Anyone want to help me kill my computer?
Monday, January 16, 2006 by lifehappens | Discussion: Personal Computing
I dont' really want to kill my computer but I am having EXTREMELY irritating problems with it. I don't know where the problem lies and I need help.
I have Vonage and get phone service without interuption, so I know the modem and router are working fine. But somewhere between the router and the computer it all goes to heck. The computer says I have a LAN connection, but I can't access the internet. The only think that works is turning everything off and rebooting....to include unplugging the modem and router.
I've tried everythingk I know to figure out the problem. Sometimes i get a warning that no IP connection can be established and than other times I see a warning about a gateway. i am very frustrated. HELP!
And for bonus credit, I could use advice on whether I really need to upgrade. I run Adobe Photoshop CS2 and I'm locking up the computer constantly. I've tried to not mulittask too much, but I'm still running very slow. I have 1gig of ddrsdram and a 200 gb hd I have an AMD Athlon 64 3400+ (Emachines T6520) Do I really need a new graphics card and more Ram? I know I have 2 512 sticks so I'd have to buy 1 gig sticks and lose out on the money I paid for the 512s.......right?
I confess, I'm an idiot when it comes to the magic workings of computers....I know they work, I'm just not big on knowing how. But if you could explain it to me or give me an affordable recomendation.....I'd really be grateful.
I have Vonage and get phone service without interuption, so I know the modem and router are working fine. But somewhere between the router and the computer it all goes to heck. The computer says I have a LAN connection, but I can't access the internet. The only think that works is turning everything off and rebooting....to include unplugging the modem and router.
I've tried everythingk I know to figure out the problem. Sometimes i get a warning that no IP connection can be established and than other times I see a warning about a gateway. i am very frustrated. HELP!
And for bonus credit, I could use advice on whether I really need to upgrade. I run Adobe Photoshop CS2 and I'm locking up the computer constantly. I've tried to not mulittask too much, but I'm still running very slow. I have 1gig of ddrsdram and a 200 gb hd I have an AMD Athlon 64 3400+ (Emachines T6520) Do I really need a new graphics card and more Ram? I know I have 2 512 sticks so I'd have to buy 1 gig sticks and lose out on the money I paid for the 512s.......right?
I confess, I'm an idiot when it comes to the magic workings of computers....I know they work, I'm just not big on knowing how. But if you could explain it to me or give me an affordable recomendation.....I'd really be grateful.
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Chaos Manager
Reply #2 Monday, January 16, 2006 12:09 PM
Reply #2 Monday, January 16, 2006 12:09 PM
Regarding PS CS2 and that eMachines ... that's plenty. I'm running it on that EXACT same machine (T6520) at home with no problems. In fact, I run it here at work w/ a lessor machine and it suffers no problems. When I start adding things to the running apps list ... that gets a little hairier. I'm a developer, so I've usually got Visual Studio, Firefox, IE, Trillion, NoteTab Pro (text editor), plus remote Desktop to the webserver and database server. So, I tend to abuse my system with regularity.
Here's a question - do you experience slow responses with other apps? or is it just PS?
You might want to do 3 things (just 'cause they're a good habit to get into)
1 - run a virus scan, always a good thing to do
2 - run an ad-ware scan (Ad-aware SE from www.lavasoft.de is a good one)
3 - run a spyware scan (Spybot S&D (Search & Destroy)) is a good one.
We usually do this once a week. If it starts acting sluggish, we'll do it more frequently.
Will say one thing, it's more than likely NOT the computer itself ...
I'm very happy with the T6520. Of course, I was coming from an Athlon 1.3 w/ 384meg of RAM and 40 Gb hdd. 
Here's a question - do you experience slow responses with other apps? or is it just PS?
You might want to do 3 things (just 'cause they're a good habit to get into)
1 - run a virus scan, always a good thing to do
2 - run an ad-ware scan (Ad-aware SE from www.lavasoft.de is a good one)
3 - run a spyware scan (Spybot S&D (Search & Destroy)) is a good one.
We usually do this once a week. If it starts acting sluggish, we'll do it more frequently.
Will say one thing, it's more than likely NOT the computer itself ...
I'm very happy with the T6520. Of course, I was coming from an Athlon 1.3 w/ 384meg of RAM and 40 Gb hdd. 
Dr Guy
Reply #3 Monday, January 16, 2006 1:54 PM
Reply #3 Monday, January 16, 2006 1:54 PM
| 1 - run a virus scan, always a good thing to do 2 - run an ad-ware scan (Ad-aware SE from www.lavasoft.de is a good one) 3 - run a spyware scan (Spybot S&D (Search & Destroy)) is a good one. |
The last 2 are a must. And I would download the Windows Beta software (it is pretty good) as it runs in the background, while the 2 listed above have to be run manually. But all 3 catch different things, so having all 3 is not a problem. And you would be surprised how much bandwidth those nasties can suck down!
I take it your vonage does not go through your gateway/Router? Most of those little gateway/routers do not support QOS which is essential for VOIP.
There are 2 other things I would check out (altho they will be hard). I have found that not all gateway/routers are the same. The Linksys I use to have was very flaky that way. A periodic reboot (power off and on) was essential for it. The Netgear I have now is much better (I also have one so old, it does not have a recognizable name brand, but it rarely gives me problems). Also, when you do lose your internet connection, make sure your DNS is still set correctly. Comcast has a nasty trick of constantly changing their DNS, so unless I refresh my IP and that of the gateway/router, I 'lose' internet connectivity.
Finally, do you run any P2P software? That can suck down your bandwidth fast, even if you do not have files shared. And a 'simple' uninstall does not get rid of all the pieces of it. That usually requires a registry hack.
just john
Reply #4 Monday, January 16, 2006 2:42 PM
Reply #4 Monday, January 16, 2006 2:42 PM
I may have your network issue answer. I am not all that 'up' on Vonage but I do know a bit about Time Warners VOIP service.
The VOIP device will launch a denial of service attack on your local router IP to preserve VOIP quality. If you call Vonage I doubt you will here those words repeated but you should check the fine print of your contract. Time Warner uses some interesting language to describe what they will do to provide QOS on the phone.
All of the other PC side suggestions are great thing to try and I have to agree that Windows Antispyware Beta has been a wonderful product in our enterprise. I use it on all of my personal PC's as well.
The VOIP device will launch a denial of service attack on your local router IP to preserve VOIP quality. If you call Vonage I doubt you will here those words repeated but you should check the fine print of your contract. Time Warner uses some interesting language to describe what they will do to provide QOS on the phone.
All of the other PC side suggestions are great thing to try and I have to agree that Windows Antispyware Beta has been a wonderful product in our enterprise. I use it on all of my personal PC's as well.
Hippie
Reply #5 Monday, January 16, 2006 9:55 PM
Reply #5 Monday, January 16, 2006 9:55 PM
The last sounds like a good thing to check. The other stuff would'nt hurt to look into.
belikeron
Reply #6 Monday, January 16, 2006 10:54 PM
Reply #6 Monday, January 16, 2006 10:54 PM
I use Cox cable and they get hiccups in the line everyonce in a while. So the easiest way to fix it is to open command promt.
ipconfig /release
then
ipconfig /renew
works like a charm.
ipconfig /release
then
ipconfig /renew
works like a charm.
creativedistractions2005
Reply #7 Tuesday, January 17, 2006 12:22 PM
Reply #7 Tuesday, January 17, 2006 12:22 PM
Hmmm, I am wondering what I am doing RIGHT? I have a slightly slower configuration than you, and I have a notebook. I run WB for the OS, Photoshop CS, Poser, Office...the usual stuff. My network is running through Comcast with everything setup with the defaults, so in short, I have no probs whatsoever. Perhaps this all has to do with the "don't fix it if it ain't broke" theory. Have you made any significant changes to your system in terms of tweaks and such? Sometimes, this can cause adverse effects that can compound the problem. If you have the capability of doing a sytem restore, you may want to do that and then try reinstalling components and/or software with their latest patches and fixes. You may have to do this one step at a time in order to figure out what is wrong. 
lifehappens
Reply #9 Wednesday, January 18, 2006 1:11 AM
Reply #9 Wednesday, January 18, 2006 1:11 AM
Thank you all. I am going to try running Spybot-I thought Adaware checked for spybots too, but I'm going to see if this helps. just one question...
How do you refresh the gateway? That seems to be the weak link (losing that most often)
| unless I refresh my IP and that of the gateway/router, I 'lose' internet connectivity |
How do you refresh the gateway? That seems to be the weak link (losing that most often)
lifehappens
Reply #10 Wednesday, January 18, 2006 1:33 AM
Reply #10 Wednesday, January 18, 2006 1:33 AM
Any recommendations for Virus Scans? I had a free trial for Norton but i think it's due to expire....McAfee? Something else?
lifehappens
Reply #11 Wednesday, January 18, 2006 1:38 AM
Wired, but if it turns out that router is flaky, I'll get a wireless one. (How do I test the router? My phone is fine, the problems are only showing in the pc)
Yes
Waaa Hooo Thanks for making me feel better!
Hmmmm, I remember something about bandwith vrs call quality....but wouldn't that only be an issue if I'm on the phone? I'll read up on it.
I don't run any P2P stuff. I had to wipe the hard drive on my old computer to get rid of it. Never again.
Reply #11 Wednesday, January 18, 2006 1:38 AM
| Is it wired or wireless |
| do you experience slow responses with other apps? |
| Will say one thing, it's more than likely NOT the computer itself ... I'm very happy with the T6520. |
| The VOIP device will launch a denial of service attack on your local router IP to preserve VOIP quality |
| Finally, do you run any P2P software? That can suck down your bandwidth fast, even if you do not have files shared. And a 'simple' uninstall does not get rid of all the pieces of it. That usually requires a registry hack |
lifehappens
Reply #12 Wednesday, January 18, 2006 1:47 AM
Reply #12 Wednesday, January 18, 2006 1:47 AM
8490 bad products blocked......ouch. I guess I really did need Spybot! Thanks!
edwardsttaw
Reply #13 Wednesday, January 18, 2006 2:49 AM
Reply #13 Wednesday, January 18, 2006 2:49 AM
This could be quite simple to sort, do you regulary clear out your old files( disc clean) also how fragmented is it. A lot of people often forget these basic house keeping items. There is some good software available (quite reasonalby priced - "Diskeeper run a free trial excellent prog) from tucows. Or use windows tools. 
Dr Guy
Reply #14 Wednesday, January 18, 2006 9:04 AM
Power it off and back on.
Reply #14 Wednesday, January 18, 2006 9:04 AM
| How do you refresh the gateway? That seems to be the weak link (losing that most often) |
Power it off and back on.
Christopher Stapleton
Reply #15 Wednesday, January 18, 2006 4:33 PM
Reply #15 Wednesday, January 18, 2006 4:33 PM
just a thought - some software firewalls with so- called automatic network detection automatically block new networks until they are configured in the settings- I've known both Norton and Zonealarm to do this. So.....do you use one of these software firewalls or just the windows firewall? The reason it might work when you turn the router/modem off then on is that the IP address allocation may be changing to something not blocked by a software firewall. The other clue is that you said the computer detects a LAN connection but you can't surf....sounds softwareish to me!
Cheers
Chris
Cheers
Chris
lilstarfish
Reply #16 Wednesday, January 18, 2006 9:18 PM
Reply #16 Wednesday, January 18, 2006 9:18 PM
lo lifehappens 
You may want to try Trendmicro's online virus scanner.
It's free and I use it whenever I feel there may be something
going on "behind my back" in my system.
http://www.trendmicro.com/en/home/global/enterprise.htm
Click the "Free Online Scan" link and then click through
the following pages installing the engine and definition
files.
(just click the "Scan Now. It's Free!" links and then on
the third page the "Launching HouseCall" button)
If you use Internet Explorer you can let it install the
scanning engine plugin which lets you scan your computer
from within IE.
If you use another browser you must install the Java runtime
environment.
Let us know what happens.
You may want to try Trendmicro's online virus scanner.
It's free and I use it whenever I feel there may be something
going on "behind my back" in my system.
http://www.trendmicro.com/en/home/global/enterprise.htm
Click the "Free Online Scan" link and then click through
the following pages installing the engine and definition
files.
(just click the "Scan Now. It's Free!" links and then on
the third page the "Launching HouseCall" button)
If you use Internet Explorer you can let it install the
scanning engine plugin which lets you scan your computer
from within IE.
If you use another browser you must install the Java runtime
environment.
Let us know what happens.
Cynder-Elluh
Reply #17 Wednesday, January 18, 2006 9:59 PM
Reply #17 Wednesday, January 18, 2006 9:59 PM
You got some terrific advice, and PLEASE protect your pc! I would not go with Norton, a lot of others even better out there, you have done the research and others have made great suggestions...
BUT IF YOU WANT TO GET A 3LB SMALL SHORT SLEDGE HAMMER,
THAT GOES A LONG WAY IN THE DISTRUCTION PROCESS!
BUT IF YOU WANT TO GET A 3LB SMALL SHORT SLEDGE HAMMER,
THAT GOES A LONG WAY IN THE DISTRUCTION PROCESS!
Wildharp
Reply #18 Thursday, January 19, 2006 4:35 AM
Reply #18 Thursday, January 19, 2006 4:35 AM
Well well, I am having similar problems with disconnection when resources seem to drop. The system should have plenty of grunt. I have even dropped some system tray progs and IconX. Ouch! Can anyone comment on WC/Stardock program combinations that could hog resources? Don't get me wrong I love 'em all. I use IconX, WB5, Object Dock Plus, and Cursor XP. Thanks for some ideas to work on and getting the discussion started. As they say life happens. 
lifehappens
Reply #19 Thursday, January 19, 2006 8:44 AM
Reply #19 Thursday, January 19, 2006 8:44 AM
Thank you, thank you to all who have given me advice. I'm noticing a definete increase in speed and I'm glad to know that I'm not expecting to much in the way of resourses.
Still, I have a few more questions.....on the gateway issue.
that is what I'm doing....or I click the repair button (now in my icon tray-speeds that fix up) But I'd like to fix it once and for all. Can someone explain how exactly?
Yes, I have Norton. how do I fix this? Should I just use the Windows or change the settings? If it's just the settings, than can you clue me in....
Cynder-Elluh-Thanks for the image of using a sledge hammer....but since I am poor, I better hold off on that and just dream of it!
Thanks again to everyone for putting up with what is probably a technogeeks biggest irritation-someone with just enough knowlege to get them confused even more!
Still, I have a few more questions.....on the gateway issue.
| Power it off and back on. |
| software firewalls with so- called automatic network detection automatically block new networks until they are configured in the settings- I've known both Norton........do you use one of these software firewalls or just the windows firewall? The reason it might work when you turn the router/modem off then on is that the IP address allocation may be changing to something not blocked by a software firewall. The other clue is that you said the computer detects a LAN connection but you can't surf....sounds softwareish to me! |
Yes, I have Norton. how do I fix this? Should I just use the Windows or change the settings? If it's just the settings, than can you clue me in....
Cynder-Elluh-Thanks for the image of using a sledge hammer....but since I am poor, I better hold off on that and just dream of it!
Thanks again to everyone for putting up with what is probably a technogeeks biggest irritation-someone with just enough knowlege to get them confused even more!
Island Dog
Reply #20 Thursday, January 19, 2006 11:06 AM
Uninstall it as quickly as possible.
Reply #20 Thursday, January 19, 2006 11:06 AM
| Yes, I have Norton. how do I fix this? |
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Reply #1 Monday, January 16, 2006 11:49 AM
Second, I cannot imagine that your machine is not enough to run Photoshop. Sure, PS is a resource heavy program, but I have run it with no problems on a lesser system. When creating large files and doing more complex things, my system slows down noticeably, but not to the point of freezing up. I would suspect that perhaps there are other things going on. But I cannot be more precise than that. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will be around to help.