Internet connecton issues...wtf?!?

[SteveMcQ]

This is annoying the hell out of me, I keep getting "connection timed out" issues on pages. It's not just the particular sites I'm visiting since it happens on a good selection of them. I even get it when I go into my router settings page.

I haven't changed any settings in my router or network connections recently, though. What the hell's causing it? I've turned off an on the windows firewall and the router firewalls without success as I still get the error, regardless.

I've even tried setting my own IPs and set the back to do them automatically and still the issues. It's really pissing me off always getting blank pages and things taking forever to load up. Thanks.

I think the fucking Geek Squad somehow's messed with my shit somehow. The neighbors always have some Geek Squad folks over at their house and it only started since I've noticed them working there. Damn them.

I'm using a Linksys WRT54G router by the way.

Anyone know if in the status page, if it's supposed to be on "Connect On Demand" or "Keep Connection Alive"? I've tried both and still the same results.

[Nogib]

You might be looking in the wrong area completely. If you've exhausted every possibility within your house, it could very well be likely a problem outside your house. Your ISP may just suck or be having issues, you could have a damaged line, etc.

[espy605]

It could be so many different things.

Is your router wireless? If so is your connection password protected? If not, it's very possible someone is stealing your bandwidth and downloading things constantly using torrents or P2P programs, which could result in a timeout when or general slow web browsing. Do you see a lot of activity on your DSL or cable modem even when your computer isn't on? And have you tested the stability of your DSL/cable connection to make sure the signal is strong and consistent?

[SteveMcQ]

I cycled the modem and router and it seems to be ok for the meantime. I do have a wireless connection, but my desktop is wired to the router. There doesn't seem to be any activity when i shut off my PC. There's no one nearby the house that can use the signal. The property's pretty large and even so, they'd be on the far reaches of the wireless signal.

Even so, I probably should set up a WEP or something. Got any "for dummies" guide for that? I'm quite certain it's gonna be pretty easy, but having three other computers, a laptop and game systems using the signal, I don't wanna fuck things up.

And how do I test the stability of the signal espy?

Thanks.

[Vinny]

Try using system restore to go back to a point where it did work... that can help.

But make sure to note what programs you installed (check each day on the System Restore calendar, it lists what was installed when) so that you know what you have to reinstall. Also, system restore undoes file moves and renames and other things. I does not delete or un-delete files though.