suspect that IE can send but something is preventing it from receiving, and its the same with Netscape ..... something in Win XP, perhaps, is stopping receipt.

The Internet connection is NOT firewalled.
I have disabled Zone Alarm and the antivirus, and I still have the same problem.

I'm lost and would appreciate any help from you guys.

Duncan

[bassman]

:confused: IMO, you're sending too much data without doing anything; the send/receive ratio should have higher receive status. When you connect, without doing absolutely anything, does this still happens? Do a virus scan with latest definitions and post back; also, have you checked your IE/Netscape definitions? Can you use any other Internet service, like e-mail or IRC? Also try running ZoneAlarm, setting it to Stop All internet Activity and see wich processes are trying to send in the log viewer.

[teksonic]

Hi Bassman

Yes, when I connect (without doing anything) this is what happens, just the send and receive packets looking for the home page.

I have done a virus scan with the latest updates and all seems well. Also when I check running process's I can see no worm activity like DLLHOST.exe and MSBLAST.exe.

Its the same for all internet activity including email ... nothing.

Can you help me with IE/Netscape definitions, if you mean Internet Options like Security etc, then yes I have checked them ... I even went so far as to make sure all the desktop IE options were the same as the laptop. If you mean something else please let me know.

The only proggie trying to send is IE or Netscape.

Its got me flumaxed. Its as though something has set a switch to stop internet incoming.

Also, all WinXP critical updates are installed.

Help ....... :(

[rangeral]

Usually if anything netscape would work if IE doesn't, seen dsl and aol screw up the winsock.

Might want to try winsock fix here

http://members.shaw.ca/techcd/VB_Projects/

[BipolarBill]

Your ISP assigns you an IP address based on the MAC address of the network card you're using. If you switch from one PC to the other, it's no surprise that you don't get connectivity. Each NIC has it's own MAC address. Power off the modem for 5 minutes before moving it next time.

You should get a router - really.

[teksonic]

Rangeral,

Thanks for that I shall try it as soon as possible.


Bipolar

Its a USB modem, no NIC's involved. ADSL telephone line into modem, USB cable into PC and we have been hot swapping the USB modem between desktop and laptop for the last 3 months without any problem.

Its just like someone threw a switch on the desktop which put a block on receiving. Its got me really stumped.
:mad:

[BipolarBill]

I would switch to Ethernet. USB networking stinks.

Try running Spybot too:

http://security.kolla.de/

[rangeral]

Yes forgot to notice it was usb, does that modem have a nic port if so use it if not call them up and ask them if they have a modem with a nic port.

[BipolarBill]

It may be possible to clean up Device Manager in Safe Mode. Be sure to remove the USB modem there (click View > Show Hidden Devices). Reboot and install as normal.

If you're going to use a USB modem, you should connect the two PCs with a *crossover cable* and use ICS. That way, you don't have to move the modem.

[teksonic]

Rangerall - Bipolar Bill

Thanks for your input.

The problem is not with the modem.

If we hot swap the USB modem to the laptop, the lappie surfs as normal, no problem.

In fact we have been hot swapping between Laptop and desktop for 3 months without a problem ... note: the lappie is a business machine and only used occassionaly at home for business purposes ... the desktop is a family machine. So the hot swap is a 'nice to have', not essential. But it just proves that the modem and connection are good.

Note also : the modem is supplied as part of the ISP package.

In the UK, broadband packages mostly come with a free USB modem for self installation. I think you'll agree a USB modem is easy to install for a non techie. ( personal note : I agree with you guys about a USB modem)

The problem appears to be with Win XP, somehow stopping the incoming internet data on the desktop, and I'm really stumped ..... I don't have a clue.

When I run Task Manager there are no running applications other than IE/Netscape and there are no processes which I can identify as foreign .... unless there is a new worm out there.

The only solution I have at the moment is a reinstall.

PLEASE HELP ME.

:)

[BipolarBill]

I would appreciate some feedback on my suggestions.

[bassman]

Originally posted by BipolarBill
I would switch to Ethernet. USB networking stinks.[/url]
I had no problems with my ADSL with my USB modem (under Windows...); how can you change to Ethernet without switching providers?
The only solution I have at the moment is a reinstall
I agree (but not totally :p ) Uninstall all your networking "software" related to that connection: protocols, connection, modem drivers, modem, etc...everything. Reboot and reinstall the whole thing again. Shouldn't take more than 5 minutes. There; it's a Windows solution!

[BipolarBill]

Originally posted by bassman

I had no problems with my ADSL with my USB modem (under Windows...); how can you change to Ethernet without switching providers? All you need to do is ask your ISP for one. They have them. If they deny it, you can buy a DSL modem/router combination that's compatible with your ISP for around US$50.

[rraehal]

You can try to release and renew your IP address. CLick Start, Select Run, type in "CMD" and click okay. Type in "ipconfig /release" next type "ipconfig /renew" - The syntax may be wrong so you may need to look at the help information by typing "ipconfig /?"

I think the router would be easier to configure for two PC's. If possible I would purchase one.

[TechGuru]

Bill, are you saying that USB modems don't have a MAC address?
How is it possible to gain internet connectivity w/o a MAC address? Or did I just misunderstand what you posted.

If a device doesn't have a MAC can a router/server/ISP locate that device?

[BipolarBill]

The modem has a MAC address and virtualizes the NIC (it creates it in software).